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Revision 1.160 by root, Thu May 22 03:06:58 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.196 by root, Tue Oct 21 20:04:14 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The 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 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121 121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING 122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123 123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs). 125and internal errors (bugs).
126 126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example 127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a syscall indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback 128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or 129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort 130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>. 131()>.
132 132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then 133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
155 155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157 157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
161 161
162=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
163 163
164=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
165 165
178not a problem. 178not a problem.
179 179
180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
181version. 181version.
182 182
183 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
186 186
187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
188 188
189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
192a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
193 193
194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
196 196
197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
199 199
200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
201 201
202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
205most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
208 208
209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
210 210
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
215recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
216 216
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 218
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 220
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
250 } 250 }
251 251
252 ... 252 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 254
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
256 256
257Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
263(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
264 264
265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300 300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
307 307
308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
318thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
319 319
320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
321 321
322If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
327around bugs. 327around bugs.
334 334
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
339without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
341 341
342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
344flag. 344flag.
345 345
346This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable. 347environment variable.
348 348
349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
350 350
351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356 356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363
364This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
365C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
366C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
363 367
364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 368=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
365 369
366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
368limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
369considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
370i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
371performance tips. 375performance tips.
372 376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379
373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
374 381
375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
380cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
381support for dup. 388support for dup.
382 389
383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
384will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
387very well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
388 395
389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
391(or space) is available. 398(or space) is available.
392 399
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead.
396 405
397While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far. 407all kernel versions tested so far.
399 408
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411
400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
401 413
402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
408system like NetBSD.
409 420
410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
411only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
413 424
414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
417cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
420 431
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 432This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422 433
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
425almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
426(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
427(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
428sockets. 439using it only for sockets.
440
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>.
429 444
430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 445=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
431 446
432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 447This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 448implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
438 453
439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 454This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 455it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
441 456
442Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 457Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 458notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
444blocking when no data (or space) is available. 459blocking when no data (or space) is available.
445 460
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 461While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 462file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 463descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better. 464might perform better.
450 465
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this 466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends.
470
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
454 473
455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
456 475
457Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 476Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 477with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
460 479
461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
462 481
463=back 482=back
464 483
465If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 484If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 485backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
468 487
469The most typical usage is like this: 488Example: This is the most typical usage.
470 489
471 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 490 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
473 492
474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 493Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
475environment settings to be taken into account: 494environment settings to be taken into account:
476 495
477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 496 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 497
479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 498Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 499used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 500private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
501fds):
482 502
483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 503 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
484 504
485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 505=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
486 506
487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 507Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 508always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 513libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 514default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495 515
496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 516Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
497 517
498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 518 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
499 if (!epoller) 519 if (!epoller)
500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 520 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
501 521
502=item ev_default_destroy () 522=item ev_default_destroy ()
503 523
504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 524Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 525etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 526sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
510for example). 530for example).
511 531
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
544 564
545=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 565=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
546 566
547Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 567Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
548C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 568C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 569after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
570entirely your own problem.
550 571
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 572=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552 573
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 574Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
575otherwise.
554 576
555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 577=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
556 578
557Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 579Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 580the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 595received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
574change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 596change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 597time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 598event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
577 599
600=item ev_now_update (loop)
601
602Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
603returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
604is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
605
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
607very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea.
609
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
611
578=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
579 613
580Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
581after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
582events. 616events.
584If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
585either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 619either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
586 620
587Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
588relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 622relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
589finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 623finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
590automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 624that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
591relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 625of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
626beauty.
592 627
593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 628A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 629those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 630process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
631the loop.
596 632
597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
598neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop.
639
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 642own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
603usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 643usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
604 644
605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 645Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
606 646
607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 647 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 648 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
609 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 649 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 650 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
611 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 651 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
652 as to not disturb the other process.
612 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 653 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
613 - Update the "event loop time". 654 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
614 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 655 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
615 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 656 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
616 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 657 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
617 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 658 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
618 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 659 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
619 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 660 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
620 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
621 - Queue all outstanding timers. 662 - Queue all expired timers.
622 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 663 - Queue all expired periodics.
623 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 664 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
624 - Queue all check watchers. 665 - Queue all check watchers.
625 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 666 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
626 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 667 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
627 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 668 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
628 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 669 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
633anymore. 674anymore.
634 675
635 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 676 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
636 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 677 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
637 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 678 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
638 ... jobs done. yeah! 679 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
639 680
640=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 681=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
641 682
642Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 683Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
643has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 684has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
644C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
645C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
646 687
647This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
648 689
690It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
691
649=item ev_ref (loop) 692=item ev_ref (loop)
650 693
651=item ev_unref (loop) 694=item ev_unref (loop)
652 695
653Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 696Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
654loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 697loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
655count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 698count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
699
656a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 700If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
657returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 701from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
702stopping it.
703
658example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 704As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
659visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 705not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
660no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 706if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
661way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 707way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
662libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 708libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
663(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 709(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
664respectively). 710respectively).
665 711
666Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 712Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
667running when nothing else is active. 713running when nothing else is active.
668 714
669 struct ev_signal exitsig; 715 struct ev_signal exitsig;
670 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 716 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
671 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 717 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
672 evf_unref (loop); 718 evf_unref (loop);
673 719
674Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 720Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
675 721
676 ev_ref (loop); 722 ev_ref (loop);
677 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 723 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
678 724
679=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 725=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
680 726
681=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 727=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
682 728
683These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 729These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
684for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 730for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
685invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 731will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
732latency.
686 733
687Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 734Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
688allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 735allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
689increase efficiency of loop iterations. 736to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
737opportunities).
690 738
691The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 739The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
692handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 740one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
693the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 741program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
694events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 742events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
695overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 743overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
696 744
697By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 745By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
698time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 746time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
700C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 748C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
701introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 749introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
702 750
703Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 751Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
704to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 752to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
705latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 753latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
706will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 754later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
707any overhead in libev. 755value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
708 756
709Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 757Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
710interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 758interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
711interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 759interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
712usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 760usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
713as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 761as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
762
763Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
764saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
765are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
766times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
767reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
768they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
714 769
715=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 770=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
716 771
717This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 772This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
718compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks 773compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
719them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print 774through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
720an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>. 775is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
776error and call C<abort ()>.
