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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_SIGNALFD>
376
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them.
383
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
385there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
387
349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
350 389
351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 390This 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, 391libev 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 392but 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 416This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 417C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379 418
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 419=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 420
421Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
422kernels).
423
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 424For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 425but 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), 426like 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 427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 428
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
433so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
434I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
436hard to detect.
437
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
389 445
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 446While 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 447will 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 448incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 449I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 450file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 451file 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.
399 452
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 453Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 454watchers 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 455i.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 456starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead. 457extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
458as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
459take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
460
461All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
462faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
463the usage. So sad.
405 464
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 465While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
407all kernel versions tested so far. 466all kernel versions tested so far.
408 467
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 468This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 469C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411 470
412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 471=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
413 472
414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was 473Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with 474was 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 475with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless 476it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or 477is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD. 478without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
479"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
480C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
481system like NetBSD.
420 482
421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 483You 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 484only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 485the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
424 486
425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 487It 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 488kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 489course). 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 490cause 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 491two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 492sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
493cases
431 494
432This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 495This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
433 496
434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 497While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 498everywhere, 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 499almost 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 500(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, 501(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
439using it only for sockets. 502also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
440 503
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 504This 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 505C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>. 506C<NOTE_EOF>.
444 507
464might perform better. 527might perform better.
465 528
466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 529On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification 530notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 531in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends. 532OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
470 533
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 534This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 535C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
473 536
474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 537=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
479 542
480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 543It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
481 544
482=back 545=back
483 546
484If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 547If 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 548then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 549here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
550()> will be tried.
487 551
488Example: This is the most typical usage. 552Example: This is the most typical usage.
489 553
490 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 554 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 555 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 591responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 592calling 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 593the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 594for example).
531 595
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 596Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 597handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 598as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 599
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 600In 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 601rare 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 602pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 603C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
540 604
541=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
542 606
543Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 607Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
544earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 608earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
582 646
583This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 647This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
584"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 648"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
585C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 649C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
586 650
651=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop)
652
653Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of
654times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
655
656Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
657C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
658in which case it is higher.
659
660Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
661etc.), doesn't count as exit.
662
587=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 663=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
588 664
589Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 665Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
590use. 666use.
591 667
605 681
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 682This 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 683very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea. 684the current time is a good idea.
609 685
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 686See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
687
688=item ev_suspend (loop)
689
690=item ev_resume (loop)
691
692These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
693not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
694
695A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
696the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
697would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
698the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
699in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
700C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
701
702Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
703between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
704will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
705occured while suspended).
706
707After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
708given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
709without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
710
711Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
712event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
611 713
612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 714=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
613 715
614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 716Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 717after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
616events. 718handling events.
617 719
618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 720If 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. 721either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
620 722
621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 723Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
631the loop. 733the loop.
632 734
633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 735A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 736necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 737will 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 738be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 739user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop. 740iteration of the loop.
639 741
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 742This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 743with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
695 797
696Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 798Ref/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 799loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
698count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 800count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
699 801
700If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 802This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
701from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 803unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from
804returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
702stopping it. 805before stopping it.
703 806
704As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 807As 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 808is 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 809exiting 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 810excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
708libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 811third-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, 812before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
710respectively). 813before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
814(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
815in the callback).
711 816
712Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 817Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
713running when nothing else is active. 818running when nothing else is active.
714 819
715 struct ev_signal exitsig; 820 ev_signal exitsig;
716 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 821 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
717 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 822 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
718 evf_unref (loop); 823 evf_unref (loop);
719 824
720Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 825Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
744 849
745By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 850By 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, 851time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
747at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 852at 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 853C<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. 854introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
855sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
856once per this interval, on average.
750 857
751Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 858Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
752to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 859to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
753latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 860latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
754later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 861later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
756 863
757Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 864Many (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 865interval 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 866interactive 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>, 867usually 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. 868as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
869you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
870parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
871need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
872then you can't do more than 100 transations per second).
762 873
763Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 874Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
764saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 875saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
765are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 876are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
766times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 877times 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 878reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
768they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 879they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
769 880
881Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
882more often than 100 times per second:
883
884 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
885 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
886
887=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
888
889This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
890pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required,
891but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy.
892
893=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
894
895Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
896are pending.
897
898=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
899
900This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
901invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call
902this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
903invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
904
905If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
906callback.
907
908=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
909
910Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
911can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
912each call to a libev function.
913
914However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to
915wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via
916C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release>
917and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
918
919When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
920suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
921afterwards.
922
923Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
924C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
925
926While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
927C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
928modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
929have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
930waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it
931to take note of any changes you made.
932
933In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between
934invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
935
936See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
937document.
938
939=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
940
941=item ev_userdata (loop)
942
943Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
944C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
945C<0.>
946
947These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
948and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
949C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
950any other purpose as well.
