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9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 20
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 23 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 25 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 42 }
60 62
61 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 64 return 0;
63 } 65 }
64 66
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
66 70
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
70 84
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 88
84=head2 FEATURES 98=head2 FEATURES
85 99
86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 103(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 104inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 105timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 106(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 107change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 108loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
95(C<ev_fork>). 109C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
110limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
96 111
97It also is quite fast (see this 112It also is quite fast (see this
98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 113L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
99for example). 114for example).
100 115
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 123name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 124this argument.
110 125
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 127
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 131type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 132aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 133on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 135throughout libev.
121 136
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING 137=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123 138
276 291
277=back 292=back
278 293
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 295
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 297is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 298I<function>).
299
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
302not.
284 303
285=over 4 304=over 4
286 305
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 307
294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 313If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
295function. 314function.
296 315
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 316Note 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, 317from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
300 319
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 320The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 321C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 322for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 323create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
344flag. 363flag.
345 364
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 365This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable. 366environment variable.
348 367
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374
375=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD>
376
377When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This is
379probably only useful to work around any bugs in libev. Consequently, this
380flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable,
381so it's useful mostly in environment variables and not in program code.
382
349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 383=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
350 384
351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 385This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 386libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 387but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 411This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 412C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379 413
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 414=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 415
416Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
417kernels).
418
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 419For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 420but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 421like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 422epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 423
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 424The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 425of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
426dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
427descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
428so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
429I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
430take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
431hard to detect.
432
433Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
434of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
435I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
436even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
437on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
438employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
439events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
389 440
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 441While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 442will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 443incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 444I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 445file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 446file descriptors.
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 447
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 448Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 449watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 450i.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 451starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead. 452extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
453as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
454take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
455
456All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
457faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
458the usage. So sad.
405 459
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 460While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
407all kernel versions tested so far. 461all kernel versions tested so far.
408 462
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 463This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 464C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411 465
412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 466=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
413 467
414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was 468Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with 469was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's 470with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless 471it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or 472is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD. 473without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
474"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
475C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
476system like NetBSD.
420 477
421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 478You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 479only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 480the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
424 481
425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 482It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 483kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 484course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 485cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 486two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 487sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
488cases
431 489
432This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 490This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
433 491
434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 492While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 493everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 494almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 495(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it, 496(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
439using it only for sockets. 497also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
440 498
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 499This 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 500C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>. 501C<NOTE_EOF>.
444 502
464might perform better. 522might perform better.
465 523
466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 524On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification 525notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 526in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends. 527OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
470 528
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 529This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 530C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
473 531
474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 532=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
479 537
480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 538It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
481 539
482=back 540=back
483 541
484If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 542If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
485backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 543then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 544here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
545()> will be tried.
487 546
488Example: This is the most typical usage. 547Example: This is the most typical usage.
489 548
490 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 549 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 550 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 586responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 587calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 588the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 589for example).
531 590
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 591Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 592handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 593as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 594
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 595In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 596rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 597pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 598C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
540 599
541=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 600=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
542 601
543Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 602Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
544earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 603earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
582 641
583This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 642This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
584"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 643"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
585C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 644C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
586 645
646=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop)
647
648Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of
649times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
650
651Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
652C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
653in which case it is higher.
654
655Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
656etc.), doesn't count as exit.
657
587=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 658=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
588 659
589Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 660Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
590use. 661use.
591 662
605 676
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 677This 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 678very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea. 679the current time is a good idea.
609 680
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 681See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
682
683=item ev_suspend (loop)
684
685=item ev_resume (loop)
686
687These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
688not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
689
690A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
691the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
692would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
693the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
694in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
695C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
696
697Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
698between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
699will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
700occured while suspended).
701
702After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
703given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
704without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
705
706Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
707event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
611 708
612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 709=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
613 710
614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 711Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 712after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
616events. 713handling events.
617 714
618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 715If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
619either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 716either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
620 717
621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 718Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
631the loop. 728the loop.
632 729
633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 730A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 731necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 732will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a 733be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 734user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop. 735iteration of the loop.
639 736
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 737This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 738with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
695 792
696Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 793Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
697loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 794loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
698count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 795count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
699 796
700If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 797This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
701from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 798unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from
799returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
702stopping it. 800before stopping it.
703 801
704As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 802As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
705not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 803is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
706if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 804exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
707way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 805excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
708libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 806third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
709(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 807before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
710respectively). 808before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
809(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
810in the callback).
711 811
712Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 812Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
713running when nothing else is active. 813running when nothing else is active.
714 814
715 struct ev_signal exitsig; 815 ev_signal exitsig;
716 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 816 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
717 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 817 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
718 evf_unref (loop); 818 evf_unref (loop);
719 819
720Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 820Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
744 844
745By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 845By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
746time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 846time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
747at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 847at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
748C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 848C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
749introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 849introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
850sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
851once per this interval, on average.