721 777
722This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 778This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
723circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its 779circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
724data structures consistent. 780data structures consistent.
725 781
730 786
731A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 787A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
732interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 788interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
733become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 789become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
734 790
735 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 791 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
736 { 792 {
737 ev_io_stop (w); 793 ev_io_stop (w);
738 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 794 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
739 } 795 }
740 796
741 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 797 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
742 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 798 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
743 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 799 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
744 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 800 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
745 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 801 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
746 ev_loop (loop, 0); 802 ev_loop (loop, 0);
747 803
748As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 804As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
749watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 805watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
750although this can sometimes be quite valid). 806although this can sometimes be quite valid).
751 807
752Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 808Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
753(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 809(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
754callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 810callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
755watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 811watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
756is readable and/or writable). 812is readable and/or writable).
757 813
758Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 814Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
759with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 815with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
835 891
836The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 892The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
837 893
838=item C<EV_ERROR> 894=item C<EV_ERROR>
839 895
840An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 896An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
841happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 897happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
842ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 898ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
843problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 899problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
844with the watcher being stopped. 900with the watcher being stopped.
845 901
846Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 902Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
847for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 903example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
848your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 904callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
849with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 905the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
850programs, though, so beware. 906programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
907thing, so beware.
851 908
852=back 909=back
853 910
854=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 911=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
855 912
871(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 928(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
872 929
873The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 930The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
874int revents)>. 931int revents)>.
875 932
933Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
934
935 ev_io w;
936 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
937 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
938
876=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 939=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
877 940
878This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 941This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
879call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 942call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
880call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 943call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
882difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 945difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
883 946
884Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 947Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
885(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 948(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
886 949
950See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
951
887=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 952=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
888 953
889This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 954This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
890calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 955calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
891a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 956a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
957
958Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
959
960 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
892 961
893=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 962=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
894 963
895Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 964Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
896events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 965events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
897 966
967Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
968whole section.
969
970 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
971
898=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 972=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
899 973
900Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 974Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
975the watcher was active or not).
976
901status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 977It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
902non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 978non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
903C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 979calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
904you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 980pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
905good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 981therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
906 982
907=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 983=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
908 984
909Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 985Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
910and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 986and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
958 1034
959=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1035=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
960 1036
961Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1037Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
962C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1038C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
963can deal with that fact. 1039can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1040callback.
964 1041
965=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1042=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
966 1043
967If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1044If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
968and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1045returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
969watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1046watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
970 1047
1048Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1049callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1050
971=back 1051=back
972 1052
973 1053
974=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1054=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
975 1055
976Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1056Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
977and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1057and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
978to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1058to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
979don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1059don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
980member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1060member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
981data: 1061data:
982 1062
983 struct my_io 1063 struct my_io
984 { 1064 {
985 struct ev_io io; 1065 struct ev_io io;
986 int otherfd; 1066 int otherfd;
987 void *somedata; 1067 void *somedata;
988 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1068 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
989 } 1069 };
1070
1071 ...
1072 struct my_io w;
1073 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
990 1074
991And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1075And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
992can cast it back to your own type: 1076can cast it back to your own type:
993 1077
994 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1078 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
995 { 1079 {
996 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1080 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
997 ... 1081 ...
998 } 1082 }
999 1083
1000More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1084More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1001instead have been omitted. 1085instead have been omitted.
1002 1086
1003Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1087Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1004watchers: 1088embedded watchers:
1005 1089
1006 struct my_biggy 1090 struct my_biggy
1007 { 1091 {
1008 int some_data; 1092 int some_data;
1009 ev_timer t1; 1093 ev_timer t1;
1010 ev_timer t2; 1094 ev_timer t2;
1011 } 1095 }
1012 1096
1013In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1097In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1014you need to use C<offsetof>: 1098complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1099in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1100some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1101programmers):
1015 1102
1016 #include <stddef.h> 1103 #include <stddef.h>
1017 1104
1018 static void 1105 static void
1019 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1106 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1020 { 1107 {
1021 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1108 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1022 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1109 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1023 } 1110 }
1024 1111
1025 static void 1112 static void
1026 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1113 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1027 { 1114 {
1028 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1115 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1029 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1116 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1030 } 1117 }
1031 1118
1032 1119
1033=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1120=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1034 1121
1035This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1122This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1059In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1146In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1060fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1147fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1061descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1148descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1062required if you know what you are doing). 1149required if you know what you are doing).
1063 1150
1064If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1151If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1065(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1152known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1066C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1153C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1067 1154
1068Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1155Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1069receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1156receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1070be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1157be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1071because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1158because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1072lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1159lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1073this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1160this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1074it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1161it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1075C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1162C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1076 1163
1077If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1164If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1078play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1165not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1079whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1166re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1080such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1167interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1081its own, so its quite safe to use). 1168does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1169use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1170indefinitely.
1171
1172But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1082 1173
1083=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1174=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1084 1175
1085Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1176Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1086descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1177descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1087such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1178such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1088descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1179descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1089this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1180this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1090registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1181registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1091fact, a different file descriptor. 1182fact, a different file descriptor.
1092 1183
1123enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1214enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1124C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1215C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1125 1216
1126=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1217=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1127 1218
1128While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1219While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1129when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1220when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1130gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1221sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1131programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1222this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1132undesirable.
1133 1223
1134So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1224So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1135ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1225ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1136somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1226somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1137 1227
1143=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1233=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1144 1234
1145=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1235=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1146 1236
1147Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1237Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1148rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1238receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1149C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1239C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1150 1240
1151=item int fd [read-only] 1241=item int fd [read-only]
1152 1242
1153The file descriptor being watched. 1243The file descriptor being watched.
1154 1244
1162 1252
1163Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1253Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1164readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1254readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1165attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1255attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1166 1256
1167 static void 1257 static void
1168 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1258 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1169 { 1259 {
1170 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1260 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1171 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1261 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1172 } 1262 }
1173 1263
1174 ... 1264 ...