951
770=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 952=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
771 953
772This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 954This 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 955compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
774through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 956through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
775is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 957is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
776error and call C<abort ()>. 958error and call C<abort ()>.
777 959
778This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 960This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
782=back 964=back
783 965
784 966
785=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 967=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
786 968
969In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
970watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
971watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
972
787A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 973A 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 974interest 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: 975become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
790 976
791 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 977 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
792 { 978 {
793 ev_io_stop (w); 979 ev_io_stop (w);
794 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 980 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
795 } 981 }
796 982
797 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 983 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
984
798 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 985 ev_io stdin_watcher;
986
799 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 987 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
800 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 988 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
801 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 989 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
990
802 ev_loop (loop, 0); 991 ev_loop (loop, 0);
803 992
804As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 993As 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, 994watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
806although this can sometimes be quite valid). 995stack).
996
997Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
998or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
807 999
808Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1000Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
809(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1001(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 1002callback 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 1003watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
812is readable and/or writable). 1004is readable and/or writable).
813 1005
814Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 1006Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
815with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 1007macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
816to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 1008is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
817(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1009ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
818 1010
819To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 1011To 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 1012with 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 1013*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
822corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1014corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
823 1015
824As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1016As 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 1017must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
826reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 1018reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
827 1019
828Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1020Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
829registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1021registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
830third argument. 1022third argument.
831 1023
889 1081
890=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1082=item C<EV_ASYNC>
891 1083
892The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1084The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
893 1085
1086=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1087
1088Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1089by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
1090
894=item C<EV_ERROR> 1091=item C<EV_ERROR>
895 1092
896An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1093An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
897happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1094happen 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 1095ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1096problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1097
899problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1098You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
900with the watcher being stopped. 1099watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1100an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1101bug in your program.
901 1102
902Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 1103Libev 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 1104example 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 1105callbacks 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 1106the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
908 1109
909=back 1110=back
910 1111
911=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1112=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
912 1113
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 1114=over 4
917 1115
918=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1116=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
919 1117
920This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 1118This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
925which rolls both calls into one. 1123which rolls both calls into one.
926 1124
927You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1125You 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. 1126(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
929 1127
930The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1128The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
931int revents)>. 1129int revents)>.
932 1130
933Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 1131Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
934 1132
935 ev_io w; 1133 ev_io w;
936 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1134 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
937 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1135 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
938 1136
939=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1137=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
940 1138
941This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1139This 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 1140call 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 1141call 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 1142macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
957 1155
958Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1156Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
959 1157
960 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1158 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
961 1159
962=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1160=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
963 1161
964Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1162Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
965events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1163events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
966 1164
967Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1165Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
968whole section. 1166whole section.
969 1167
970 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1168 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
971 1169
972=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1170=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
973 1171
974Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1172Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1173the watcher was active or not).
1174
975status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1175It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
976non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1176non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
977C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1177calling 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 1178pending. 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. 1179therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
980 1180
981=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1181=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
982 1182
983Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1183Returns 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 1184and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1000=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1200=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1001 1201
1002Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1202Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1003(modulo threads). 1203(modulo threads).
1004 1204
1005=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1205=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1006 1206
1007=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1207=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1008 1208
1009Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1209Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1010integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1210integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1011(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1211(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1012before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1212before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1013from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1213from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1014 1214
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 1215If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1021you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1216you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1022 1217
1023You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1218You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1024pending. 1219pending.
1025 1220
1221Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1222fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1223or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1224
1026The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1225The 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 :). 1226always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1028 1227
1029Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1228See 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 1229priorities.
1031or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
1032 1230
1033=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1231=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1034 1232
1035Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1233Invoke 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 1234C<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 1241returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1044watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1242watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1045 1243
1046Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1244Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1047callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1245callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1246
1247=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1248
1249Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1250had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1251initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1252not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1253
1254Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1255C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1256not started in the first place.
1257
1258See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1259functions that do not need a watcher.
1048 1260
1049=back 1261=back
1050 1262
1051 1263
1052=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1264=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1058member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1270member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1059data: 1271data:
1060 1272
1061 struct my_io 1273 struct my_io
1062 { 1274 {
1063 struct ev_io io; 1275 ev_io io;
1064 int otherfd; 1276 int otherfd;
1065 void *somedata; 1277 void *somedata;
1066 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1278 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1067 }; 1279 };
1068 1280
1071 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1283 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1072 1284
1073And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1285And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1074can cast it back to your own type: 1286can cast it back to your own type:
1075 1287
1076 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1288 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1077 { 1289 {
1078 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1290 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1079 ... 1291 ...
1080 } 1292 }
1081 1293
1099programmers): 1311programmers):
1100 1312
1101 #include <stddef.h> 1313 #include <stddef.h>
1102 1314
1103 static void 1315 static void
1104 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1316 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1105 { 1317 {
1106 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1318 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1107 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1319 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1108 } 1320 }
1109 1321
1110 static void 1322 static void
1111 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1323 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1112 { 1324 {
1113 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1325 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1114 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1326 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1115 } 1327 }
1328
1329=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1330
1331Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1332integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1333between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1334
1335In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1336description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1337range.