750 852
751Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 853Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
752to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 854to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
753latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 855latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
754later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 856later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
756 858
757Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 859Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
758interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 860interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
759interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 861interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
760usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 862usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
761as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 863as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
864you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
865parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
866need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
867then you can't do more than 100 transations per second).
762 868
763Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 869Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
764saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 870saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
765are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 871are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
766times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 872times 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 873reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
768they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 874they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
769 875
876Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
877more often than 100 times per second:
878
879 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
880 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
881
882=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
883
884This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
885pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required,
886but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy.
887
888=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
889
890Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
891are pending.
892
893=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
894
895This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
896invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call
897this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
898invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
899
900If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
901callback.
902
903=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
904
905Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
906can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
907each call to a libev function.
908
909However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to
910wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via
911C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release>
912and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
913
914When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
915suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
916afterwards.
917
918Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
919C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
920
921While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
922C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
923modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
924have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
925waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it
926to take note of any changes you made.
927
928In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between
929invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
930
931See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
932document.
933
934=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
935
936=item ev_userdata (loop)
937
938Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
939C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
940C<0.>
941
942These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
943and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
944C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
945any other purpose as well.
946
770=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 947=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
771 948
772This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 949This 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 950compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
774through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 951through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
775is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 952is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
776error and call C<abort ()>. 953error and call C<abort ()>.
777 954
778This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 955This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
782=back 959=back
783 960
784 961
785=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 962=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
786 963
964In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
965watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
966watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
967
787A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 968A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
788interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 969interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
789become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 970become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
790 971
791 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 972 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
792 { 973 {
793 ev_io_stop (w); 974 ev_io_stop (w);
794 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 975 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
795 } 976 }
796 977
797 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 978 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
979
798 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 980 ev_io stdin_watcher;
981
799 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 982 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
800 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 983 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
801 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 984 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
985
802 ev_loop (loop, 0); 986 ev_loop (loop, 0);
803 987
804As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 988As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
805watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 989watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
806although this can sometimes be quite valid). 990stack).
991
992Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
993or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
807 994
808Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 995Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
809(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 996(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
810callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 997callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
811watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 998watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
812is readable and/or writable). 999is readable and/or writable).
813 1000
814Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 1001Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
815with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 1002macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
816to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 1003is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
817(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1004ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
818 1005
819To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 1006To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
820with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 1007with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
821*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 1008*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
822corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1009corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
823 1010
824As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1011As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
825must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 1012must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
826reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 1013reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
827 1014
828Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1015Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
829registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1016registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
830third argument. 1017third argument.
831 1018
889 1076
890=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1077=item C<EV_ASYNC>
891 1078
892The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1079The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
893 1080
1081=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1082
1083Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1084by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
1085
894=item C<EV_ERROR> 1086=item C<EV_ERROR>
895 1087
896An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1088An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
897happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1089happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
898ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 1090ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1091problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1092
899problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1093You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
900with the watcher being stopped. 1094watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1095an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1096bug in your program.
901 1097
902Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 1098Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
903example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 1099example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
904callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 1100callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
905the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 1101the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
908 1104
909=back 1105=back
910 1106
911=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1107=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
912 1108
913In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
914e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
915
916=over 4 1109=over 4
917 1110
918=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1111=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
919 1112
920This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 1113This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
925which rolls both calls into one. 1118which rolls both calls into one.
926 1119
927You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1120You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
928(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1121(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
929 1122
930The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1123The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
931int revents)>. 1124int revents)>.
932 1125
933Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 1126Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
934 1127
935 ev_io w; 1128 ev_io w;
936 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1129 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
937 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1130 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
938 1131
939=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1132=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
940 1133
941This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1134This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
942call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1135call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
943call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1136call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
944macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1137macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
957 1150
958Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1151Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
959 1152
960 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1153 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
961 1154
962=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1155=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
963 1156
964Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1157Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
965events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1158events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
966 1159
967Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1160Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
968whole section. 1161whole section.
969 1162
970 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1163 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
971 1164
972=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1165=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
973 1166
974Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1167Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1168the watcher was active or not).
1169
975status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1170It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
976non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1171non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
977C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1172calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
978you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1173pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
979good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1174therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
980 1175
981=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1176=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
982 1177
983Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1178Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
984and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1179and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1000=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1195=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1001 1196
1002Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1197Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1003(modulo threads). 1198(modulo threads).
1004 1199
1005=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1200=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1006 1201
1007=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1202=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1008 1203
1009Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1204Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1010integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1205integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1011(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1206(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1012before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1207before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1013from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1208from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1014 1209
1015This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1016invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1017example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1018watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1019
1020If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1210If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1021you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1211you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1022 1212
1023You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1213You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1024pending. 1214pending.
1025 1215
1216Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1217fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1218or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1219
1026The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1220The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1027always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1221always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1028 1222
1029Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1223See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1030fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1224priorities.
1031or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
1032 1225
1033=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1226=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1034 1227
1035Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1228Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1036C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1229C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1043returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1236returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1044watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1237watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1045 1238
1046Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1239Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1047callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1240callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1241
1242=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1243
1244Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1245had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1246initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1247not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1248
1249Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1250C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1251not started in the first place.