1175 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1265 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1176 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1266 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1177 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1267 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1178 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1268 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1179 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1269 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1180 1270
1181 1271
1182=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1272=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1183 1273
1184Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1274Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1185given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1275given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1186 1276
1187The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1277The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1188times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to january last 1278times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1189year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1279year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1190detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1280detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1191monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1281monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1282
1283The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1284passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1285then order of execution is undefined.
1286
1287=head3 The special problem of time updates
1288
1289Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1290least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1291time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1292growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1293lots of events in one iteration.
1192 1294
1193The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1295The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1194time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1296time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1195of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1297of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1196you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1298you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1197on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1299timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1198 1300
1199 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1301 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1200 1302
1201The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1303If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1202but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1304update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1203order of execution is undefined. 1305()>.
1204 1306
1205=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1307=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1206 1308
1207=over 4 1309=over 4
1208 1310
1227This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1329This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1228repeating. The exact semantics are: 1330repeating. The exact semantics are:
1229 1331
1230If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1332If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1231 1333
1232If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1334If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1233 1335
1234If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1336If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1235C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1337C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1236 1338
1237This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1339This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1238example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1340example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1239timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1341timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1240seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1342seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1241configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1343configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1242C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1344C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1243you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1345you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1257 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1359 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1258 1360
1259This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1361This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1260you want to modify its timeout value. 1362you want to modify its timeout value.
1261 1363
1364Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1365time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1366callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1367some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1368timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1369
1262=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1370=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1263 1371
1264The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1372The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1265or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1373or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1266which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1374which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1267 1375
1268=back 1376=back
1269 1377
1270=head3 Examples 1378=head3 Examples
1271 1379
1272Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1380Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1273 1381
1274 static void 1382 static void
1275 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1383 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1276 { 1384 {
1277 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1385 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1278 } 1386 }
1279 1387
1280 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1388 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1281 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1389 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1282 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1390 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1283 1391
1284Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1392Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1285inactivity. 1393inactivity.
1286 1394
1287 static void 1395 static void
1288 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1396 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1289 { 1397 {
1290 .. ten seconds without any activity 1398 .. ten seconds without any activity
1291 } 1399 }
1292 1400
1293 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1401 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1294 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1402 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1295 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1403 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1296 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1404 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1297 1405
1298 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1406 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1299 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1407 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1300 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1408 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1301 1409
1302 1410
1303=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1411=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1304 1412
1305Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1413Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1306(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1414(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1307 1415
1308Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1416Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1309but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1417but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1310to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1418to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1311periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1419periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1312+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 1420+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1313clock to january of the previous year, then it will take more than year 1421clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1314to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger 1422to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1315roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1423roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1316 1424
1317C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1425C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1318such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1426such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1319complicated, rules. 1427complicated rules.
1320 1428
1321As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1429As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1322time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1430time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1323during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1431during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1324 1432
1325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1433=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1326 1434
1327=over 4 1435=over 4
1328 1436
1329=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1437=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1330 1438
1331=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1439=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1332 1440
1333Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1441Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1334operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1442operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1335 1443
1336=over 4 1444=over 4
1337 1445
1338=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1446=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1339 1447
1340In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wallclock 1448In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1341time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time 1449time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1342jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1450jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1343run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1451only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1344 1452
1345=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1453=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1346 1454
1347In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1455In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1348C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1456C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1349and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1457and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1350 1458
1351This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1459This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1352time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on 1460system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1353the hour: 1461hour, on the hour:
1354 1462
1355 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1463 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1356 1464
1357This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1465This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1358but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1466but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1359full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1467full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1360by 3600. 1468by 3600.
1361 1469
1362Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1470Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1363C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1471C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1365 1473
1366For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1474For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1367C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1475C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1368this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1476this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1369 1477
1370Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (cpu 1478Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1371speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 1479speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1372will of course detoriate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 1480will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1373millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 1481millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1374 1482
1375=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1483=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1376 1484
1377In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1485In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1445=back 1553=back
1446 1554
1447=head3 Examples 1555=head3 Examples
1448 1556
1449Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1557Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1450system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1558system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1451potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1559potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1452 1560
1453 static void 1561 static void
1454 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1562 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1455 { 1563 {
1456 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1564 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1457 } 1565 }
1458 1566
1459 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1567 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1460 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1568 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1461 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1569 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1462 1570
1463Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1571Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1464 1572
1465 #include <math.h> 1573 #include <math.h>
1466 1574
1467 static ev_tstamp 1575 static ev_tstamp
1468 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1576 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1469 { 1577 {
1470 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1578 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1471 } 1579 }
1472 1580
1473 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1581 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1474 1582
1475Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1583Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1476 1584
1477 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1585 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1478 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1586 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1479 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1587 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1480 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1588 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1481 1589
1482 1590
1483=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1591=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1484 1592
1485Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1593Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1486signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1594signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1487will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1595will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1488normal event processing, like any other event. 1596normal event processing, like any other event.
1489 1597
1598If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1599do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1600C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1601
1490You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1602You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1491first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1603first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1492with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1604with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1493as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1605you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1494watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1606the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1495SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1607signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1496 1608
1497If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1609If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1498C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1610C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1499interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1611interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1500signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1612signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1501them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1613them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1502 1614
1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1615=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1504 1616
1517 1629
1518=back 1630=back
1519 1631
1520=head3 Examples 1632=head3 Examples
1521 1633
1522Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1634Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1523 1635
1524 static void 1636 static void
1525 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1637 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1526 { 1638 {
1527 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1639 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1528 } 1640 }
1529 1641
1530 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1642 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1531 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1643 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1532 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1644 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1533 1645
1534 1646
1535=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1647=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1536 1648
1537Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1649Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1538some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1650some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1539is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1651exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1540forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1652has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1541loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1653as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1654forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1655but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1656not.
1542 1657
1543Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1658Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1544you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1659you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1545 1660
1546=head3 Process Interaction 1661=head3 Process Interaction
1547 1662
1548Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1663Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1549initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1664initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1550the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1665the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1551of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1666of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1552synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1667synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1553children, even ones not watched. 1668children, even ones not watched.