1338
1339There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1340by event loops:
1341
1342In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1343of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1344watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1345
1346The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1347callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1348watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1349before polling for new events.
1350
1351Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1352except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1353
1354The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1355watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1356libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1357their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1358common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1359priority ones.
1360
1361Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1362watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1363C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1364timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1365other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1366handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1367the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1368handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1369always, what you want).
1370
1371Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1372will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1373received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1374required.
1375
1376For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1377you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1378the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1379processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1380continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1381the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1382workable.
1383
1384Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1385miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1386it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1387idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1388the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1389
1390Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1391priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1392other events are pending:
1393
1394 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1395 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1396
1397 static void
1398 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1399 {
1400 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1401 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1402 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1403
1404 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1405 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1406 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1407 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1408 }
1409
1410 static void
1411 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1412 {
1413 // actual processing
1414 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1415
1416 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1417 // we have handled the event
1418 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1419 }
1420
1421 // initialisation
1422 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1423 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1424 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1425
1426In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1427low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1428enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1429during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1430important ones.
1116 1431
1117 1432
1118=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1433=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1119 1434
1120This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1435This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1146descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1461descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1147required if you know what you are doing). 1462required if you know what you are doing).
1148 1463
1149If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1464If 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 1465known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1151C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1466C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1467descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1468files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1152 1469
1153Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1470Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1154receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1471receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1155be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1472be 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 1473because 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 1568Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1252readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1569readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1253attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1570attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1254 1571
1255 static void 1572 static void
1256 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1573 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1257 { 1574 {
1258 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1575 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1259 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1576 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1260 } 1577 }
1261 1578
1262 ... 1579 ...
1263 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1580 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1264 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1581 ev_io stdin_readable;
1265 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1582 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1266 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1583 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1267 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1584 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1268 1585
1269 1586
1277year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1594year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1278detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1595detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1279monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1596monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1280 1597
1281The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1598The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1282passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1599passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1283then order of execution is undefined. 1600might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1601same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1602before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1603no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1604
1605=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1606
1607Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1608recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1609you want to raise some error after a while.
1610
1611What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1612inefficient to smart and efficient.
1613
1614In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1615gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1616data or other life sign was received).
1617
1618=over 4
1619
1620=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1621
1622This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1623start the watcher:
1624
1625 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1626 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1627
1628Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1629and start it again:
1630
1631 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1632 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1633 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1634
1635This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1636some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1637data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1638still not a constant-time operation.
1639
1640=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1641
1642This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1643C<ev_timer_start>.
1644
1645To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1646of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1647successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1648you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1649the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1650
1651That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1652C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1653member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1654
1655At start:
1656
1657 ev_init (timer, callback);
1658 timer->repeat = 60.;
1659 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1660
1661Each time there is some activity:
1662
1663 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1664
1665It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1666whether the watcher is active or not:
1667
1668 timer->repeat = 30.;
1669 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1670
1671This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1672you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1673remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1674
1675It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1676
1677=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1678
1679This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1680relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1681our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1682associated activity resets.
1683
1684In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1685but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1686within the callback:
1687
1688 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1689
1690 static void
1691 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1692 {
1693 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1694 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1695
1696 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1697 if (timeout < now)
1698 {
1699 // timeout occured, take action
1700 }
1701 else
1702 {
1703 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1704 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1705 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1706 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1707 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1708 }
1709 }
1710
1711To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1712as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1713been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1714the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1715re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1716a timeout then.
1717
1718Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1719C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1720
1721This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1722minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1723libev to change the timeout.
1724
1725To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1726to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1727callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1728
1729 ev_init (timer, callback);
1730 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1731 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1732
1733And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1734C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1735
1736 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1737
1738This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1739time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1740
1741Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1742callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1743fix things for you.
1744
1745=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1746
1747If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1748employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1749do even better:
1750
1751When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1752at the I<end> of the list.
1753
1754Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1755the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1756
1757When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1758the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1759update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1760
1761This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1762starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1763complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1764ensures that the list stays sorted.
1765
1766=back
1767
1768So which method the best?
1769
1770Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1771situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1772better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1773one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1774
1775Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1776rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1777off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1778overkill :)
1284 1779
1285=head3 The special problem of time updates 1780=head3 The special problem of time updates
1286 1781
1287Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1782Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1288least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1783least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1300 1795
1301If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1796If 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 1797update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1303()>. 1798()>.
1304 1799
1800=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1801
1802When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1803can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1804
1805Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1806all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1807to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1808system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1809was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1810towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1811clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1812long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1813be adjusted accordingly.