1252
1253See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1254functions that do not need a watcher.
1048 1255
1049=back 1256=back
1050 1257
1051 1258
1052=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1259=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1058member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1265member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1059data: 1266data:
1060 1267
1061 struct my_io 1268 struct my_io
1062 { 1269 {
1063 struct ev_io io; 1270 ev_io io;
1064 int otherfd; 1271 int otherfd;
1065 void *somedata; 1272 void *somedata;
1066 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1273 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1067 }; 1274 };
1068 1275
1071 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1278 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1072 1279
1073And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1280And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1074can cast it back to your own type: 1281can cast it back to your own type:
1075 1282
1076 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1283 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1077 { 1284 {
1078 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1285 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1079 ... 1286 ...
1080 } 1287 }
1081 1288
1099programmers): 1306programmers):
1100 1307
1101 #include <stddef.h> 1308 #include <stddef.h>
1102 1309
1103 static void 1310 static void
1104 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1311 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1105 { 1312 {
1106 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1313 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1107 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1314 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1108 } 1315 }
1109 1316
1110 static void 1317 static void
1111 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1318 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1112 { 1319 {
1113 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1320 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1114 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1321 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1115 } 1322 }
1323
1324=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1325
1326Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1327integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1328between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1329
1330In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1331description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1332range.
1333
1334There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1335by event loops:
1336
1337In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1338of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1339watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1340
1341The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1342callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1343watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1344before polling for new events.
1345
1346Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1347except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1348
1349The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1350watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1351libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1352their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1353common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1354priority ones.
1355
1356Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1357watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1358C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1359timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1360other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1361handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1362the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1363handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1364always, what you want).
1365
1366Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1367will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1368received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1369required.
1370
1371For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1372you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1373the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1374processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1375continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1376the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1377workable.
1378
1379Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1380miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1381it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1382idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1383the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1384
1385Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1386priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1387other events are pending:
1388
1389 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1390 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1391
1392 static void
1393 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1394 {
1395 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1396 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1397 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1398
1399 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1400 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1401 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1402 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1403 }
1404
1405 static void
1406 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1407 {
1408 // actual processing
1409 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1410
1411 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1412 // we have handled the event
1413 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1414 }
1415
1416 // initialisation
1417 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1418 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1419 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1420
1421In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1422low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1423enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1424during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1425important ones.
1116 1426
1117 1427
1118=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1428=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1119 1429
1120This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1430This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1146descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1456descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1147required if you know what you are doing). 1457required if you know what you are doing).
1148 1458
1149If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1459If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1150known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1460known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1151C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1461C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1462descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1463files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1152 1464
1153Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1465Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1154receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1466receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1155be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1467be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1156because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1468because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1251Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1563Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1252readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1564readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1253attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1565attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1254 1566
1255 static void 1567 static void
1256 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1568 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1257 { 1569 {
1258 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1570 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1259 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1571 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1260 } 1572 }
1261 1573
1262 ... 1574 ...
1263 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1575 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1264 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1576 ev_io stdin_readable;
1265 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1577 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1266 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1578 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1267 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1579 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1268 1580
1269 1581
1277year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1589year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1278detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1590detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1279monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1591monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1280 1592
1281The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1593The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1282passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1594passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1283then order of execution is undefined. 1595might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1596same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1597before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1598no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1599
1600=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1601
1602Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1603recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1604you want to raise some error after a while.
1605
1606What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1607inefficient to smart and efficient.
1608
1609In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1610gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1611data or other life sign was received).
1612
1613=over 4
1614
1615=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1616
1617This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1618start the watcher:
1619
1620 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1621 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1622
1623Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1624and start it again:
1625
1626 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1627 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1628 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1629
1630This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1631some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1632data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1633still not a constant-time operation.
1634
1635=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1636
1637This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1638C<ev_timer_start>.
1639
1640To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1641of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1642successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1643you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1644the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1645
1646That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1647C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1648member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1649
1650At start:
1651
1652 ev_init (timer, callback);
1653 timer->repeat = 60.;
1654 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1655
1656Each time there is some activity:
1657
1658 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1659
1660It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1661whether the watcher is active or not:
1662
1663 timer->repeat = 30.;
1664 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1665
1666This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1667you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1668remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1669
1670It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1671
1672=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1673
1674This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1675relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1676our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1677associated activity resets.
1678
1679In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1680but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1681within the callback:
1682
1683 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1684
1685 static void
1686 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1687 {
1688 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1689 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1690
1691 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1692 if (timeout < now)
1693 {
1694 // timeout occured, take action
1695 }
1696 else
1697 {
1698 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1699 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1700 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1701 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1702 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1703 }
1704 }
1705
1706To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1707as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1708been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1709the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1710re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1711a timeout then.
1712
1713Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1714C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1715
1716This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1717minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1718libev to change the timeout.
