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Revision 1.194 by root, Mon Oct 20 16:08:36 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
180 216
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
211 } 250 }
212 251
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
245 284
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252
253=over 4 285=over 4
254 286
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 288
257This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 289This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 293
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 295function.
264 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
271 307
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
283 319
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 321
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 327around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
298 334
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 341
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 344flag.
309 345
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 347environment variable.
312 348
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 350
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 356
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363
364This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
365C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
366C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
327 367
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 368=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 369
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips. 375performance tips.
336 376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379
337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338 381
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup. 388support for dup.
346 389
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
352 395
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
355(or space) is available. 398(or space) is available.
356 399
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead.
360 405
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 407all kernel versions tested so far.
363 408
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 413
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
372system like NetBSD.
373 420
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 424
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 431
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 432This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 433
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
392sockets. 439using it only for sockets.
440
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>.
393 444
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 445=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 446
396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 447This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 448implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 453
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 454This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 455it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 456
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 457Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 458notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 459blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 460
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 461While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 462file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 463descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 464might perform better.
414 465
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends.
470
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418 473
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 475
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 476Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 477with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 479
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 481
427=back 482=back
428 483
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 484If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 485backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 487
433The most typical usage is like this: 488Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 489
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 490 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 492
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 493Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 494environment settings to be taken into account:
440 495
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 496 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 497
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 498Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 499used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 500private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
501fds):
446 502
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 503 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 504
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 505=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 506
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 507Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 508always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 509handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 510undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 511
512Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
513libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
514default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
515
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 516Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 517
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 518 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 519 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 520 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 521
462=item ev_default_destroy () 522=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 523
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 524Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 525etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 526sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 530for example).
471 531
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
504 564
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 565=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 566
507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 567Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 568C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 569after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
570entirely your own problem.
510 571
511=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 572=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
512 573
513Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 574Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
575otherwise.
514 576
515=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 577=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
516 578
517Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 579Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
518the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 580the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
533received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 595received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
534change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 596change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
535time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 597time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
536event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 598event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
537 599
600=item ev_now_update (loop)
601
602Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
603returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
604is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
605
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
607very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea.
609
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
611
538=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
539 613
540Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
541after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
542events. 616events.
544If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
545either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 619either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
546 620
547Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
548relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 622relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
549finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 623finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
550automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 624that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
551relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 625of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
626beauty.
552 627
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 628A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
554those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 629those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
555case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 630process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
631the loop.
556 632
557A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
558neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
559your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
560one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
561external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop.
639
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
562libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 642own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
563usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 643usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
564 644
565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 645Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
566 646
567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 647 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 648 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 649 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 650 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
571 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 651 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
652 as to not disturb the other process.
572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 653 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
573 - Update the "event loop time". 654 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 655 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 656 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 657 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 658 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
578 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 659 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 660 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
581 - Queue all outstanding timers. 662 - Queue all expired timers.
582 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 663 - Queue all expired periodics.
583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 664 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
584 - Queue all check watchers. 665 - Queue all check watchers.
585 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 666 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
586 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 667 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 668 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
588 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 669 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
593anymore. 674anymore.
594 675
595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 676 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
596 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 677 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 678 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
598 ... jobs done. yeah! 679 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
599 680
600=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 681=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
601 682
602Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 683Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 684has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
604C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
605C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
606 687
607This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
608 689
690It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
691
609=item ev_ref (loop) 692=item ev_ref (loop)
610 693
611=item ev_unref (loop) 694=item ev_unref (loop)
612 695
613Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 696Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
614loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 697loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
615count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 698count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
699
616a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 700If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
617returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 701from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
702stopping it.
703
618example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 704As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
619visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 705not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
620no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 706if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
621way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 707way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
622libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 708libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
623(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 709(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
624respectively). 710respectively).
625 711
626Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 712Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
627running when nothing else is active. 713running when nothing else is active.
628 714
629 struct ev_signal exitsig; 715 struct ev_signal exitsig;
630 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 716 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
631 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 717 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
632 evf_unref (loop); 718 evf_unref (loop);
633 719
634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 720Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
635 721
636 ev_ref (loop); 722 ev_ref (loop);
637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 723 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638 724
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 725=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640 726
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 727=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642 728
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 729These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 730for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 731will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
732latency.
646 733
647Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 734Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
648allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 735allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
649increase efficiency of loop iterations. 736to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
737opportunities).
650 738
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 739The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
652handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 740one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
653the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 741program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
654events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 742events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
655overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 743overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
656 744
657By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 745By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
658time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 746time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
660C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 748C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
661introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 749introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
662 750
663Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 751Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 752to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 753latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
666will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 754later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
667any overhead in libev. 755value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
668 756
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 757Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 758interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 759interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 760usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 761as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
762
763Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
764saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
765are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
766times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
767reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
768they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
769
770=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
771
772This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
773compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
774through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
775is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
776error and call C<abort ()>.
777
778This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
779circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
780data structures consistent.
674 781
675=back 782=back
676 783
677 784
678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 785=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
679 786
680A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 787A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
681interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 788interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
682become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 789become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
683 790
684 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 791 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
685 { 792 {
686 ev_io_stop (w); 793 ev_io_stop (w);
687 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 794 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
688 } 795 }
689 796
690 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 797 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
691 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 798 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
692 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 799 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
693 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 800 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
694 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 801 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
695 ev_loop (loop, 0); 802 ev_loop (loop, 0);
696 803
697As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 804As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
698watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 805watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
699although this can sometimes be quite valid). 806although this can sometimes be quite valid).
700 807
701Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 808Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
702(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 809(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
703callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 810callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
704watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 811watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
705is readable and/or writable). 812is readable and/or writable).
706 813
707Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 814Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
708with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 815with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
784 891
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 892The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786 893
787=item C<EV_ERROR> 894=item C<EV_ERROR>
788 895
789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 896An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 897happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
791ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 898ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
792problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 899problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
793with the watcher being stopped. 900with the watcher being stopped.
794 901
795Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 902Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
796for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 903example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
797your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 904callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
798with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 905the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
799programs, though, so beware. 906programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
907thing, so beware.
800 908
801=back 909=back
802 910
803=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 911=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
804 912
820(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 928(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
821 929
822The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 930The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
823int revents)>. 931int revents)>.