1814
1815I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1816operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1817
1818The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1819time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1820is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1821then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1822will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1823use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1824
1825It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1826and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1827deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1828C<SIGSTOP>).
1829
1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1830=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1306 1831
1307=over 4 1832=over 4
1308 1833
1309=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1834=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). 1857If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1333 1858
1334If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1859If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1335C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1860C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1336 1861
1337This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1862This 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 1863usage 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 1864
1347That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> 1865=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1348altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1349 1866
1350 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1867Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1351 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1868then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1352 ... 1869the 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 1870
1359This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1871That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1360you want to modify its timeout value. 1872C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1361 1873will 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 1874roughly 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 1875too), 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 1876
1368=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1877=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1369 1878
1370The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1879The 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), 1880or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1376=head3 Examples 1885=head3 Examples
1377 1886
1378Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1887Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1379 1888
1380 static void 1889 static void
1381 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1890 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1382 { 1891 {
1383 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1892 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1384 } 1893 }
1385 1894
1386 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1895 ev_timer mytimer;
1387 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1896 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1388 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1897 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1389 1898
1390Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1899Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1391inactivity. 1900inactivity.
1392 1901
1393 static void 1902 static void
1394 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1903 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1395 { 1904 {
1396 .. ten seconds without any activity 1905 .. ten seconds without any activity
1397 } 1906 }
1398 1907
1399 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1908 ev_timer mytimer;
1400 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1909 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1401 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1910 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1402 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1911 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1403 1912
1404 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1913 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1409=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1918=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1410 1919
1411Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1920Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1412(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1921(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1413 1922
1414Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1923Unlike 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 1924relative 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 1925(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 () 1926difference 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 1927time, 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 1928wrist-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 1929
1930You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1931in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1932seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1933not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1934year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1935C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1936it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1937
1423C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1938C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1424such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1939timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1425complicated rules. 1940other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1941those cannot react to time jumps.
1426 1942
1427As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 1943As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1428time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1944point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1429during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 1945timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1946earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1947(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1430 1948
1431=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1949=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1432 1950
1433=over 4 1951=over 4
1434 1952
1435=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1953=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1436 1954
1437=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1955=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1438 1956
1439Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1957Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1440operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 1958operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1441 1959
1442=over 4 1960=over 4
1443 1961
1444=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1962=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1445 1963
1446In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 1964In 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 1965time 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 1966time 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. 1967will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1968this point in time.
1450 1969
1451=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1970=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1452 1971
1453In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1972In 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) 1973C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1455and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1974negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1975argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1456 1976
1457This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 1977This 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 1978system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1459hour, on the hour: 1979hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1460 1980
1461 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1981 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1462 1982
1463This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1983This 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 1984but 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 1985full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1466by 3600. 1986by 3600.
1467 1987
1468Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1988Another 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 1989C<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. 1990time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1471 1991
1472For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1992For 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 1993C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1474this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1994this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1475 1995
1476Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 1996Note 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 1997speed 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 1998will 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). 1999millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1480 2000
1481=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2001=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1482 2002
1483In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2003In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1484ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2004ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1485reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2005reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1486current time as second argument. 2006current time as second argument.
1487 2007
1488NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2008NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1489ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2009or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2010allowed by documentation here>.
1490 2011
1491If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2012If 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 2013it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1493only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2014only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1494 2015
1495The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 2016The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1496*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 2017*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1497 2018
2019 static ev_tstamp
1498 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2020 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1499 { 2021 {
1500 return now + 60.; 2022 return now + 60.;
1501 } 2023 }
1502 2024
1503It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 2025It 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 2045a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1524program when the crontabs have changed). 2046program when the crontabs have changed).
1525 2047
1526=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2048=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1527 2049
1528When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2050When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1529trigger next. 2051to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2052C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2053rescheduling modes.
1530 2054
1531=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2055=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1532 2056
1533When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2057When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1534absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2058absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2059although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1535 2060
1536Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2061Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1537timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2062timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1538 2063
1539=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2064=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1540 2065
1541The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 2066The 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 2067take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1543called. 2068called.
1544 2069
1545=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 2070=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1546 2071
1547The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 2072The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1548switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 2073switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1549the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2074the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1550 2075
1555Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2080Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1556system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2081system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1557potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2082potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1558 2083
1559 static void 2084 static void
1560 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 2085 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1561 { 2086 {
1562 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2087 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1563 } 2088 }
1564 2089
1565 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2090 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1566 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 2091 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1567 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2092 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1568 2093
1569Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 2094Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1570 2095
1571 #include <math.h> 2096 #include <math.h>
1572 2097
1573 static ev_tstamp 2098 static ev_tstamp
1574 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2099 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1575 { 2100 {
1576 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 2101 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1577 } 2102 }
1578 2103
1579 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 2104 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1580 2105
1581Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 2106Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1582 2107
1583 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2108 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1584 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2109 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1585 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2110 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1586 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2111 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1587 2112
1588 2113
1591Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2116Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1592signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2117signal 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 2118will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1594normal event processing, like any other event. 2119normal event processing, like any other event.