1719
1720To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1721to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1722callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1723
1724 ev_init (timer, callback);
1725 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1726 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1727
1728And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1729C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1730
1731 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1732
1733This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1734time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1735
1736Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1737callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1738fix things for you.
1739
1740=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1741
1742If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1743employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1744do even better:
1745
1746When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1747at the I<end> of the list.
1748
1749Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1750the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1751
1752When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1753the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1754update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1755
1756This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1757starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1758complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1759ensures that the list stays sorted.
1760
1761=back
1762
1763So which method the best?
1764
1765Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1766situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1767better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1768one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1769
1770Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1771rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1772off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1773overkill :)
1284 1774
1285=head3 The special problem of time updates 1775=head3 The special problem of time updates
1286 1776
1287Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1777Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1288least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1778least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1300 1790
1301If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1791If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1302update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1792update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1303()>. 1793()>.
1304 1794
1795=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1796
1797When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1798can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1799
1800Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1801all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1802to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1803system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1804was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1805towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1806clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1807long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1808be adjusted accordingly.
1809
1810I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1811operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1812
1813The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1814time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1815is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1816then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1817will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1818use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1819
1820It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1821and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1822deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1823C<SIGSTOP>).
1824
1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1825=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1306 1826
1307=over 4 1827=over 4
1308 1828
1309=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1829=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1332If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1852If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1333 1853
1334If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1854If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1335C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1855C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1336 1856
1337This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1857This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1338example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1858usage example.
1339timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1340seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1341configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1342C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1343you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1344socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1345automatically restart it if need be.
1346 1859
1347That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> 1860=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1348altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1349 1861
1350 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1862Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1351 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1863then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1352 ... 1864the timeout value currently configured.
1353 timer->again = 17.;
1354 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1355 ...
1356 timer->again = 10.;
1357 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1358 1865
1359This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1866That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1360you want to modify its timeout value. 1867C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remain>
1361 1868will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1362Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the 1869roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1363time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the 1870too), and so on.
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 1871
1368=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1872=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1369 1873
1370The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1874The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1371or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1875or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1376=head3 Examples 1880=head3 Examples
1377 1881
1378Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1882Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1379 1883
1380 static void 1884 static void
1381 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1885 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1382 { 1886 {
1383 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1887 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1384 } 1888 }
1385 1889
1386 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1890 ev_timer mytimer;
1387 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1891 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1388 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1892 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1389 1893
1390Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1894Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1391inactivity. 1895inactivity.
1392 1896
1393 static void 1897 static void
1394 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1898 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1395 { 1899 {
1396 .. ten seconds without any activity 1900 .. ten seconds without any activity
1397 } 1901 }
1398 1902
1399 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1903 ev_timer mytimer;
1400 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1904 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1401 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1905 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1402 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1906 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1403 1907
1404 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1908 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1409=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1913=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1410 1914
1411Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1915Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1412(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1916(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1413 1917
1414Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1918Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1415but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1919relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1416to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1920(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1417periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 1921difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1418+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 1922time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1419clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 1923wrist-watch).
1420to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1421roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1422 1924
1925You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1926in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1927seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1928not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1929year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1930C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1931it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1932
1423C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1933C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1424such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1934timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1425complicated rules. 1935other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1936those cannot react to time jumps.
1426 1937
1427As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 1938As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1428time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1939point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1429during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 1940timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1941earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1942(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1430 1943
1431=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1944=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1432 1945
1433=over 4 1946=over 4
1434 1947
1435=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1948=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1436 1949
1437=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1950=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1438 1951
1439Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1952Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1440operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 1953operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1441 1954
1442=over 4 1955=over 4
1443 1956
1444=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1957=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1445 1958
1446In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 1959In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1447time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 1960time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1448jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1961time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1449only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 1962will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1963this point in time.
1450 1964
1451=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1965=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1452 1966
1453In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1967In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1454C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1968C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1455and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1969negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1970argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1456 1971
1457This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 1972This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1458system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 1973system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1459hour, on the hour: 1974hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1460 1975
1461 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1976 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1462 1977
1463This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1978This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1464but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1979but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1465full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1980full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1466by 3600. 1981by 3600.
1467 1982
1468Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1983Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1469C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1984C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1470time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1985time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1471 1986
1472For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1987For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1473C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1988C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1474this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1989this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1475 1990
1476Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 1991Note 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 1992speed 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 1993will 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). 1994millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1480 1995
1481=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1996=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1482 1997
1483In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1998In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1484ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1999ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1485reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2000reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1486current time as second argument. 2001current time as second argument.
1487 2002
1488NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2003NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1489ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2004or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2005allowed by documentation here>.
1490 2006
1491If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2007If 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 2008it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1493only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2009only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1494 2010
1495The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 2011The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1496*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 2012*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1497 2013
2014 static ev_tstamp
1498 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2015 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1499 { 2016 {
1500 return now + 60.; 2017 return now + 60.;
1501 } 2018 }
1502 2019
1503It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 2020It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1523a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2040a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1524program when the crontabs have changed). 2041program when the crontabs have changed).