824 932
933Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
934
935 ev_io w;
936 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
937 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
938
825=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 939=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
826 940
827This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 941This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
828call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 942call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
829call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 943call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
831difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 945difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
832 946
833Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 947Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
834(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 948(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
835 949
950See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
951
836=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 952=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
837 953
838This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 954This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
839calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 955calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
840a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 956a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
957
958Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
959
960 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
841 961
842=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 962=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
843 963
844Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 964Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
845events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 965events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
966
967Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
968whole section.
969
970 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
846 971
847=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 972=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
848 973
849Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 974Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
850status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 975status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
907 1032
908=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1033=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
909 1034
910Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1035Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
911C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1036C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
912can deal with that fact. 1037can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1038callback.
913 1039
914=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1040=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
915 1041
916If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1042If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
917and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1043returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
918watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1044watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
919 1045
1046Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1047callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1048
920=back 1049=back
921 1050
922 1051
923=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1052=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
924 1053
925Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1054Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
926and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1055and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
927to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1056to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
928don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1057don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
929member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1058member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
930data: 1059data:
931 1060
932 struct my_io 1061 struct my_io
933 { 1062 {
934 struct ev_io io; 1063 struct ev_io io;
935 int otherfd; 1064 int otherfd;
936 void *somedata; 1065 void *somedata;
937 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1066 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
938 } 1067 };
1068
1069 ...
1070 struct my_io w;
1071 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
939 1072
940And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1073And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
941can cast it back to your own type: 1074can cast it back to your own type:
942 1075
943 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1076 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
944 { 1077 {
945 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1078 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
946 ... 1079 ...
947 } 1080 }
948 1081
949More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1082More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
950instead have been omitted. 1083instead have been omitted.
951 1084
952Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1085Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
953watchers: 1086embedded watchers:
954 1087
955 struct my_biggy 1088 struct my_biggy
956 { 1089 {
957 int some_data; 1090 int some_data;
958 ev_timer t1; 1091 ev_timer t1;
959 ev_timer t2; 1092 ev_timer t2;
960 } 1093 }
961 1094
962In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1095In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
963you need to use C<offsetof>: 1096complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1097in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1098some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1099programmers):
964 1100
965 #include <stddef.h> 1101 #include <stddef.h>
966 1102
967 static void 1103 static void
968 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1104 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
969 { 1105 {
970 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1106 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
971 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1107 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
972 } 1108 }
973 1109
974 static void 1110 static void
975 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1111 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
976 { 1112 {
977 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1113 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
978 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1114 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
979 } 1115 }
980 1116
981 1117
982=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1118=head1 WATCHER TYPES
983 1119
984This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1120This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1008In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1144In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1009fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1145fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1010descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1146descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1011required if you know what you are doing). 1147required if you know what you are doing).
1012 1148
1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1149If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1150known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1151C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1016 1152
1017Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1153Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1018receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1154receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1019be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1155be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1020because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1156because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1021lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1157lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1022this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1158this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1023it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1159it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1024C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1160C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1025 1161
1026If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1162If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1027play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1163not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1028whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1164re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1029such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1165interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1030its own, so its quite safe to use). 1166does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1167use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1168indefinitely.
1169
1170But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1031 1171
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1172=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1033 1173
1034Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1174Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1035descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1175descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1036such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1176such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1037descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1177descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1038this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1178this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1039registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1179registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1040fact, a different file descriptor. 1180fact, a different file descriptor.
1041 1181
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1210To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1211C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1212enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1213C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074 1214
1215=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1216
1217While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1218when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1219sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1220this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1221
1222So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1223ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1224somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1225
1075 1226
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1227=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1077 1228
1078=over 4 1229=over 4
1079 1230
1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1231=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1081 1232
1082=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1233=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1083 1234
1084Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1235Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1085rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1236receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1086C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1237C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1087 1238
1088=item int fd [read-only] 1239=item int fd [read-only]
1089 1240
1090The file descriptor being watched. 1241The file descriptor being watched.
1091 1242
1099 1250
1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1251Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1252readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1253attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1103 1254
1104 static void 1255 static void
1105 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1256 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1106 { 1257 {
1107 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1258 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1108 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1259 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1109 } 1260 }
1110 1261
1111 ... 1262 ...
1112 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1263 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1113 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1264 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1114 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1265 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1115 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1266 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1116 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1267 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1117 1268
1118 1269
1119=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1270=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1120 1271
1121Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1272Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1122given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1273given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1123 1274
1124The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1275The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1125times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1276times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1126time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1277year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1127detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1278detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1128monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1279monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1280
1281The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1282passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1283then order of execution is undefined.
1284
1285=head3 The special problem of time updates
1286
1287Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1288least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1289time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1290growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1291lots of events in one iteration.
1129 1292
1130The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1293The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1131time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1294time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1132of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1295of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1133you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1296you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1134on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1297timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1135 1298
1136 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1299 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1137 1300
1138The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1301If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1139but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1302update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1140order of execution is undefined. 1303()>.
1141 1304
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143 1306
1144=over 4 1307=over 4
1145 1308
1146=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1309=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1147 1310
1148=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1311=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1149 1312
1150Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1313Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1151C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1314is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1152timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1315reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1153later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1316configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1317until stopped manually.
1154 1318
1155The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1319The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1320you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1321trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1322keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1323do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1160 1324
1161=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1325=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1162 1326
1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1327This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1164repeating. The exact semantics are: 1328repeating. The exact semantics are:
1165 1329
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1330If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167 1331
1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1332If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1169 1333
1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1334If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1171C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1335C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1172 1336
1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1337This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1174example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1338example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1175timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1339timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1176seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1340seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1177configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1341configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1178C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1342C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1179you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1343you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1193 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1357 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1194 1358
1195This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1359This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1196you want to modify its timeout value. 1360you want to modify its timeout value.
1197 1361
1362Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1363time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1364callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1365some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1366timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1367
1198=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1368=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1199 1369
1200The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1370The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1201or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1371or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1202which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1372which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1203 1373
1204=back 1374=back
1205 1375
1206=head3 Examples 1376=head3 Examples
1207 1377
1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1378Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1209 1379
1210 static void 1380 static void
1211 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1381 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1212 { 1382 {
1213 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1383 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1214 } 1384 }
1215 1385
1216 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1386 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1217 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1387 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1218 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1388 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1219 1389
1220Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1390Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1221inactivity. 1391inactivity.