1595 2120
1596If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2121If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1597do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2122C<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. 2123the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2124synchronously wake up an event loop.
1599 2125
1600You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2126You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2127only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2128default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2129C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2130the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2131
1601first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2132When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1602with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2133with 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 2134you 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 2135
1607If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2136If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1608C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2137C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1609interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2138not 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 2139interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1611them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2140and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2141
2142=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2143
2144Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2145(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2146stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2147and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2148
2149While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2150sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2151C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2152certain signals to be blocked.
2153
2154This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2155the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2156choice usually).
2157
2158The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2159to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2160catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2161
2162In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2163unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2164the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2165I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2166
2167So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2168you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2169is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1612 2170
1613=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2171=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1614 2172
1615=over 4 2173=over 4
1616 2174
1630=head3 Examples 2188=head3 Examples
1631 2189
1632Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2190Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1633 2191
1634 static void 2192 static void
1635 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2193 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1636 { 2194 {
1637 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2195 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1638 } 2196 }
1639 2197
1640 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2198 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1641 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2199 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1642 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2200 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1643 2201
1644 2202
1645=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2203=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1648some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2206some 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 2207exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1650has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2208has 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., 2209as 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, 2210forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1653but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2211but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1654not. 2212in the next callback invocation is not.
1655 2213
1656Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2214Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1657you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2215you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1658 2216
2217Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2218handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2219libev)
2220
1659=head3 Process Interaction 2221=head3 Process Interaction
1660 2222
1661Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2223Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1662initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2224initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1663the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2225first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1664of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2226of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1665synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2227synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1666children, even ones not watched. 2228children, even ones not watched.
1667 2229
1668=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2230=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1678=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2240=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1679 2241
1680Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2242Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1681child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2243child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1682callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2244callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1683when a child exit is detected. 2245when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2246problem).
1684 2247
1685=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2248=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1686 2249
1687=over 4 2250=over 4
1688 2251
1720its completion. 2283its completion.
1721 2284
1722 ev_child cw; 2285 ev_child cw;
1723 2286
1724 static void 2287 static void
1725 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 2288 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1726 { 2289 {
1727 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 2290 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1728 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 2291 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1729 } 2292 }
1730 2293
1745 2308
1746 2309
1747=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2310=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1748 2311
1749This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2312This 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 2313C<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. 2314and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2315it did.
1752 2316
1753The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2317The 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 2318not 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 2319exist" (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 2320C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1757the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2321least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2322contents.
1758 2323
1759The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2324The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2325C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1760relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2326your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1761 2327
1762Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable 2328Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1763implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if 2329portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1764it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for 2330to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1765this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) 2331interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1766then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which 2332recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1767you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change 2333(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1768dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently 2334change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1769around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill. 2335currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1770 2336
1771This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2337This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1772as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2338as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1773resource-intensive. 2339resource-intensive.
1774 2340
1775At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented 2341At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1776is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as 2342is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1777an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way 2343exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1778of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue). 2344implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1779 2345
1780=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 2346=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1781 2347
1782Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 2348Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1783compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 2349compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1784support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 2350support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1785structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 2351structure. 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 2352use 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 2353compile 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 2354obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1789most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 2355most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1790 2356
1791The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 2357The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1792file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 2358file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1793optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 2359optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1794to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 2360to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1795default compilation environment. 2361default compilation environment.
1796 2362
1797=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 2363=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1798 2364
1799When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2365When 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 2366runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1801change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2367inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1802when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2368watcher is being started.
1803 2369
1804Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2370Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1805except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2371except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1806making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 2372making 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, 2373there 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. 2374but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2375many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2376a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2377xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1809 2378
1810There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2379There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1811implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2380implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1812descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 2381descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1813etc. is difficult. 2382etc. is difficult.
1814 2383
2384=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2385
2386Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2387the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2388()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2389
2390For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2391busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2392as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2393watcher).
2394
2395For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2396time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2397often takes multiple milliseconds.
2398
2399Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2400paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
2401
1815=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2402=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1816 2403
1817The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2404The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1818even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still 2405and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1819only support whole seconds. 2406still only support whole seconds.
1820 2407
1821That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2408That 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 2409easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1823calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2410calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1824within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the 2411within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1967 2554
1968=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1969 2556
1970=over 4 2557=over 4
1971 2558
1972=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2559=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1973 2560
1974Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2561Initialises 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, 2562kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1976believe me. 2563believe me.