1525 2042
1526=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2043=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1527 2044
1528When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2045When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1529trigger next. 2046to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2047C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2048rescheduling modes.
1530 2049
1531=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2050=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1532 2051
1533When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2052When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1534absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2053absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2054although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1535 2055
1536Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2056Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1537timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2057timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1538 2058
1539=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2059=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1540 2060
1541The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 2061The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1542take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 2062take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1543called. 2063called.
1544 2064
1545=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 2065=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1546 2066
1547The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 2067The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1548switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 2068switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1549the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2069the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1550 2070
1555Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2075Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1556system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2076system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1557potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2077potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1558 2078
1559 static void 2079 static void
1560 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 2080 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1561 { 2081 {
1562 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2082 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1563 } 2083 }
1564 2084
1565 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2085 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1566 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 2086 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1567 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2087 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1568 2088
1569Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 2089Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1570 2090
1571 #include <math.h> 2091 #include <math.h>
1572 2092
1573 static ev_tstamp 2093 static ev_tstamp
1574 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2094 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1575 { 2095 {
1576 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 2096 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1577 } 2097 }
1578 2098
1579 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 2099 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1580 2100
1581Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 2101Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1582 2102
1583 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2103 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1584 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2104 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1585 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2105 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1586 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2106 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1587 2107
1588 2108
1591Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2111Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1592signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2112signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1593will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2113will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1594normal event processing, like any other event. 2114normal event processing, like any other event.
1595 2115
1596If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2116If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1597do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2117C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1598C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2118the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2119synchronously wake up an event loop.
1599 2120
1600You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2121You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2122only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2123default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2124C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2125the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2126
1601first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2127When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1602with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2128with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1603you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2129you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1604the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1605signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1606 2130
1607If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2131If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1608C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2132C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1609interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2133not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1610signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2134interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1611them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2135and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2136
2137=head3 The special problem of inheritance over execve
2138
2139Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2140(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2141stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2142and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2143
2144While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2145sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2146C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2147certain signals to be blocked.
2148
2149This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2150the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2151choice usually).
2152
2153The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2154to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2155catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2156
2157In current versions of libev, you can also ensure that the signal mask is
2158not blocking any signals (except temporarily, so thread users watch out)
2159by specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> when creating the event loop. This
2160is not guaranteed for future versions, however.
1612 2161
1613=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2162=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1614 2163
1615=over 4 2164=over 4
1616 2165
1630=head3 Examples 2179=head3 Examples
1631 2180
1632Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2181Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1633 2182
1634 static void 2183 static void
1635 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2184 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1636 { 2185 {
1637 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2186 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1638 } 2187 }
1639 2188
1640 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2189 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1641 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2190 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1642 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2191 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1643 2192
1644 2193
1645=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2194=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1648some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2197some 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 2198exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1650has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2199has 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., 2200as 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, 2201forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1653but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2202but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1654not. 2203in the next callback invocation is not.
1655 2204
1656Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2205Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1657you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2206you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1658 2207
2208Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2209handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2210libev)
2211
1659=head3 Process Interaction 2212=head3 Process Interaction
1660 2213
1661Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2214Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1662initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2215initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1663the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2216first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1664of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2217of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1665synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2218synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1666children, even ones not watched. 2219children, even ones not watched.
1667 2220
1668=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2221=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1678=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2231=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1679 2232
1680Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2233Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1681child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2234child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1682callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2235callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1683when a child exit is detected. 2236when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2237problem).
1684 2238
1685=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2239=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1686 2240
1687=over 4 2241=over 4
1688 2242
1720its completion. 2274its completion.
1721 2275
1722 ev_child cw; 2276 ev_child cw;
1723 2277
1724 static void 2278 static void
1725 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 2279 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1726 { 2280 {
1727 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 2281 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1728 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 2282 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1729 } 2283 }
1730 2284
1745 2299
1746 2300
1747=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2301=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1748 2302
1749This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2303This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1750C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2304C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1751compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2305and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2306it did.
1752 2307
1753The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2308The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1754not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2309not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1755not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2310exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1756otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2311C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1757the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2312least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2313contents.
1758 2314
1759The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2315The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2316C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1760relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2317your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1761 2318
1762Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable 2319Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1763implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if 2320portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1764it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for 2321to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1765this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) 2322interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1766then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which 2323recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1767you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change 2324(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1768dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently 2325change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1769around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill. 2326currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1770 2327
1771This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2328This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1772as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2329as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1773resource-intensive. 2330resource-intensive.
1774 2331
1775At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented 2332At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1776is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as 2333is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1777an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way 2334exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1778of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue). 2335implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1779 2336
1780=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 2337=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1781 2338
1782Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 2339Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1783compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 2340compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1784support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 2341support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1785structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 2342structure. 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 2343use 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 2344compile 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 2345obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1789most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 2346most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1790 2347
1791The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 2348The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1792file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 2349file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1793optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 2350optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1794to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 2351to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1795default compilation environment. 2352default compilation environment.