1222 1392
1223 static void 1393 static void
1224 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1394 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1225 { 1395 {
1226 .. ten seconds without any activity 1396 .. ten seconds without any activity
1227 } 1397 }
1228 1398
1229 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1399 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1230 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1400 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1231 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1401 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1232 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1402 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1233 1403
1234 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1404 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1235 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1405 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1236 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1406 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1237 1407
1238 1408
1239=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1409=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1240 1410
1241Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1411Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1242(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1412(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1243 1413
1244Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1414Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1245but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1415but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1246to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1416to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1247periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1417periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1248+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1418+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1419clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1249take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1420to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1250roughly 10 seconds later). 1421roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1251 1422
1252They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1423C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1424such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1254rules. 1425complicated rules.
1255 1426
1256As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1427As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1428time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1429during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1259 1430
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1431=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261 1432
1262=over 4 1433=over 4
1263 1434
1264=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1435=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1265 1436
1266=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1437=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1267 1438
1268Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1439Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1269operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1440operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1270 1441
1271=over 4 1442=over 4
1272 1443
1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1444=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1274 1445
1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1446In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1447time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1448jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1278system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1449only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1279 1450
1280=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1451=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1281 1452
1282In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1453In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1454C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1455and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1285 1456
1286This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1457This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1287time: 1458system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1459hour, on the hour:
1288 1460
1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1461 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1290 1462
1291This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1463This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1292but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1464but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1293full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1465full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1294by 3600. 1466by 3600.
1295 1467
1296Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1468Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1297C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1469C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1470time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1299 1471
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1472For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1473C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value. 1474this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1475
1476Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1477speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1478will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1479millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1303 1480
1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1481=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1305 1482
1306In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1483In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1484ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1485reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1309current time as second argument. 1486current time as second argument.
1310 1487
1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1488NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1312ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1489ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1315 1490
1491If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1492it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1493only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1494
1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1495The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1496*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1318 1497
1319 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1498 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1320 { 1499 {
1321 return now + 60.; 1500 return now + 60.;
1322 } 1501 }
1324It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1503It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1325(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1504(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1326will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1505will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1327might be called at other times, too. 1506might be called at other times, too.
1328 1507
1329NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1508NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1330passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1509equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1331 1510
1332This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1511This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1333triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1512triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1334next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1513next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1335you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1514you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1336reason I omitted it as an example). 1515reason I omitted it as an example).
1337 1516
1338=back 1517=back
1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1521Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1343when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1522when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1523a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1345program when the crontabs have changed). 1524program when the crontabs have changed).
1346 1525
1526=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1527
1528When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1529trigger next.
1530
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1531=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348 1532
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1533When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1534absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351 1535
1362 1546
1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1547The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1364switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1548switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1549the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1366 1550
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1372=back 1551=back
1373 1552
1374=head3 Examples 1553=head3 Examples
1375 1554
1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1555Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1556system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1557potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1379 1558
1380 static void 1559 static void
1381 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1560 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1561 {
1383 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1562 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1384 } 1563 }
1385 1564
1386 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1565 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1387 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1566 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1388 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1567 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1389 1568
1390Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1569Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1391 1570
1392 #include <math.h> 1571 #include <math.h>
1393 1572
1394 static ev_tstamp 1573 static ev_tstamp
1395 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1574 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1396 { 1575 {
1397 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1576 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1398 } 1577 }
1399 1578
1400 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1579 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1401 1580
1402Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1581Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1403 1582
1404 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1583 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1405 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1584 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1406 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1585 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1407 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1586 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1408 1587
1409 1588
1410=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1589=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1411 1590
1412Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1591Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1413signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1592signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1414will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1593will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1415normal event processing, like any other event. 1594normal event processing, like any other event.
1416 1595
1596If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1597do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1598C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1599
1417You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1600You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1418first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1601first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1419with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1602with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1420as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1603you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1421watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1604the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1605signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1606
1607If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1608C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1609interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1610signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1611them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1423 1612
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1613=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425 1614
1426=over 4 1615=over 4
1427 1616
1438 1627
1439=back 1628=back
1440 1629
1441=head3 Examples 1630=head3 Examples
1442 1631
1443Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1632Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1444 1633
1445 static void 1634 static void
1446 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1635 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447 { 1636 {
1448 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1637 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449 } 1638 }
1450 1639
1451 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1640 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1641 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1642 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1454 1643
1455 1644
1456=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1645=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1457 1646
1458Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1647Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1459some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1648some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1649exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1650has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1651as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1652forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1653but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1654not.
1655
1656Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1657you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1658
1659=head3 Process Interaction
1660
1661Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1662initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1663the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1664of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1665synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1666children, even ones not watched.
1667
1668=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1669
1670Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1671processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1672handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1673C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1674default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1675event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1676that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1677
1678=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1679
1680Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1681child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1682callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1683when a child exit is detected.
1460 1684
1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1685=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1462 1686
1463=over 4 1687=over 4
1464 1688
1488The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1712The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1489C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1713C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1490 1714
1491=back 1715=back
1492 1716
1717=head3 Examples
1718
1719Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1720its completion.
1721
1722 ev_child cw;
1723
1724 static void
1725 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1726 {
1727 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1728 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1729 }
1730
1731 pid_t pid = fork ();
1732
1733 if (pid < 0)
1734 // error
1735 else if (pid == 0)
1736 {
1737 // the forked child executes here
1738 exit (1);
1739 }
1740 else
1741 {
1742 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1743 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1744 }
1745
1493 1746
1494=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1747=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1495 1748
1496This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1749This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1497C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1750C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1498compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1751compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1499 1752
1500The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1753The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1501not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1754not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1504the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1757the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1505 1758
1506The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1759The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1507relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1760relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1508 1761
1509Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1762Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1510calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1763implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1511can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1764it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1512a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1765this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1513unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1766then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1514five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1767you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1515impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1768dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1516usually overkill. 1769around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1517 1770
1518This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1771This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1519as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1772as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1520resource-intensive. 1773resource-intensive.