1554 1669
1555=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1670=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1559handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1674handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1560C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1675C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1561default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1676default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1562event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1677event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1563that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1678that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1679
1680=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1681
1682Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1683child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1684callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1685when a child exit is detected.
1564 1686
1565=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1687=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1566 1688
1567=over 4 1689=over 4
1568 1690
1597=head3 Examples 1719=head3 Examples
1598 1720
1599Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1721Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1600its completion. 1722its completion.
1601 1723
1602 ev_child cw; 1724 ev_child cw;
1603 1725
1604 static void 1726 static void
1605 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1727 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1606 { 1728 {
1607 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1729 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1608 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1730 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1609 } 1731 }
1610 1732
1611 pid_t pid = fork (); 1733 pid_t pid = fork ();
1612 1734
1613 if (pid < 0) 1735 if (pid < 0)
1614 // error 1736 // error
1615 else if (pid == 0) 1737 else if (pid == 0)
1616 { 1738 {
1617 // the forked child executes here 1739 // the forked child executes here
1618 exit (1); 1740 exit (1);
1619 } 1741 }
1620 else 1742 else
1621 { 1743 {
1622 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1744 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1623 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1745 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1624 } 1746 }
1625 1747
1626 1748
1627=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1749=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1628 1750
1629This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1751This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1630C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1752C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1631compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1753compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1632 1754
1633The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1755The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1634not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1756not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1637the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1759the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1638 1760
1639The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1761The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1640relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1762relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1641 1763
1642Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1764Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1643calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1765implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1644can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1766it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1645a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1767this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1646unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1768then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1647five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1769you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1648impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1770dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1649usually overkill. 1771around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1650 1772
1651This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1773This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1652as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1774as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1653resource-intensive. 1775resource-intensive.
1654 1776
1655At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1777At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1656implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1778is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1657reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat 1779an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1658semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should 1780of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1659not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1660sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1661but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1662will be no polling.
1663 1781
1664=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1782=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1665 1783
1666Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1784Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1667compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1785compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1668disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1786support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1669structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1787structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1670use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1788use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1671compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1789compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1672obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1790obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1673most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1791most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1674 1792
1675=head3 Inotify 1793The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1794file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1795optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1796to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1797default compilation environment.
1676 1798
1799=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1800
1677When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1801When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1802only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1678available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1803implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1679change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1804change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1680when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1805lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1681 1806
1682Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1807Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1683except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1808except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1684making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1809making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1685there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1810there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1811but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1686 1812
1687(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1813There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1688implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1814implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1689descriptor open on the object at all times). 1815descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1816etc. is difficult.
1690 1817
1691=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1818=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1692 1819
1693The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1820The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1694even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1821even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1695only support whole seconds. 1822only support whole seconds.
1696 1823
1697That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 1824That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1698easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 1825easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1699calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 1826calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1700within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat 1827within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1701data does not change. 1828stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1702 1829
1703The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more 1830The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1704than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using 1831than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1705a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02); 1832a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1706ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). 1833ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1726C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1853C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1727be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1854be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1728a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1855a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1729path for as long as the watcher is active. 1856path for as long as the watcher is active.
1730 1857
1731The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative 1858The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1732to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change 1859relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1733was detected). 1860last change was detected).
1734 1861
1735=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1862=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1736 1863
1737Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1864Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1738watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid 1865watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1759 1886
1760The specified interval. 1887The specified interval.
1761 1888
1762=item const char *path [read-only] 1889=item const char *path [read-only]
1763 1890
1764The filesystem path that is being watched. 1891The file system path that is being watched.
1765 1892
1766=back 1893=back
1767 1894
1768=head3 Examples 1895=head3 Examples
1769 1896
1770Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1897Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1771 1898
1772 static void 1899 static void
1773 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1900 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1774 { 1901 {
1775 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1902 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1776 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1903 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1777 { 1904 {
1778 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1905 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1779 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1906 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1780 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1907 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1781 } 1908 }
1782 else 1909 else
1783 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1910 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1784 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1911 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1785 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1912 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1786 } 1913 }
1787 1914
1788 ... 1915 ...
1789 ev_stat passwd; 1916 ev_stat passwd;
1790 1917
1791 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1918 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1792 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1919 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1793 1920
1794Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1921Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1795miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1922miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1796one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1923one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1797C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1924C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1798 1925
1799 static ev_stat passwd; 1926 static ev_stat passwd;
1800 static ev_timer timer; 1927 static ev_timer timer;
1801 1928
1802 static void 1929 static void
1803 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1930 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1804 { 1931 {
1805 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1932 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1806 1933
1807 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1934 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1808 } 1935 }
1809 1936
1810 static void 1937 static void
1811 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1938 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1812 { 1939 {
1813 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1940 /* reset the one-second timer */
1814 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1941 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1815 } 1942 }
1816 1943
1817 ... 1944 ...
1818 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1945 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1819 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1946 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1820 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02); 1947 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1821 1948
1822 1949
1823=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1950=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1824 1951
1825Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1952Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1826priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 1953priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1827count). 1954as receiving "events").
1828 1955
1829That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 1956That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1830(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 1957(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1831triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 1958triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1832are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 1959are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1856=head3 Examples 1983=head3 Examples
1857 1984
1858Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1985Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1859callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1986callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1860 1987
1861 static void 1988 static void
1862 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1989 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1863 { 1990 {
1864 free (w); 1991 free (w);
1865 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1992 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1866 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1993 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1867 } 1994 }
1868 1995
1869 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1996 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1870 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1997 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1871 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1998 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1872 1999
1873 2000
1874=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2001=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1875 2002
1876Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2003Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1877prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2004prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1878afterwards. 2005afterwards.
1879 2006
1880You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2007You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1881the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2008the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1884those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2011those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1885C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2012C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1886called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2013called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1887 2014
1888Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2015Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1889their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2016their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1890variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2017variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1891coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2018coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1892you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2019you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1893in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2020in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1894watcher). 2021watcher).