1796 2353
1797=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 2354=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1798 2355
1799When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2356When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1800available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2357runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1801change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2358inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1802when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2359watcher is being started.
1803 2360
1804Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2361Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1805except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2362except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1806making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 2363making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1807there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling, 2364there 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. 2365but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2366many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2367a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2368xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1809 2369
1810There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2370There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1811implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2371implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1812descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 2372descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1813etc. is difficult. 2373etc. is difficult.
1814 2374
2375=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2376
2377Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2378the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2379()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2380
2381For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2382busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2383as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2384watcher).
2385
2386For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2387time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2388often takes multiple milliseconds.
2389
2390Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2391paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
2392
1815=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2393=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1816 2394
1817The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2395The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1818even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still 2396and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1819only support whole seconds. 2397still only support whole seconds.
1820 2398
1821That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2399That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1822easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2400easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1823calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2401calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1824within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the 2402within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1967 2545
1968=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2546=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1969 2547
1970=over 4 2548=over 4
1971 2549
1972=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2550=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1973 2551
1974Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2552Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1975kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2553kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1976believe me. 2554believe me.
1977 2555
1981 2559
1982Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2560Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1983callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2561callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1984 2562
1985 static void 2563 static void
1986 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2564 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1987 { 2565 {
1988 free (w); 2566 free (w);
1989 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2567 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1990 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2568 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1991 } 2569 }
1992 2570
1993 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2571 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1994 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2572 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1995 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2573 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1996 2574
1997 2575
1998=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2576=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1999 2577
2000Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2578Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2079 2657
2080 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2658 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2081 static ev_timer tw; 2659 static ev_timer tw;
2082 2660
2083 static void 2661 static void
2084 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2662 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2085 { 2663 {
2086 } 2664 }
2087 2665
2088 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2666 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2089 static void 2667 static void
2090 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2668 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2091 { 2669 {
2092 int timeout = 3600000; 2670 int timeout = 3600000;
2093 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2671 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2094 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2672 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2095 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2673 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2096 2674
2097 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2675 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2098 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2676 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2099 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2677 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2100 2678
2101 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2679 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2102 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2680 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2103 { 2681 {
2110 } 2688 }
2111 } 2689 }
2112 2690
2113 // stop all watchers after blocking 2691 // stop all watchers after blocking
2114 static void 2692 static void
2115 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2693 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2116 { 2694 {
2117 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2695 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2118 2696
2119 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2697 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2120 { 2698 {
2216some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 2794some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2217and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 2795and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2218this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all 2796this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2219the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2797the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2220 2798
2221As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2799As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2222there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2800time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2223call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2801must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2224their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2802sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2225loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2803C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2226to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2804to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2227embedded loop sweep.
2228 2805
2229As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2806You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2230callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2807will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2231set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2232interested in that.
2233 2808
2234Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2809Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2235when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2810is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2236but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2811embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2237yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 2812C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2238and future versions of libev might do just that.
2239 2813
2240Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 2814Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2241C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2815C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2242portable one. 2816portable one.
2243 2817
2288C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2862C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2289used). 2863used).
2290 2864
2291 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2865 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2292 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2866 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2293 struct ev_embed embed; 2867 ev_embed embed;
2294 2868
2295 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2869 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2296 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2870 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2297 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2871 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2298 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2872 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2312kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2886kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2313C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2887C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2314 2888
2315 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2889 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2316 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2890 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2317 struct ev_embed embed; 2891 ev_embed embed;
2318 2892
2319 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2893 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2320 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2894 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2321 { 2895 {
2322 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2896 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2337event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2911event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2338and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2912and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2339C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2913C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2340handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2914handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2341 2915
2916=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2917
2918Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2919up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2920sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2921
2922This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2923in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2924fork.
2925
2926The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2927forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2928when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2929
2930When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2931wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2932supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2933process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2934
2935The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2936simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2937use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2938memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2939disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2940signal watchers).
2941
2942When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2943other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2944C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2945the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2946have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2947also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2948
2342=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2949=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2343 2950
2344=over 4 2951=over 4
2345 2952
2346=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2953=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
2375=head3 Queueing 2982=head3 Queueing
2376 2983
2377C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 2984C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2378is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2985is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2379multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2986multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2380need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2987need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
2988semantics.
2381 2989
2382That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2990That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2383queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 2991queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2384queue: 2992queue:
2385 2993
2463=over 4 3071=over 4
2464 3072
2465=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 3073=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2466 3074
2467Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 3075Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2468kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3076kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2469trust me. 3077trust me.
2470 3078
2471=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3079=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2472 3080
2473Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3081Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2474an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3082an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2475C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3083C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2476similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3084similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2477section below on what exactly this means). 3085section below on what exactly this means).
2478 3086
3087Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3088compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3089is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3090reset when the event loop detects that).