1521 1774
1522At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1775At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1523implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1776is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1524reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1777an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1525semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1778of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1526to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1527usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1528polling.
1529 1779
1530=head3 Inotify 1780=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1781
1782Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1783compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1784support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1785structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1786use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1787compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1788obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1789most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1790
1791The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1792file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1793optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1794to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1795default compilation environment.
1796
1797=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1531 1798
1532When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1799When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1533available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1800available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1534change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1801change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1535when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1802when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1536 1803
1537Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1804Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1538except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1805except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1539making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1806making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1540there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1807there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1808but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1541 1809
1542(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1810There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1543implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1811implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1544descriptor open on the object at all times). 1812descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1813etc. is difficult.
1545 1814
1546=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1815=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1547 1816
1548The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1817The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1549even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1818even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1550only support whole seconds. 1819only support whole seconds.
1551 1820
1552That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1821That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1553miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1822easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1554your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1823calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1555the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1824within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1825stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1556 1826
1557The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1827The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1558the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1828than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1559(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1829a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1560is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1830ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1561systems. 1831
1832The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1833of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1834might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1835C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1836a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1837update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1838the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1839the timer callback).
1562 1840
1563=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1841=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1564 1842
1565=over 4 1843=over 4
1566 1844
1572C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1850C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1573be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1851be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1574a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1852a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1575path for as long as the watcher is active. 1853path for as long as the watcher is active.
1576 1854
1577The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1855The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1578relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1856relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1579last change was detected). 1857last change was detected).
1580 1858
1581=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1859=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1582 1860
1583Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1861Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1584watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1862watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1585detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1863detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1586useful simply to find out the new values. 1864the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1865new values.
1587 1866
1588=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1867=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1589 1868
1590The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1869The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1591C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1870C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1592suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1871suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1872members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1593was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1873some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1594 1874
1595=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1875=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1596 1876
1597The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1877The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1598C<prev> != C<attr>. 1878C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1879differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1880C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1599 1881
1600=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1882=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1601 1883
1602The specified interval. 1884The specified interval.
1603 1885
1604=item const char *path [read-only] 1886=item const char *path [read-only]
1605 1887
1606The filesystem path that is being watched. 1888The file system path that is being watched.
1607 1889
1608=back 1890=back
1609 1891
1610=head3 Examples 1892=head3 Examples
1611 1893
1612Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1894Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1613 1895
1614 static void 1896 static void
1615 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1897 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1616 { 1898 {
1617 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1899 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1618 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1900 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1619 { 1901 {
1620 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1902 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1621 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1903 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1622 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1904 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1623 } 1905 }
1624 else 1906 else
1625 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1907 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1626 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1908 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1627 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1909 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1628 } 1910 }
1629 1911
1630 ... 1912 ...
1631 ev_stat passwd; 1913 ev_stat passwd;
1632 1914
1633 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1915 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1634 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1916 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1635 1917
1636Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1918Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1637miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1919miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1638one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1920one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1639C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1921C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1640 1922
1641 static ev_stat passwd; 1923 static ev_stat passwd;
1642 static ev_timer timer; 1924 static ev_timer timer;
1643 1925
1644 static void 1926 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1927 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 { 1928 {
1647 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1929 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1648 1930
1649 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1931 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1650 } 1932 }
1651 1933
1652 static void 1934 static void
1653 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1935 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1654 { 1936 {
1655 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1937 /* reset the one-second timer */
1656 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1938 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1657 } 1939 }
1658 1940
1659 ... 1941 ...
1660 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1942 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1661 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1943 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1662 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1944 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1663 1945
1664 1946
1665=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1947=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1666 1948
1667Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1949Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1668priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 1950priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1669count). 1951as receiving "events").
1670 1952
1671That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 1953That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1672(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 1954(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1673triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 1955triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1674are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 1956are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1698=head3 Examples 1980=head3 Examples
1699 1981
1700Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1982Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1701callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1983callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1702 1984
1703 static void 1985 static void
1704 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1986 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1705 { 1987 {
1706 free (w); 1988 free (w);
1707 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1989 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1708 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1990 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1709 } 1991 }
1710 1992
1711 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1993 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1712 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1994 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1713 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1995 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1714 1996
1715 1997
1716=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1998=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1717 1999
1718Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2000Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1719prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2001prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1720afterwards. 2002afterwards.
1721 2003
1722You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2004You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1723the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2005the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1726those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2008those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1727C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2009C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1728called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2010called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1729 2011
1730Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2012Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1731their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2013their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1732variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2014variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1733coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2015coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1734you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2016you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1735in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2017in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1736watcher). 2018watcher).
1737 2019
1738This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2020This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1739to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2021need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1740them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2022for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1741provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2023libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1742any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2024you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1743and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2025of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1744callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2026I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1745because you never know, you know?). 2027nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1746 2028
1747As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2029As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1748coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2030coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1749during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2031during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1750are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2032are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1753loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2035loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1754low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2036low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1755 2037
1756It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2038It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1757priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2039priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2040after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2041
1758after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2042Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1759too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2043activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1760supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2044might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1761did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2045C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1762(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2046loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1763state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2047C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1764coexist peacefully with others). 2048others).
1765 2049
1766=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2050=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1767 2051
1768=over 4 2052=over 4
1769 2053
1771 2055
1772=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2056=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1773 2057
1774Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2058Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1775parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2059parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1776macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2060macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2061pointless.
1777 2062
1778=back 2063=back
1779 2064
1780=head3 Examples 2065=head3 Examples
1781 2066
1782There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2067There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1783into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2068into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1784(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2069(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1785use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2070use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1786embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2071Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1787into the Glib event loop). 2072Glib event loop).