1895 2022
1896This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2023This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1897to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2024need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1898them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2025for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1899provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2026libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1900any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2027you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1901and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2028of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1902callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2029I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1903because you never know, you know?). 2030nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1904 2031
1905As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2032As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1906coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2033coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1907during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2034during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1908are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2035are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1911loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2038loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1912low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2039low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1913 2040
1914It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2041It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1915priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2042priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2043after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2044
1916after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2045Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1917too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2046activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1918supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers 2047might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1919did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2048C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1920(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2049loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1921state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2050C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1922coexist peacefully with others). 2051others).
1923 2052
1924=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2053=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1925 2054
1926=over 4 2055=over 4
1927 2056
1929 2058
1930=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2059=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1931 2060
1932Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2061Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1933parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2062parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1934macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2063macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2064pointless.
1935 2065
1936=back 2066=back
1937 2067
1938=head3 Examples 2068=head3 Examples
1939 2069
1948and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2078and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1949is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2079is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1950priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2080priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1951the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2081the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1952 2082
1953 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2083 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1954 static ev_timer tw; 2084 static ev_timer tw;
1955 2085
1956 static void 2086 static void
1957 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2087 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1958 { 2088 {
1959 } 2089 }
1960 2090
1961 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2091 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1962 static void 2092 static void
1963 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2093 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1964 { 2094 {
1965 int timeout = 3600000; 2095 int timeout = 3600000;
1966 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2096 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1967 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2097 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1968 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2098 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1969 2099
1970 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2100 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1971 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2101 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1972 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2102 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1973 2103
1974 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2104 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1975 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2105 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1976 { 2106 {
1977 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2107 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1978 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2108 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1979 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2109 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1980 2110
1981 fds [i].revents = 0; 2111 fds [i].revents = 0;
1982 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2112 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1983 } 2113 }
1984 } 2114 }
1985 2115
1986 // stop all watchers after blocking 2116 // stop all watchers after blocking
1987 static void 2117 static void
1988 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2118 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1989 { 2119 {
1990 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2120 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1991 2121
1992 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2122 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1993 { 2123 {
1994 // set the relevant poll flags 2124 // set the relevant poll flags
1995 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2125 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1996 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2126 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1997 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2127 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1998 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2128 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1999 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2129 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
2000 2130
2001 // now stop the watcher 2131 // now stop the watcher
2002 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2132 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
2003 } 2133 }
2004 2134
2005 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2135 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
2006 } 2136 }
2007 2137
2008Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2138Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
2009in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2139in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
2010 2140
2011Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2141Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
2012notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2142notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
2013callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2143callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
2014 2144
2015 static void 2145 static void
2016 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2146 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2017 { 2147 {
2018 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2148 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2019 update_now (EV_A); 2149 update_now (EV_A);
2020 2150
2021 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2151 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2022 } 2152 }
2023 2153
2024 static void 2154 static void
2025 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2155 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2026 { 2156 {
2027 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2157 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2028 update_now (EV_A); 2158 update_now (EV_A);
2029 2159
2030 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2160 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2031 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2161 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2032 } 2162 }
2033 2163
2034 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2164 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2035 2165
2036Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2166Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2037want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2167want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
2038their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2168override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
2039loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2169main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
2040this. 2170this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2171libglib event loop.
2041 2172
2042 static gint 2173 static gint
2043 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2174 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2044 { 2175 {
2045 int got_events = 0; 2176 int got_events = 0;
2046 2177
2047 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2178 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2048 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2179 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2049 2180
2050 if (timeout >= 0) 2181 if (timeout >= 0)
2051 // create/start timer 2182 // create/start timer
2052 2183
2053 // poll 2184 // poll
2054 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2185 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2055 2186
2056 // stop timer again 2187 // stop timer again
2057 if (timeout >= 0) 2188 if (timeout >= 0)
2058 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2189 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2059 2190
2060 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2191 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2061 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2192 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2062 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2193 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2063 2194
2064 return got_events; 2195 return got_events;
2065 } 2196 }
2066 2197
2067 2198
2068=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2199=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2069 2200
2070This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2201This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2076prioritise I/O. 2207prioritise I/O.
2077 2208
2078As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2209As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2079sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2210sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2080still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2211still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2081so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2212so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2082into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2213it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2083be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2214will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2084at least you can use both at what they are best. 2215C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2216best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2085 2217
2086As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2218As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2087to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2219some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2088priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2220and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2089you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2221this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2090a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2222the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2091 2223
2092As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2224As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2093there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2225there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2094call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2226call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2095their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2227their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2103interested in that. 2235interested in that.
2104 2236
2105Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2237Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2106when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2238when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2107but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2239but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2108yourself. 2240yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2241and future versions of libev might do just that.
2109 2242
2110Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2243Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2111C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2244C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2112portable one. 2245portable one.
2113 2246
2114So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2247So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2115that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2248that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2116this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2249this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2117create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2250create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2118 2251
2252=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2253
2254While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2255automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2256fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2257however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2258as applicable.
2259
2119=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2120 2261
2121=over 4 2262=over 4
2122 2263
2123=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2264=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2126 2267
2127Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2268Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2128embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2269embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2129invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2270invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2130to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2271to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2131if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2272if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2132 2273
2133=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2274=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2134 2275
2135Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2276Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2136similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2277similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2137apropriate way for embedded loops. 2278appropriate way for embedded loops.
2138 2279
2139=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2280=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2140 2281
2141The embedded event loop. 2282The embedded event loop.
2142 2283
2144 2285
2145=head3 Examples 2286=head3 Examples
2146 2287
2147Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2288Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2148event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2289event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2149loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2290loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2150C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2291C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2151used). 2292used).