3091
2479This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3092This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2480so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3093iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2481calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3094repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2482 3095
2483=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3096=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2484 3097
2485Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3098Returns 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 3099watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2489C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3102C<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, 3103the 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 3104it 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. 3105quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2493 3106
2494Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3107Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2495whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3108only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3109is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3110notification, and the callback being invoked.
2496 3111
2497=back 3112=back
2498 3113
2499 3114
2500=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3115=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2536 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3151 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2537 } 3152 }
2538 3153
2539 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3154 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2540 3155
2541=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2542
2543Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2544had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2545initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2546
2547=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3156=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2548 3157
2549Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3158Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2550the given events it. 3159the given events it.
2551 3160
2552=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3161=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2553 3162
2554Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3163Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2555loop!). 3164loop!).
2556 3165
2557=back 3166=back
2637 3246
2638=over 4 3247=over 4
2639 3248
2640=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3249=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2641 3250
2642=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3251=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2643 3252
2644=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3253=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2645 3254
2646The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3255The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2647with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3256with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2679 3288
2680 myclass obj; 3289 myclass obj;
2681 ev::io iow; 3290 ev::io iow;
2682 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3291 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2683 3292
3293=item w->set (object *)
3294
3295This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3296
3297This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3298will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3299functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3300the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3301list.
3302
3303The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3304int revents)>.
3305
3306See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3307
3308Example: use a functor object as callback.
3309
3310 struct myfunctor
3311 {
3312 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3313 {
3314 ...
3315 }
3316 }
3317
3318 myfunctor f;
3319
3320 ev::io w;
3321 w.set (&f);
3322
2684=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3323=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2685 3324
2686Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3325Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2687callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3326callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2688C<data> member and is free for you to use. 3327C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2694Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3333Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2695 3334
2696 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3335 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2697 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3336 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2698 3337
2699=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3338=item w->set (loop)
2700 3339
2701Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3340Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2702do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3341do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2703 3342
2704=item w->set ([arguments]) 3343=item w->set ([arguments])
2774L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3413L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2775 3414
2776=item Python 3415=item Python
2777 3416
2778Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3417Python 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 3418seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
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 3419
2785=item Ruby 3420=item Ruby
2786 3421
2787Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3422Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2788of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3423of 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 3424more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2790L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3425L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2791 3426
3427Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3428makes rev work even on mingw.
3429
3430=item Haskell
3431
3432A haskell binding to libev is available at
3433L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3434
2792=item D 3435=item D
2793 3436
2794Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3437Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2795be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3438be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3439
3440=item Ocaml
3441
3442Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3443L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3444
3445=item Lua
3446
3447Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev
3448for lua (only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3449L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
2796 3450
2797=back 3451=back
2798 3452
2799 3453
2800=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3454=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2901 3555
2902 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3556 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2903 #include "ev.h" 3557 #include "ev.h"
2904 3558
2905Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3559Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2906compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3560compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2907as a bug). 3561as a bug).
2908 3562
2909You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3563You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2910in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3564in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2911 3565
2967keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3621keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2968implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3622implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2969supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3623supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2970F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3624F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2971 3625
3626In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3627configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3628
2972=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3629=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2973 3630
2974If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3631If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2975monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use 3632monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2976of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3633use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2977usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3634you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2978the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3635when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2979to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3636to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2980function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3637function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2981 3638
2982=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3639=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2983 3640
2984If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3641If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2985real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at 3642real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2986runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3643at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2987be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3644option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2988(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3645by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2989note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3646correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3647C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3648C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3649
3650=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3651
3652If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3653of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3654exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3655unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3656programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3657theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3658the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3659higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2990 3660
2991=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3661=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2992 3662
2993If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3663If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2994and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3664and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
3010 3680
3011=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3681=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
3012 3682
3013If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3683If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
3014structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3684structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
3015C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on 3685C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
3016exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3686on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3017low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3687some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3018allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3688only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3019influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3689configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3020 3690
3021=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3691=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3022 3692
3023When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3693When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3024select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3694select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3026be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3696be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3027C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3697C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3028it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3698it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3029on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3699on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3030 3700
3031=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3701=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3032 3702
3033If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3703If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3034file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3704file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3035default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3705default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3036correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3706correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3037in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3707in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3708
3709=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3710
3711If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3712using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3713their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3714to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3715
3716=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3717
3718If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3719macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3720file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3721the underlying OS handle.
3038 3722
3039=item EV_USE_POLL 3723=item EV_USE_POLL
3040 3724
3041If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3725If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3042backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3726backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3174defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3858defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3175 3859
3176=item EV_MINIMAL 3860=item EV_MINIMAL
3177 3861
3178If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3862If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3179speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 3863speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this
3180inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 3864is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size
3181much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3865on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over
3866the default 4-heap.
3867
3868You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need
3869and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert>
3870(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot.
3871
3872Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to
3873provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts
3874of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes
3875over time.
3876
3877=item EV_NSIG
3878
3879The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3880signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3881automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3882specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3883good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev
3884statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3182 3885
3183=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3886=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3184 3887
3185C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3888C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3186pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3889pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
3372default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4075default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3373watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4076watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3374 4077
3375=back 4078=back
3376 4079
4080=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4081
4082Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4083thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4084created/added/removed.