1788 2073
1789Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2074Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1790and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2075and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1791is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2076is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1792priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2077priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1793the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2078the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1794 2079
1795 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2080 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1796 static ev_timer tw; 2081 static ev_timer tw;
1797 2082
1798 static void 2083 static void
1799 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2084 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1800 { 2085 {
1801 } 2086 }
1802 2087
1803 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2088 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1804 static void 2089 static void
1805 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2090 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1806 { 2091 {
1807 int timeout = 3600000; 2092 int timeout = 3600000;
1808 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2093 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1809 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2094 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1810 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2095 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1811 2096
1812 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2097 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1813 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2098 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1814 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2099 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1815 2100
1816 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2101 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1817 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2102 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1818 { 2103 {
1819 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2104 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1820 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2105 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1821 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2106 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1822 2107
1823 fds [i].revents = 0; 2108 fds [i].revents = 0;
1824 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2109 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1825 } 2110 }
1826 } 2111 }
1827 2112
1828 // stop all watchers after blocking 2113 // stop all watchers after blocking
1829 static void 2114 static void
1830 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2115 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1831 { 2116 {
1832 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2117 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1833 2118
1834 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2119 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1835 { 2120 {
1836 // set the relevant poll flags 2121 // set the relevant poll flags
1837 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2122 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1838 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2123 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1839 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2124 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1840 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2125 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1841 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2126 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1842 2127
1843 // now stop the watcher 2128 // now stop the watcher
1844 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2129 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1845 } 2130 }
1846 2131
1847 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2132 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1848 } 2133 }
1849 2134
1850Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2135Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1851in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2136in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1852 2137
1853Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2138Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1854notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2139notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1855callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2140callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1856 2141
1857 static void 2142 static void
1858 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2143 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1859 { 2144 {
1860 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2145 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1861 update_now (EV_A); 2146 update_now (EV_A);
1862 2147
1863 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2148 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1864 } 2149 }
1865 2150
1866 static void 2151 static void
1867 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2152 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1868 { 2153 {
1869 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2154 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1870 update_now (EV_A); 2155 update_now (EV_A);
1871 2156
1872 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2157 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1873 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2158 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1874 } 2159 }
1875 2160
1876 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2161 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1877 2162
1878Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2163Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1879want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2164want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1880their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2165override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1881loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2166main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1882this. 2167this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2168libglib event loop.
1883 2169
1884 static gint 2170 static gint
1885 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2171 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1886 { 2172 {
1887 int got_events = 0; 2173 int got_events = 0;
1888 2174
1889 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2175 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1890 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2176 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1891 2177
1892 if (timeout >= 0) 2178 if (timeout >= 0)
1893 // create/start timer 2179 // create/start timer
1894 2180
1895 // poll 2181 // poll
1896 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2182 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1897 2183
1898 // stop timer again 2184 // stop timer again
1899 if (timeout >= 0) 2185 if (timeout >= 0)
1900 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2186 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1901 2187
1902 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2188 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1903 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2189 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1904 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2190 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1905 2191
1906 return got_events; 2192 return got_events;
1907 } 2193 }
1908 2194
1909 2195
1910=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2196=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1911 2197
1912This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2198This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1918prioritise I/O. 2204prioritise I/O.
1919 2205
1920As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2206As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1921sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2207sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1922still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2208still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1923so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2209so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1924into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2210it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1925be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2211will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1926at least you can use both at what they are best. 2212C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2213best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1927 2214
1928As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2215As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1929to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2216some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1930priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2217and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1931you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2218this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1932a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2219the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1933 2220
1934As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2221As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1935there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2222there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1936call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2223call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1937their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2224their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1945interested in that. 2232interested in that.
1946 2233
1947Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2234Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1948when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2235when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1949but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2236but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1950yourself. 2237yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2238and future versions of libev might do just that.
1951 2239
1952Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2240Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1953C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2241C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1954portable one. 2242portable one.
1955 2243
1956So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2244So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1957that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2245that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1958this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2246this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1959create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2247create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1960 2248
2249=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2250
2251While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2252automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2253fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2254however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2255as applicable.
2256
1961=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2257=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1962 2258
1963=over 4 2259=over 4
1964 2260
1965=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2261=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1968 2264
1969Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2265Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1970embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2266embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1971invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2267invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1972to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2268to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1973if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2269if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1974 2270
1975=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2271=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1976 2272
1977Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2273Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1978similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2274similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1979apropriate way for embedded loops. 2275appropriate way for embedded loops.
1980 2276
1981=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2277=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1982 2278
1983The embedded event loop. 2279The embedded event loop.
1984 2280
1986 2282
1987=head3 Examples 2283=head3 Examples
1988 2284
1989Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2285Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1990event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2286event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1991loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2287loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1992C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2288C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1993used). 2289used).
1994 2290
1995 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2291 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1996 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2292 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1997 struct ev_embed embed; 2293 struct ev_embed embed;
1998 2294
1999 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2295 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2000 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2296 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2001 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2297 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2002 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2298 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2003 : 0; 2299 : 0;
2004 2300
2005 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2301 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2006 if (loop_lo) 2302 if (loop_lo)
2007 { 2303 {
2008 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2304 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2009 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2305 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2010 } 2306 }
2011 else 2307 else
2012 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2308 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2013 2309
2014Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2310Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2015a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2311a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2016kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2312kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2017C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2313C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2018 2314
2019 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2315 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2020 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2316 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2021 struct ev_embed embed; 2317 struct ev_embed embed;
2022 2318
2023 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2319 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2024 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2320 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2025 { 2321 {
2026 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2322 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2027 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2323 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2028 } 2324 }
2029 2325
2030 if (!loop_socket) 2326 if (!loop_socket)
2031 loop_socket = loop; 2327 loop_socket = loop;
2032 2328
2033 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2329 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2034 2330
2035 2331
2036=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2332=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2037 2333
2038Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2334Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2082is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2378is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2083multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2379multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2084need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2380need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2085 2381
2086That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2382That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2087queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2383queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2088queue: 2384queue:
2089 2385
2090=over 4 2386=over 4
2091 2387
2092=item queueing from a signal handler context 2388=item queueing from a signal handler context
2093 2389
2094To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2390To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2095handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2391handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2096some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2392an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2097 2393
2098 static ev_async mysig; 2394 static ev_async mysig;
2099 2395
2100 static void 2396 static void
2101 sigusr1_handler (void) 2397 sigusr1_handler (void)
2102 { 2398 {
2103 sometype data; 2399 sometype data;
2104 2400
2105 // no locking etc. 2401 // no locking etc.