1977 2564
1981 2568
1982Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2569Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1983callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2570callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1984 2571
1985 static void 2572 static void
1986 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2573 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1987 { 2574 {
1988 free (w); 2575 free (w);
1989 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2576 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1990 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2577 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1991 } 2578 }
1992 2579
1993 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2580 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1994 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2581 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1995 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2582 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1996 2583
1997 2584
1998=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2585=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1999 2586
2000Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2587Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2079 2666
2080 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2667 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2081 static ev_timer tw; 2668 static ev_timer tw;
2082 2669
2083 static void 2670 static void
2084 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2671 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2085 { 2672 {
2086 } 2673 }
2087 2674
2088 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2675 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2089 static void 2676 static void
2090 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2677 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2091 { 2678 {
2092 int timeout = 3600000; 2679 int timeout = 3600000;
2093 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2680 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2094 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2681 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2095 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2682 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2096 2683
2097 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2684 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2098 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2685 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2099 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2686 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2100 2687
2101 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2688 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2102 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2689 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2103 { 2690 {
2110 } 2697 }
2111 } 2698 }
2112 2699
2113 // stop all watchers after blocking 2700 // stop all watchers after blocking
2114 static void 2701 static void
2115 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2702 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2116 { 2703 {
2117 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2704 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2118 2705
2119 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2706 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2120 { 2707 {
2216some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 2803some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2217and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 2804and 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 2805this 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. 2806the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2220 2807
2221As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2808As 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 2809time 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 2810must 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 2811sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2225loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2812C<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 2813to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2227embedded loop sweep.
2228 2814
2229As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2815You 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 2816will 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 2817
2234Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2818Fork 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, 2819is 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 2820embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2237yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 2821C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2238and future versions of libev might do just that.
2239 2822
2240Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 2823Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2241C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2824C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2242portable one. 2825portable one.
2243 2826
2288C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2871C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2289used). 2872used).
2290 2873
2291 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2874 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2292 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2875 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2293 struct ev_embed embed; 2876 ev_embed embed;
2294 2877
2295 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2878 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2296 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2879 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2297 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2880 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2298 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2881 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2312kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2895kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2313C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2896C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2314 2897
2315 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2898 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2316 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2899 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2317 struct ev_embed embed; 2900 ev_embed embed;
2318 2901
2319 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2902 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2320 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2903 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2321 { 2904 {
2322 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2905 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2337event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2920event 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 2921and 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 2922C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2340handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2923handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2341 2924
2925=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2926
2927Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2928up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2929sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2930
2931This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2932in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2933fork.
2934
2935The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2936forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2937when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2938
2939When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2940wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2941supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2942process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2943
2944The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2945simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2946use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2947memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2948disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2949signal watchers).
2950
2951When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2952other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2953C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2954the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2955have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2956also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2957
2342=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2958=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2343 2959
2344=over 4 2960=over 4
2345 2961
2346=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2962=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
2375=head3 Queueing 2991=head3 Queueing
2376 2992
2377C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 2993C<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 2994is 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 2995multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2380need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2996need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
2997semantics.
2381 2998
2382That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2999That 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 3000queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2384queue: 3001queue:
2385 3002
2463=over 4 3080=over 4
2464 3081
2465=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 3082=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2466 3083
2467Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 3084Initialises 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, 3085kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2469trust me. 3086trust me.
2470 3087
2471=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3088=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2472 3089
2473Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3090Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2474an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3091an 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 3092C<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 3093similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2477section below on what exactly this means). 3094section below on what exactly this means).
2478 3095
3096Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3097compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3098is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3099reset when the event loop detects that).
3100
2479This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3101This 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 3102iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2481calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3103repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2482 3104
2483=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3105=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2484 3106
2485Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3107Returns 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 3108watcher 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 3111C<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, 3112the 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 3113it 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. 3114quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2493 3115
2494Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3116Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2495whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3117only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3118is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3119notification, and the callback being invoked.
2496 3120
2497=back 3121=back
2498 3122
2499 3123
2500=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3124=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2536 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3160 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2537 } 3161 }
2538 3162
2539 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3163 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2540 3164
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) 3165=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2548 3166
2549Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3167Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2550the given events it. 3168the given events it.
2551 3169
2552=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3170=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2553 3171
2554Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3172Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2555loop!). 3173loop!).
2556 3174
2557=back 3175=back
2637 3255
2638=over 4 3256=over 4
2639 3257
2640=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3258=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2641 3259
2642=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3260=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2643 3261
2644=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3262=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2645 3263
2646The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3264The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2647with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3265with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2679 3297
2680 myclass obj; 3298 myclass obj;
2681 ev::io iow; 3299 ev::io iow;
2682 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3300 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2683 3301
3302=item w->set (object *)
3303
3304This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3305
3306This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3307will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3308functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3309the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3310list.
3311
3312The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3313int revents)>.
3314
3315See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3316
3317Example: use a functor object as callback.
3318
3319 struct myfunctor
3320 {
3321 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3322 {
3323 ...