4085
4086For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4087which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4088languages).
4089
4090The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4091variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4092event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4093
4094First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4095
4096 typedef struct {
4097 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4098 ev_async async_w;
4099 thread_t tid;
4100 cond_t invoke_cv;
4101 } userdata;
4102
4103 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4104 {
4105 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4106 static userdata u;
4107
4108 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4109 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4110
4111 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4112 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4113
4114 // now associate this with the loop
4115 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4116 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4117 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4118
4119 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4120 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4121 }
4122
4123The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4124solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4125that might have been added:
4126
4127 static void
4128 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4129 {
4130 // just used for the side effects
4131 }
4132
4133The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4134protecting the loop data, respectively.
4135
4136 static void
4137 l_release (EV_P)
4138 {
4139 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4140 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4141 }
4142
4143 static void
4144 l_acquire (EV_P)
4145 {
4146 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4147 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4148 }
4149
4150The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4151into C<ev_loop>:
4152
4153 void *
4154 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4155 {
4156 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4157
4158 l_acquire (EV_A);
4159 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4160 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4161 l_release (EV_A);
4162
4163 return 0;
4164 }
4165
4166Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4167signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4168writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4169have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4170and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4171watchers is very beneficial):
4172
4173 static void
4174 l_invoke (EV_P)
4175 {
4176 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4177
4178 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4179 {
4180 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4181 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4182 }
4183 }
4184
4185Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4186will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4187thread to continue:
4188
4189 static void
4190 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4191 {
4192 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4193
4194 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4195 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4196 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4197 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4198 }
4199
4200Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4201event loop, you will now have to lock:
4202
4203 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4204 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4205
4206 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4207
4208 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4209 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4210 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4211 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4212
4213Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4214an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4215about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4216watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4217
3377=head3 COROUTINES 4218=head3 COROUTINES
3378 4219
3379Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4220Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3380libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4221libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3381coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4222coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3382different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4223different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3383loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4224the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3384you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4225that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3385 4226
3386Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4227Care 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 4228C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3388they do not clal any callbacks. 4229they do not call any callbacks.
3389 4230
3390=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4231=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3391 4232
3392Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4233Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3393lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 4234lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3427 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4268 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3428 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4269 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3429 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks. 4270 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3430 4271
3431Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables 4272Then 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. 4273is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3433 4274
3434Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs 4275Similarly, 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, 4276as 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 4277although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3437confused. 4278confused.
3466way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4307way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3467 4308
3468There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4309There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3469embedding it into other applications. 4310embedding it into other applications.
3470 4311
4312Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4313tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
4314
3471Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4315Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3472accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4316accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3473either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4317either 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 4318so 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 4319megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3479the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4323the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3480is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4324is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3481more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4325more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3482different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4326different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3483notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4327notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3484(Microsoft monopoly games). 4328(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3485 4329
3486A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4330A 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 4331section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3488of F<ev.h>: 4332of F<ev.h>:
3489 4333
3525 4369
3526Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4370Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3527of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4371of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3528can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4372can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3529recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4373recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3530previous thread in each. Great). 4374previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3531 4375
3532Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4376Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3533to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4377to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3534call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4378call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3535select emulation on windows). 4379other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3536 4380
3537Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4381Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3538libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4382libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3539or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4383fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3540C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4384by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3541arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4385(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3542libraries.
3543
3544This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4386runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3545windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4387(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3546wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4388you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3547calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4389the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3548 4390
3549=back 4391=back
3550 4392
3551=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4393=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3552 4394
3595=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4437=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3596 4438
3597The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4439The 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 4440have 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 4441enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3600implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4442implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing
4443ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least
44442200.
3601 4445
3602=back 4446=back
3603 4447
3604If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4448If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3605 4449
3673involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4517involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3674 4518
3675=back 4519=back
3676 4520
3677 4521
4522=head1 GLOSSARY
4523
4524=over 4
4525
4526=item active
4527
4528A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4529an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4530
4531=item application
4532
4533In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4534
4535=item callback
4536
4537The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4538detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4539received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4540
4541=item callback invocation
4542
4543The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4544
4545=item event
4546
4547A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4548for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4549any other events happening anymore.
4550
4551In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4552C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4553
4554=item event library
4555
4556A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4557
4558=item event loop
4559
4560An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4561into callback invocations.
4562
4563=item event model
4564
4565The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4566watchers and events.
4567
4568=item pending
4569
4570A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4571and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
4572pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4573
4574A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4575its pending status.
4576
4577=item real time
4578
4579The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4580
4581=item wall-clock time
4582
4583The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4584be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4585clock.
4586
4587=item watcher
4588
4589A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4590to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4591
4592=item watcher invocation
4593
4594The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4595
4596=back
4597
3678=head1 AUTHOR 4598=head1 AUTHOR
3679 4599
3680Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4600Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3681 4601

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