2106 queue_put (data); 2402 queue_put (data);
2107 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2403 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2108 } 2404 }
2109 2405
2110 static void 2406 static void
2111 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2407 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2112 { 2408 {
2143 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation 2439 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2144 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex); 2440 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2145 queue_put (data); 2441 queue_put (data);
2146 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex); 2442 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2147 2443
2148 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2444 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2149 } 2445 }
2150 2446
2151 static void 2447 static void
2152 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2448 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2153 { 2449 {
2168 2464
2169=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2465=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2170 2466
2171Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2467Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2172kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2468kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2173believe me. 2469trust me.
2174 2470
2175=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2471=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2176 2472
2177Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2473Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2178an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2474an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2179C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2475C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2180similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2476similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2181section below on what exactly this means). 2477section below on what exactly this means).
2182 2478
2183This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2479This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2184so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2480so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2185calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2481calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2186 2482
2483=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2484
2485Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2486watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2487event loop.
2488
2489C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2490the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2491it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2492quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2493
2494Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2495whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2496
2187=back 2497=back
2188 2498
2189 2499
2190=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2500=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2191 2501
2194=over 4 2504=over 4
2195 2505
2196=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2506=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2197 2507
2198This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2508This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2199callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2509callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2200watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2510watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2201or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2511or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2202more watchers yourself. 2512more watchers yourself.
2203 2513
2204If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2514If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2205is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2515C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2206C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2516the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2207 2517
2208If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2518If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2209started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2519started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2210repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2520repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2211dubious value.
2212 2521
2213The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2522The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2214passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2523passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2215C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2524C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2216value passed to C<ev_once>: 2525value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2526a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2527events precedence.
2217 2528
2529Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2530
2218 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2531 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2219 { 2532 {
2220 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2221 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2222 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2533 if (revents & EV_READ)
2223 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2534 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2535 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2536 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2224 } 2537 }
2225 2538
2226 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2539 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2227 2540
2228=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2541=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2229 2542
2230Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2543Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2231had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2544had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2236Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2549Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2237the given events it. 2550the given events it.
2238 2551
2239=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2552=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2240 2553
2241Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2554Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2242loop!). 2555loop!).
2243 2556
2244=back 2557=back
2245 2558
2246 2559
2262 2575
2263=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2576=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2264will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2577will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2265is an ev_pri field. 2578is an ev_pri field.
2266 2579
2580=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2581first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2582
2267=item * Other members are not supported. 2583=item * Other members are not supported.
2268 2584
2269=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2585=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2270to use the libev header file and library. 2586to use the libev header file and library.
2271 2587
2272=back 2588=back
2273 2589
2274=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2590=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2275 2591
2276Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2592Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2277you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2593you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2278the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2594the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2279 2595
2280To use it, 2596To use it,
2281 2597
2282 #include <ev++.h> 2598 #include <ev++.h>
2283 2599
2284This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2600This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2285of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2601of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2286put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2602put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2287options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2603options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2354your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2670your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2355thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2671thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2356 2672
2357Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2673Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2358 2674
2359 struct myclass 2675 struct myclass
2360 { 2676 {
2361 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2677 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2362 } 2678 }
2363 2679
2364 myclass obj; 2680 myclass obj;
2365 ev::io iow; 2681 ev::io iow;
2366 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2682 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2367 2683
2368=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2684=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2369 2685
2370Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2686Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2371callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2687callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2373 2689
2374The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2690The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2375 2691
2376See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2692See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2377 2693
2378Example: 2694Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2379 2695
2380 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2696 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2381 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2697 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2382 2698
2383=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2699=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2384 2700
2385Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2701Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2386do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2702do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2387 2703
2388=item w->set ([args]) 2704=item w->set ([arguments])
2389 2705
2390Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2706Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2391called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2707called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2392automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2708automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2393method. 2709method.
2394 2710
2395=item w->start () 2711=item w->start ()
2419=back 2735=back
2420 2736
2421Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2737Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2422the constructor. 2738the constructor.
2423 2739
2424 class myclass 2740 class myclass
2425 { 2741 {
2426 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2742 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2427 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2743 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2428 2744
2429 myclass (int fd) 2745 myclass (int fd)
2430 { 2746 {
2431 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2747 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2432 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2748 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2433 2749
2434 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2750 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2435 } 2751 }
2436 }; 2752 };
2753
2754
2755=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2756
2757Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2758number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2759any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2760me a note.
2761
2762=over 4
2763
2764=item Perl
2765
2766The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2767libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2768there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2769to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2770C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2771and C<EV::Glib>).
2772
2773It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2774L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2775
2776=item Python
2777
2778Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2779seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2780patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2781for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2782libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2783libev).
2784
2785=item Ruby
2786
2787Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2788of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2789more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2790L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2791
2792=item D
2793
2794Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2795be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2796
2797=back
2437 2798
2438 2799
2439=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2800=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2440 2801
2441Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2802Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2442of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2803of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2443functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2804functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2444 2805
2445To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2806To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2446following macros are defined: 2807following macros are defined:
2451 2812
2452This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2813This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2453loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2814loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2454C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2815C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2455 2816
2456 ev_unref (EV_A); 2817 ev_unref (EV_A);
2457 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2818 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2458 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2819 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2459 2820
2460It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2821It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2461which is often provided by the following macro. 2822which is often provided by the following macro.
2462 2823
2463=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2824=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2464 2825
2465This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2826This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2466loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2827loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2467C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2828C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2468 2829
2469 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2830 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2470 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2831 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2471 2832
2472 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2833 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2473 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2834 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2474 2835
2475It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2836It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2476suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2837suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2477 2838
2478=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2839=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2479 2840
2480Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2841Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2481loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2842loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2843
2844=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2845
2846Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2847default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2848is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2849execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2850
2851It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2852watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2482 2853
2483=back 2854=back
2484 2855
2485Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2856Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2486macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2857macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2487or not. 2858or not.
2488 2859
2489 static void 2860 static void
2490 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2861 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2491 { 2862 {
2492 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2863 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2493 } 2864 }
2494 2865
2495 ev_check check; 2866 ev_check check;
2496 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2867 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2497 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2868 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2498 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2869 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2499 2870
2500=head1 EMBEDDING 2871=head1 EMBEDDING
2501 2872
2502Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2873Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2503applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2874applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2510libev somewhere in your source tree). 2881libev somewhere in your source tree).