3324 }
3325 }
3326
3327 myfunctor f;
3328
3329 ev::io w;
3330 w.set (&f);
3331
2684=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3332=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2685 3333
2686Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3334Also 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 3335callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2688C<data> member and is free for you to use. 3336C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2694Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3342Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2695 3343
2696 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3344 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2697 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3345 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2698 3346
2699=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3347=item w->set (loop)
2700 3348
2701Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3349Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2702do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3350do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2703 3351
2704=item w->set ([arguments]) 3352=item w->set ([arguments])
2774L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3422L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2775 3423
2776=item Python 3424=item Python
2777 3425
2778Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3426Python 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 3427seems 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 3428
2785=item Ruby 3429=item Ruby
2786 3430
2787Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3431Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2788of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3432of 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 3433more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2790L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3434L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2791 3435
3436Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3437makes rev work even on mingw.
3438
3439=item Haskell
3440
3441A haskell binding to libev is available at
3442L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3443
2792=item D 3444=item D
2793 3445
2794Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3446Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2795be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3447be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3448
3449=item Ocaml
3450
3451Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3452L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3453
3454=item Lua
3455
3456Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3457time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3458L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
2796 3459
2797=back 3460=back
2798 3461
2799 3462
2800=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3463=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2901 3564
2902 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3565 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2903 #include "ev.h" 3566 #include "ev.h"
2904 3567
2905Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3568Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2906compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3569compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2907as a bug). 3570as a bug).
2908 3571
2909You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3572You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2910in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3573in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2911 3574
2954 libev.m4 3617 libev.m4
2955 3618
2956=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3619=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2957 3620
2958Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3621Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2959define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3622define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
2960autoconf is documented for every option. 3623the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3624
3625Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3626values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3627to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breakign compatibility
3628to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3629users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3630settings.
2961 3631
2962=over 4 3632=over 4
2963 3633
2964=item EV_STANDALONE 3634=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
2965 3635
2966Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3636Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2967keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3637keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2968implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3638implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2969supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3639supported). 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. 3640F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2971 3641
3642In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3643configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3644
2972=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3645=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2973 3646
2974If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3647If 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 3648monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2976of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3649use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2977usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3650you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2978the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3651when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2979to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3652to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2980function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3653function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2981 3654
2982=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3655=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2983 3656
2984If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3657If 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 3658real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2986runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3659at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2987be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3660option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2988(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3661by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2989note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3662correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3663C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3664C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3665
3666=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3667
3668If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3669of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3670exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3671unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3672programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3673theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3674the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3675higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2990 3676
2991=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3677=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2992 3678
2993If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3679If 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 ()>. 3680and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
3010 3696
3011=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3697=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
3012 3698
3013If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3699If 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 3700structure. 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 3701C<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 3702on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3017low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3703some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3018allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3704only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3019influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3705configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3020 3706
3021=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3707=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3022 3708
3023When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3709When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3024select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3710select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3026be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3712be 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, 3713C<_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 3714it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3029on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3715on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3030 3716
3031=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3717=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3032 3718
3033If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3719If 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 3720file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3035default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3721default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3036correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3722correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3037in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3723in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3724
3725=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3726
3727If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3728using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3729their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3730to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3731
3732=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3733
3734If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3735macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3736file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3737the underlying OS handle.
3038 3738
3039=item EV_USE_POLL 3739=item EV_USE_POLL
3040 3740
3041If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3741If 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 3742backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3089as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3789as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3090 3790
3091In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3791In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3092(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3792(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3093 3793
3094=item EV_H 3794=item EV_H (h)
3095 3795
3096The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3796The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3097undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3797undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3098used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3798used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3099 3799
3100=item EV_CONFIG_H 3800=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3101 3801
3102If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3802If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3103F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3803F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3104C<EV_H>, above. 3804C<EV_H>, above.
3105 3805
3106=item EV_EVENT_H 3806=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3107 3807
3108Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3808Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3109of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 3809of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3110 3810
3111=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3811=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3112 3812
3113If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3813If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3114prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3814prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3115occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 3815occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3116around libev functions. 3816around libev functions.
3174defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3874defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3175 3875
3176=item EV_MINIMAL 3876=item EV_MINIMAL
3177 3877
3178If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3878If 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 3879speed (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 3880is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size
3181much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3881on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over
3882the default 4-heap.
3883
3884You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need
3885and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert>
3886(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot.
3887
3888Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to
3889provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts
3890of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes
3891over time.
3892
3893=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3894
3895If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3896functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize
3897somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
3898libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3899big.
3900
3901Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3902enabled.
3903
3904=item EV_NSIG
3905
3906The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3907signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3908automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3909specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3910good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev
3911statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3182 3912
3183=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3913=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3184 3914
3185C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3915C<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 3916pid. 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 4102default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3373watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4103watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3374 4104
3375=back 4105=back
3376 4106
4107=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4108
4109Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4110thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4111created/added/removed.