2152 2293
2153 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2294 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2154 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2295 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2155 struct ev_embed embed; 2296 struct ev_embed embed;
2156 2297
2157 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2298 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2158 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2299 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2159 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2300 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2160 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2301 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2161 : 0; 2302 : 0;
2162 2303
2163 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2304 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2164 if (loop_lo) 2305 if (loop_lo)
2165 { 2306 {
2166 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2307 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2167 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2308 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2168 } 2309 }
2169 else 2310 else
2170 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2311 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2171 2312
2172Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2313Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2173a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2314a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2174kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2315kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2175C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2316C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2176 2317
2177 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2318 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2178 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2319 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2179 struct ev_embed embed; 2320 struct ev_embed embed;
2180 2321
2181 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2322 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2182 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2323 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2183 { 2324 {
2184 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2325 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2185 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2326 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2186 } 2327 }
2187 2328
2188 if (!loop_socket) 2329 if (!loop_socket)
2189 loop_socket = loop; 2330 loop_socket = loop;
2190 2331
2191 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2332 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2192 2333
2193 2334
2194=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2335=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2195 2336
2196Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2337Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2240is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2381is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2241multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2382multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2242need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2383need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2243 2384
2244That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2385That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2245queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2386queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2246queue: 2387queue:
2247 2388
2248=over 4 2389=over 4
2249 2390
2250=item queueing from a signal handler context 2391=item queueing from a signal handler context
2251 2392
2252To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2393To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2253handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2394handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2254some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2395an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2255 2396
2256 static ev_async mysig; 2397 static ev_async mysig;
2257 2398
2258 static void 2399 static void
2259 sigusr1_handler (void) 2400 sigusr1_handler (void)
2326 2467
2327=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2468=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2328 2469
2329Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2470Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2330kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2471kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2331believe me. 2472trust me.
2332 2473
2333=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2474=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2334 2475
2335Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2476Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2336an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2477an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2337C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2478C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2338similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2479similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2339section below on what exactly this means). 2480section below on what exactly this means).
2340 2481
2341This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2482This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2342so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2483so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2343calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2484calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2344 2485
2345=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2486=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2346 2487
2347Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2488Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2349event loop. 2490event loop.
2350 2491
2351C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2492C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2352the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2493the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2353it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2494it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2354quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2495quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2355 2496
2356Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2497Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2357wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2498whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2358 2499
2359=back 2500=back
2360 2501
2361 2502
2362=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2503=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2366=over 4 2507=over 4
2367 2508
2368=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2509=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2369 2510
2370This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2511This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2371callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2512callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2372watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2513watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2373or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2514or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2374more watchers yourself. 2515more watchers yourself.
2375 2516
2376If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2517If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2377is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2518C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2378C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2519the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2379 2520
2380If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2521If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2381started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2522started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2382repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2523repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2383dubious value.
2384 2524
2385The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2525The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2386passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2526passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2387C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2527C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2388value passed to C<ev_once>: 2528value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2529a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2530events precedence.
2389 2531
2532Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2533
2390 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2534 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2391 { 2535 {
2392 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2393 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2394 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2536 if (revents & EV_READ)
2395 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2537 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2538 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2539 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2396 } 2540 }
2397 2541
2398 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2542 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2399 2543
2400=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2544=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2401 2545
2402Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2546Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2403had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2547had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2408Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2552Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2409the given events it. 2553the given events it.
2410 2554
2411=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2555=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2412 2556
2413Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2557Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2414loop!). 2558loop!).
2415 2559
2416=back 2560=back
2417 2561
2418 2562
2447=back 2591=back
2448 2592
2449=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2593=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2450 2594
2451Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2595Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2452you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2596you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2453the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2597the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2454 2598
2455To use it, 2599To use it,
2456 2600
2457 #include <ev++.h> 2601 #include <ev++.h>
2458 2602
2459This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2603This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2460of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2604of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2461put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2605put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2462options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2606options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2529your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2673your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2530thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2674thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2531 2675
2532Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2676Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2533 2677
2534 struct myclass 2678 struct myclass
2535 { 2679 {
2536 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2680 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2537 } 2681 }
2538 2682
2539 myclass obj; 2683 myclass obj;
2540 ev::io iow; 2684 ev::io iow;
2541 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2685 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2542 2686
2543=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2687=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2544 2688
2545Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2689Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2546callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2690callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2548 2692
2549The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2693The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2550 2694
2551See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2695See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2552 2696
2553Example: 2697Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2554 2698
2555 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2699 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2556 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2700 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2557 2701
2558=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2702=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2559 2703
2560Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2704Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2561do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2705do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2562 2706
2563=item w->set ([args]) 2707=item w->set ([arguments])
2564 2708
2565Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2709Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2566called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2710called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2567automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2711automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2568method. 2712method.
2569 2713
2570=item w->start () 2714=item w->start ()
2594=back 2738=back
2595 2739
2596Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2740Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2597the constructor. 2741the constructor.
2598 2742
2599 class myclass 2743 class myclass
2600 { 2744 {
2601 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2745 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2602 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2746 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2603 2747
2604 myclass (int fd) 2748 myclass (int fd)
2605 { 2749 {
2606 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2750 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2607 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2751 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2608 2752
2609 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2753 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2610 } 2754 }
2611 }; 2755 };
2612 2756
2613 2757
2614=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2758=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2615 2759
2616Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2760Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2617numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2761number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2618any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2762any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2619me a note. 2763me a note.
2620 2764
2621=over 4 2765=over 4
2622 2766
2623=item Perl 2767=item Perl
2624 2768
2625The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2769The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2626libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2770libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2627there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2771there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2628to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2772to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2629C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2773C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2774and C<EV::Glib>).
2630 2775
2631It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2776It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2632L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2777L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2633 2778
2779=item Python
2780
2781Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2782seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2783patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2784for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2785libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2786libev).
2787
2634=item Ruby 2788=item Ruby
2635 2789
2636Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2790Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2637of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2791of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2638more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2792more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2639L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2793L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2640 2794
2641=item D 2795=item D
2642 2796
2643Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2797Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2644be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2798be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2645 2799
2646=back 2800=back
2647 2801
2648 2802
2649=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2803=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2650 2804
2651Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2805Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2652of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2806of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2653functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2807functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2654 2808
2655To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2809To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2656following macros are defined: 2810following macros are defined:
2661 2815
2662This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2816This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2663loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2817loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2664C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2818C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2665 2819
2666 ev_unref (EV_A); 2820 ev_unref (EV_A);
2667 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2821 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2668 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2822 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2669 2823
2670It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2824It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2671which is often provided by the following macro. 2825which is often provided by the following macro.