2511 2882
2512=head2 FILESETS 2883=head2 FILESETS
2513 2884
2514Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2885Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2515in your app. 2886in your application.
2516 2887
2517=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2888=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2518 2889
2519To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2890To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2520configuration (no autoconf): 2891configuration (no autoconf):
2521 2892
2522 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2893 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2523 #include "ev.c" 2894 #include "ev.c"
2524 2895
2525This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2896This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2526single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2897single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2527it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2898it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2528done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2899done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2529where you can put other configuration options): 2900where you can put other configuration options):
2530 2901
2531 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2902 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2532 #include "ev.h" 2903 #include "ev.h"
2533 2904
2534Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2905Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2535compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2906compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2536as a bug). 2907as a bug).
2537 2908
2538You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2909You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2539in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2910in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2540 2911
2541 ev.h 2912 ev.h
2542 ev.c 2913 ev.c
2543 ev_vars.h 2914 ev_vars.h
2544 ev_wrap.h 2915 ev_wrap.h
2545 2916
2546 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2917 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2547 2918
2548 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2919 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2549 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2920 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2550 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2921 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2551 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2922 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2552 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2923 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2553 2924
2554F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2925F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2555to compile this single file. 2926to compile this single file.
2556 2927
2557=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2928=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2558 2929
2559To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2930To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2560 2931
2561 #include "event.c" 2932 #include "event.c"
2562 2933
2563in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2934in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2564 2935
2565 #include "event.h" 2936 #include "event.h"
2566 2937
2567in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2938in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2568 2939
2569You need the following additional files for this: 2940You need the following additional files for this:
2570 2941
2571 event.h 2942 event.h
2572 event.c 2943 event.c
2573 2944
2574=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2945=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2575 2946
2576Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2947Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2577whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2948whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2578F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2949F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2579include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2950include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2580 2951
2581For this of course you need the m4 file: 2952For this of course you need the m4 file:
2582 2953
2583 libev.m4 2954 libev.m4
2584 2955
2585=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2956=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2586 2957
2587Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2958Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2588before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2959define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2589and only include the select backend. 2960autoconf is documented for every option.
2590 2961
2591=over 4 2962=over 4
2592 2963
2593=item EV_STANDALONE 2964=item EV_STANDALONE
2594 2965
2599F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2970F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2600 2971
2601=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2972=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2602 2973
2603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2974If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2604monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2975monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2605of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2976of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2606usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2977usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2607the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2978the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2608to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2979to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2609function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2980function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2610 2981
2611=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2982=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2612 2983
2613If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2984If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2614realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2985real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2615runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2986runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2616be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2987be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2617(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2988(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2618note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2989note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2619 2990
2620=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2991=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2621 2992
2622If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2993If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2623and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2994and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2624 2995
2996=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2997
2998If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2999available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3000C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3001If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
30022.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3003
2625=item EV_USE_SELECT 3004=item EV_USE_SELECT
2626 3005
2627If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3006If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2628C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3007C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2629other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3008other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2630will not be compiled in. 3009will not be compiled in.
2631 3010
2632=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3011=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2633 3012
2634If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3013If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2635structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3014structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2636C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3015C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2637exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3016exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2638low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3017low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2639allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3018allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2640influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3019influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2641 3020
2665 3044
2666=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3045=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2667 3046
2668If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3047If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2669C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3048C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2670otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3049otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2671preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3050backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3051headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2672 3052
2673=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3053=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2674 3054
2675If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3055If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2676C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3056C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2689otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3069otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2690backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3070backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2691 3071
2692=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3072=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2693 3073
2694reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3074Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2695 3075
2696=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3076=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2697 3077
2698If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3078If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2699interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3079interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2700be detected at runtime. 3080be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3081indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2701 3082
2702=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3083=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2703 3084
2704Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 3085Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2705access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3086access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2706type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3087type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2707that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3088that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2708as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3089as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2709 3090
2710In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3091In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2711(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3092(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2712 3093
2713=item EV_H 3094=item EV_H
2714 3095
2715The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3096The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2754When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3135When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2755all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3136all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2756and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3137and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2757fine. 3138fine.
2758 3139
2759If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3140If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2760C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3141both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2761 3142
2762=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3143=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2763 3144
2764If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3145If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2765defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3146defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2772code. 3153code.
2773 3154
2774=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3155=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2775 3156
2776If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3157If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2777defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3158defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3159watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2778 3160
2779=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3161=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2780 3162
2781If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3163If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2782defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3164defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2792defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3174defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2793 3175
2794=item EV_MINIMAL 3176=item EV_MINIMAL
2795 3177
2796If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3178If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2797speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3179speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2798some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3180inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3181much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2799 3182
2800=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3183=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2801 3184
2802C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3185C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2803pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3186pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2810inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3193inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2811usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3194usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2812watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3195watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2813two). 3196two).
2814 3197
3198=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3199
3200Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3201timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3202to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3203faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3204
3205The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3206(disabled).
3207
3208=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3209
3210Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3211timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3212the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3213which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3214but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3215noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3216
3217The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3218(disabled).
3219
3220=item EV_VERIFY
3221
3222Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3223be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3224in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3225called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3226called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3227verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3228libev considerably.
3229
3230The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3231C<0>.
3232
2815=item EV_COMMON 3233=item EV_COMMON
2816 3234
2817By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3235By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2818this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3236this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2819members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3237members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2820though, and it must be identical each time. 3238though, and it must be identical each time.
2821 3239
2822For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3240For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2823 3241
2824 #define EV_COMMON \ 3242 #define EV_COMMON \
2825 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3243 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2826 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3244 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2827 3245
2828=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3246=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2829 3247
2830=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3248=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2831 3249
2836definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3254definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2837their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3255their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2838avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3256avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2839method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3257method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2840 3258
3259=back
3260
2841=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3261=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2842 3262
2843If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3263If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2844exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3264exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2845all public symbols, one per line: 3265all public symbols, one per line:
2846 3266
2847 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3267 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2848 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3268 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2849 3269
2850This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3270This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2851multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3271multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2852itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3272itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2853 3273
2854A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3274A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2855include before including F<ev.h>: 3275include before including F<ev.h>:
2856 3276
2857 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3277 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2874file. 3294file.