4112
4113For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4114which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4115languages).
4116
4117The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4118variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4119event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4120
4121First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4122
4123 typedef struct {
4124 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4125 ev_async async_w;
4126 thread_t tid;
4127 cond_t invoke_cv;
4128 } userdata;
4129
4130 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4131 {
4132 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4133 static userdata u;
4134
4135 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4136 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4137
4138 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4139 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4140
4141 // now associate this with the loop
4142 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4143 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4144 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4145
4146 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4147 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4148 }
4149
4150The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4151solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4152that might have been added:
4153
4154 static void
4155 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4156 {
4157 // just used for the side effects
4158 }
4159
4160The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4161protecting the loop data, respectively.
4162
4163 static void
4164 l_release (EV_P)
4165 {
4166 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4167 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4168 }
4169
4170 static void
4171 l_acquire (EV_P)
4172 {
4173 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4174 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4175 }
4176
4177The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4178into C<ev_loop>:
4179
4180 void *
4181 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4182 {
4183 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4184
4185 l_acquire (EV_A);
4186 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4187 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4188 l_release (EV_A);
4189
4190 return 0;
4191 }
4192
4193Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4194signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4195writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4196have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4197and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4198watchers is very beneficial):
4199
4200 static void
4201 l_invoke (EV_P)
4202 {
4203 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4204
4205 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4206 {
4207 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4208 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4209 }
4210 }
4211
4212Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4213will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4214thread to continue:
4215
4216 static void
4217 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4218 {
4219 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4220
4221 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4222 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4223 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4224 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4225 }
4226
4227Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4228event loop, you will now have to lock:
4229
4230 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4231 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4232
4233 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4234
4235 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4236 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4237 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4238 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4239
4240Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4241an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4242about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4243watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4244
3377=head3 COROUTINES 4245=head3 COROUTINES
3378 4246
3379Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4247Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3380libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4248libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3381coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4249coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3382different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4250different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3383loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4251the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3384you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4252that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3385 4253
3386Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4254Care 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 4255C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3388they do not clal any callbacks. 4256they do not call any callbacks.
3389 4257
3390=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4258=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3391 4259
3392Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4260Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3393lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 4261lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3427 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4295 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3428 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4296 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3429 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks. 4297 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3430 4298
3431Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables 4299Then 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. 4300is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3433 4301
3434Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs 4302Similarly, 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, 4303as 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 4304although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3437confused. 4305confused.
3466way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4334way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3467 4335
3468There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4336There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3469embedding it into other applications. 4337embedding it into other applications.
3470 4338
4339Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4340tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
4341
3471Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4342Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3472accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4343accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3473either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4344either 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 4345so 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 4346megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3479the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4350the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3480is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4351is 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 4352more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3482different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4353different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3483notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4354notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3484(Microsoft monopoly games). 4355(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3485 4356
3486A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4357A 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 4358section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3488of F<ev.h>: 4359of F<ev.h>:
3489 4360
3525 4396
3526Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4397Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3527of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4398of 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 4399can 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 4400recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3530previous thread in each. Great). 4401previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3531 4402
3532Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4403Newer 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 4404to 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 4405call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3535select emulation on windows). 4406other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3536 4407
3537Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4408Another 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 4409libraries, 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 4410fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3540C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4411by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3541arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4412(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 4413runtime 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 4414(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 4415you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3547calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4416the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3548 4417
3549=back 4418=back
3550 4419
3551=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4420=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3552 4421
3595=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4464=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3596 4465
3597The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4466The 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 4467have 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 4468enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3600implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4469implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing
4470ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least
44712200.
3601 4472
3602=back 4473=back
3603 4474
3604If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4475If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3605 4476
3673involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4544involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3674 4545
3675=back 4546=back
3676 4547
3677 4548
4549=head1 GLOSSARY
4550
4551=over 4
4552
4553=item active
4554
4555A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4556an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4557
4558=item application
4559
4560In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4561
4562=item callback
4563
4564The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4565detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4566received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4567
4568=item callback invocation
4569
4570The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4571
4572=item event
4573
4574A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4575for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4576any other events happening anymore.
4577
4578In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4579C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4580
4581=item event library
4582
4583A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4584
4585=item event loop
4586
4587An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4588into callback invocations.
4589
4590=item event model
4591
4592The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4593watchers and events.
4594
4595=item pending
4596
4597A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4598and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
4599pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4600
4601A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4602its pending status.
4603
4604=item real time
4605
4606The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4607
4608=item wall-clock time
4609
4610The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4611be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4612clock.
4613
4614=item watcher
4615
4616A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4617to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4618
4619=item watcher invocation
4620
4621The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4622
4623=back
4624
3678=head1 AUTHOR 4625=head1 AUTHOR
3679 4626
3680Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4627Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3681 4628

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