2672 2826
2673=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2827=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2674 2828
2675This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2829This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2676loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2830loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2677C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2831C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2678 2832
2679 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2833 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2680 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2834 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2681 2835
2682 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2836 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2683 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2837 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2684 2838
2685It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2839It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2686suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2840suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2687 2841
2688=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2842=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2704 2858
2705Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2859Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2706macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2860macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2707or not. 2861or not.
2708 2862
2709 static void 2863 static void
2710 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2864 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2711 { 2865 {
2712 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2866 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2713 } 2867 }
2714 2868
2715 ev_check check; 2869 ev_check check;
2716 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2870 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2717 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2871 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2718 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2872 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2719 2873
2720=head1 EMBEDDING 2874=head1 EMBEDDING
2721 2875
2722Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2876Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2723applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2877applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2730libev somewhere in your source tree). 2884libev somewhere in your source tree).
2731 2885
2732=head2 FILESETS 2886=head2 FILESETS
2733 2887
2734Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2888Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2735in your app. 2889in your application.
2736 2890
2737=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2891=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2738 2892
2739To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2893To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2740configuration (no autoconf): 2894configuration (no autoconf):
2741 2895
2742 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2896 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2743 #include "ev.c" 2897 #include "ev.c"
2744 2898
2745This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2899This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2746single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2900single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2747it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2901it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2748done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2902done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2749where you can put other configuration options): 2903where you can put other configuration options):
2750 2904
2751 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2905 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2752 #include "ev.h" 2906 #include "ev.h"
2753 2907
2754Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2908Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2755compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2909compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2756as a bug). 2910as a bug).
2757 2911
2758You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2912You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2759in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2913in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2760 2914
2761 ev.h 2915 ev.h
2762 ev.c 2916 ev.c
2763 ev_vars.h 2917 ev_vars.h
2764 ev_wrap.h 2918 ev_wrap.h
2765 2919
2766 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2920 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2767 2921
2768 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2922 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2769 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2923 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2770 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2924 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2771 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2925 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2772 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2926 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2773 2927
2774F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2928F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2775to compile this single file. 2929to compile this single file.
2776 2930
2777=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2931=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2778 2932
2779To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2933To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2780 2934
2781 #include "event.c" 2935 #include "event.c"
2782 2936
2783in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2937in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2784 2938
2785 #include "event.h" 2939 #include "event.h"
2786 2940
2787in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2941in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2788 2942
2789You need the following additional files for this: 2943You need the following additional files for this:
2790 2944
2791 event.h 2945 event.h
2792 event.c 2946 event.c
2793 2947
2794=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2948=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2795 2949
2796Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2950Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2797whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2951whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2798F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2952F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2799include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2953include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2800 2954
2801For this of course you need the m4 file: 2955For this of course you need the m4 file:
2802 2956
2803 libev.m4 2957 libev.m4
2804 2958
2805=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2959=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2806 2960
2807Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2961Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2808define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of 2962define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2809autoconf is noted for every option. 2963autoconf is documented for every option.
2810 2964
2811=over 4 2965=over 4
2812 2966
2813=item EV_STANDALONE 2967=item EV_STANDALONE
2814 2968
2819F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2973F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2820 2974
2821=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2975=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2822 2976
2823If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2977If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2824monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2978monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2825of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2979of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2826usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2980usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2827the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2981the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2828to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2982to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2829function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2983function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2830 2984
2831=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2985=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2832 2986
2833If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2987If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2834realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2988real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2835runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2989runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2836be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2990be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2837(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2991(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2838note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2992note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2839 2993
2840=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2994=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
28512.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 30052.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2852 3006
2853=item EV_USE_SELECT 3007=item EV_USE_SELECT
2854 3008
2855If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3009If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2856C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3010C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2857other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3011other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2858will not be compiled in. 3012will not be compiled in.
2859 3013
2860=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3014=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2861 3015
2862If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3016If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2863structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3017structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2864C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3018C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2865exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3019exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2866low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3020low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2867allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3021allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2868influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3022influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2869 3023
2918otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3072otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2919backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3073backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2920 3074
2921=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3075=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2922 3076
2923reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3077Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2924 3078
2925=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3079=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2926 3080
2927If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3081If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2928interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3082interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2935access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3089access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2936type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3090type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2937that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3091that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2938as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3092as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2939 3093
2940In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3094In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2941(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3095(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2942 3096
2943=item EV_H 3097=item EV_H
2944 3098
2945The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3099The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2984When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3138When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2985all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3139all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2986and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3140and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2987fine. 3141fine.
2988 3142
2989If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3143If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2990C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3144both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2991 3145
2992=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3146=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2993 3147
2994If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3148If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2995defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3149defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3002code. 3156code.
3003 3157
3004=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3158=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3005 3159
3006If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3160If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3007defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3161defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3162watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3008 3163
3009=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3164=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3010 3165
3011If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3166If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3012defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3167defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3023 3178
3024=item EV_MINIMAL 3179=item EV_MINIMAL
3025 3180
3026If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3181If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3027speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 3182speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
3028inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. It also selects a 3183inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3029much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3184much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
3030 3185
3031=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3186=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3032 3187
3033C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3188C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3044two). 3199two).
3045 3200
3046=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3201=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3047 3202
3048Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3203Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3049timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 3204timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3050to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3205to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3051noticably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3206faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3052 3207
3053The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3208The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3054(disabled). 3209(disabled).
3055 3210
3056=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3211=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3057 3212
3058Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3213Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3059timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3214timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3060the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3215the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3061which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 3216which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3062but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 3217but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3063noticably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3218noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3064 3219
3065The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3220The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3066(disabled). 3221(disabled).
3067 3222
3068=item EV_VERIFY 3223=item EV_VERIFY
3074called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 3229called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3075verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 3230verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3076libev considerably. 3231libev considerably.