2875 3295
2876The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3296The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2877that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3297that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2878 3298
2879 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3299 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2880 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3300 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2881 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3301 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2882 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3302 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2883 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3303 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2884 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3304 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2885 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3305 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2886 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3306 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2887 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3307 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2888 3308
2889 #include "ev++.h" 3309 #include "ev++.h"
2890 3310
2891And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3311And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2892 3312
2893 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3313 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2894 #include "ev.c" 3314 #include "ev.c"
2895 3315
3316=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2896 3317
2897=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3318=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2898 3319
2899In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3320=head3 THREADS
2900libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2901documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2902 3321
2903All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3322All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2904extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3323documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2905happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3324that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2906mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3325are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2907it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3326parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3327of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3328structures that need any locking.
3329
3330Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3331concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3332must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3333only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3334a mutex per loop).
3335
3336Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3337so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3338concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3339outside".
3340
3341If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3342without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3343help you, but here is some generic advice:
2908 3344
2909=over 4 3345=over 4
2910 3346
2911=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3347=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3348in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2912 3349
2913This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3350This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2914there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3351themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2915have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2916 3352
2917=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3353=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2918 3354
2919That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3355Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2920as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3356exists, but it is always a good start.
2921 3357
2922=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3358=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3359loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2923 3360
2924These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3361Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3362better than you currently do :-)
2925 3363
2926=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3364=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3365event loop.
2927 3366
2928=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3367C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3368(or from signal contexts...).
2929 3369
2930These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3370An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2931correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3371work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2932have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3372default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2933 3373watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2934=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2935
2936By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2937beginning of the storage array.
2938
2939=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2940
2941A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2942libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2943on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2944
2945=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2946
2947=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2948
2949Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2950priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2951linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2952watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
2953
2954=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
2955
2956=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
2957
2958=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
2959
2960Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
2961calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2962involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2963 3374
2964=back 3375=back
2965 3376
3377=head3 COROUTINES
2966 3378
2967=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3379Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3380libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3381coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3382different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3383loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3384you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3385
3386Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3387C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3388they do not clal any callbacks.
3389
3390=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3391
3392Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3393lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3394scared by this.
3395
3396However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3397has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3398warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3399targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3400
3401Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3402workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3403maintainable.
3404
3405And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3406wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3407seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3408warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3409been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3410such buggy versions.
3411
3412While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3413"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3414with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3415them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3416warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3417
3418
3419=head2 VALGRIND
3420
3421Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3422highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3423
3424If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3425in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3426
3427 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3428 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3429 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3430
3431Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3432is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3433
3434Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3435as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3436although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3437confused.
3438
3439Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3440make it into some kind of religion.
3441
3442If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3443with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3444is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3445annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3446of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3447
3448If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3449I suggest using suppression lists.
3450
3451
3452=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3453
3454=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2968 3455
2969Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3456Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2970requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3457requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2971model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3458model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2972the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3459the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2973descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3460descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2974e.g. cygwin. 3461e.g. cygwin.
2975 3462
3463Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3464re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3465things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3466way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3467
2976There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3468There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2977embedding it into other applications. 3469embedding it into other applications.
2978 3470
3471Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3472accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3473either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3474so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3475megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3476available).
3477
2979Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3478Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2980abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3479the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2981recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3480is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2982a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3481more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2983implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3482different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2984be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3483notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3484(Microsoft monopoly games).
3485
3486A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3487section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3488of F<ev.h>:
3489
3490 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3491 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3492
3493 #include "ev.h"
3494
3495And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3496you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3497
3498 #include "evwrap.h"
3499 #include "ev.c"
2985 3500
2986=over 4 3501=over 4
2987 3502
2988=item The winsocket select function 3503=item The winsocket select function
2989 3504
2990The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3505The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2991socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3506requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2992very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3507also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2993to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3508requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2994C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3509C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2995symbols for more info. 3510discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3511C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2996 3512
2997The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3513The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2998libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3514libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2999 3515
3000 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3516 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3001 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3517 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3002 3518
3003Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3519Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3004complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3520complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3005 3521
3006=item Limited number of file descriptors 3522=item Limited number of file descriptors
3007 3523
3008Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3524Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3009of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3525
3526Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3010(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3527of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3011C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3528can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3012chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3529recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3530previous thread in each. Great).
3013 3531
3014Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3532Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3015to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3533to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3016call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3534call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3017select emulation on windows). 3535select emulation on windows).
3018 3536
3019Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3537Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3020libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3538libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3021or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3539or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3022C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3540C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3023arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3541arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3024libraries. 3542libraries.
3025 3543
3026This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3544This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3027windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3545windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3028wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3546wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3029calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3547calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3030 3548
3031=back 3549=back
3032 3550
3551=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3552
3553In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3554backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3555
3556=over 4
3557
3558=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3559calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3560
3561Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3562structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3563assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3564callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3565calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3566
3567=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3568
3569The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3570C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3571threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3572believed to be sufficiently portable.
3573
3574=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3575
3576Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3577allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3578pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3579thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3580be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3581C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3582
3583The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3584except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3585well.
3586
3587=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3588
3589To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3590instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3591systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3592least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3593watchers.
3594
3595=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3596
3597The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3598have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3599enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3600implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3601
3602=back
3603
3604If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3605
3606
3607=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3608
3609In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3610libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3611the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3612
3613All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3614extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3615happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3616mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3617average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3618
3619=over 4
3620
3621=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3622
3623This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3624there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3625have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3626
3627=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3628
3629That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3630as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3631
3632=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3633
3634These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3635
3636=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3637
3638=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3639
3640These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3641correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3642have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3643is rare).
3644
3645=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3646
3647By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3648fixed position in the storage array.
3649
3650=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3651
3652A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3653libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3654on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3655
3656=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3657
3658=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3659
3660Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3661priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3662linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3663watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3664
3665=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3666
3667=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3668
3669=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3670
3671Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3672calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3673involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3674
3675=back
3676
3033 3677
3034=head1 AUTHOR 3678=head1 AUTHOR
3035 3679
3036Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3680Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3037 3681

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