3077 3232
3078The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 3233The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3079C<0.> 3234C<0>.
3080 3235
3081=item EV_COMMON 3236=item EV_COMMON
3082 3237
3083By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3238By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3084this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3239this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3085members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3240members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3086though, and it must be identical each time. 3241though, and it must be identical each time.
3087 3242
3088For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3243For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3089 3244
3090 #define EV_COMMON \ 3245 #define EV_COMMON \
3091 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3246 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3092 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3247 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3093 3248
3094=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3249=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3095 3250
3096=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3251=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3097 3252
3102definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3257definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3103their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3258their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3104avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3259avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3105method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3260method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3106 3261
3262=back
3263
3107=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3264=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3108 3265
3109If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3266If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3110exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3267exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3111all public symbols, one per line: 3268all public symbols, one per line:
3112 3269
3113 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3270 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3114 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3271 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3115 3272
3116This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3273This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3117multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3274multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3118itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3275itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3119 3276
3120A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3277A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3121include before including F<ev.h>: 3278include before including F<ev.h>:
3122 3279
3123 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3280 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3140file. 3297file.
3141 3298
3142The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3299The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3143that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3300that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3144 3301
3145 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3302 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3146 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3303 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3147 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3304 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3148 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3305 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3149 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3306 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3150 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3307 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3151 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3308 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3152 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3309 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3153 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3310 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3154 3311
3155 #include "ev++.h" 3312 #include "ev++.h"
3156 3313
3157And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3314And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3158 3315
3159 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3316 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3160 #include "ev.c" 3317 #include "ev.c"
3161 3318
3319=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3162 3320
3163=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3321=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3164 3322
3165=head2 THREADS 3323=head3 THREADS
3166 3324
3167Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3325All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3326documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3168means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3327that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3169only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3328are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3170parameter. 3329parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3330of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3331structures that need any locking.
3171 3332
3172Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3333Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3173parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3334concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3174done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3335must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3175thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3336only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3176per loop). 3337a mutex per loop).
3177 3338
3178If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot 3339Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3340so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3341concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3342outside".
3343
3344If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3345without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3179help you but by giving some generic advice: 3346help you, but here is some generic advice:
3180 3347
3181=over 4 3348=over 4
3182 3349
3183=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3350=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3184in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop. 3351in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3185 3352
3186This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3353This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3187themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3354themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3188 3355
3189=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3356=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3190 3357
3191Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3358Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3192exists, but it is always a good start. 3359exists, but it is always a good start.
3193 3360
3194=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3361=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3195loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion. 3362loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3196 3363
3197Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3364Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3198better than you currently do :-) 3365better than you currently do :-)
3199 3366
3200=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3367=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3368event loop.
3369
3201event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3370C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3202threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3371(or from signal contexts...).
3372
3373An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3374work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3375default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3376watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3203 3377
3204=back 3378=back
3205 3379
3206=head2 COROUTINES 3380=head3 COROUTINES
3207 3381
3208Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3382Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3209libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3383libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3210coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3384coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3211different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3385different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3212loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3386loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3213you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3387you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3214 3388
3215Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 3389Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3216state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 3390C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3217switches. 3391they do not clal any callbacks.
3218 3392
3393=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3219 3394
3220=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3395Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3396lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3397scared by this.
3221 3398
3222In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3399However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3223libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3400has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3224documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3401warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3402targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3225 3403
3226All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3404Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3227extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3405workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3228happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3406maintainable.
3229mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3230it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3231 3407
3232=over 4 3408And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3409wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3410seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3411warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3412been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3413such buggy versions.
3233 3414
3234=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3415While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3416"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3417with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3418them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3419warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3235 3420
3236This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3237there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3238have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3239 3421
3240=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3422=head2 VALGRIND
3241 3423
3242That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3424Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3243as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3425highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3244 3426
3245=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3427If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3428in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3246 3429
3247These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3430 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3431 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3432 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3248 3433
3249=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3434Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3435is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3250 3436
3251=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3437Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3438as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3439although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3440confused.
3252 3441
3253These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3442Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3254correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3443make it into some kind of religion.
3255have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3256 3444
3257=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3445If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3446with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3447is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3448annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3449of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3258 3450
3259By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3451If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3260fixed position in the storage array. 3452I suggest using suppression lists.
3261 3453
3262=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3263 3454
3264A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3455=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3265libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3266on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3267 3456
3268=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3457=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3269
3270=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3271
3272Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3273priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3274linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3275watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3276
3277=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3278
3279=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3280
3281=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3282
3283Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3284calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3285involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3286
3287=back
3288
3289
3290=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3291 3458
3292Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3459Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3293requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3460requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3294model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3461model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3295the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3462the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3302way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 3469way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3303 3470
3304There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3471There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3305embedding it into other applications. 3472embedding it into other applications.
3306 3473
3474Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3475accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3476either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3477so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3478megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3479available).
3480
3307Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3481Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3308the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3482the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3309is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3483is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3310more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 3484more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3311different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 3485different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3312notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 3486notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3313(microsoft monopoly games). 3487(Microsoft monopoly games).
3488
3489A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3490section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3491of F<ev.h>:
3492
3493 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3494 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3495
3496 #include "ev.h"
3497
3498And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3499you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3500
3501 #include "evwrap.h"
3502 #include "ev.c"
3314 3503
3315=over 4 3504=over 4
3316 3505
3317=item The winsocket select function 3506=item The winsocket select function
3318 3507
3319The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 3508The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3320requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 3509requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3321also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 3510also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3322requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles. See the 3511requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3512C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3323discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and 3513discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3324C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info. 3514C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3325 3515
3326The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3516The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3327libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3517libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3328 3518
3329 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3519 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3330 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3520 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3331 3521
3332Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3522Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3333complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3523complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3334 3524
3335=item Limited number of file descriptors 3525=item Limited number of file descriptors
3336 3526
3337Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 3527Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3338 3528
3339Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 3529Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3340of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 3530of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3341can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft 3531can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3342recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 3532recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3343previous thread in each. Great). 3533previous thread in each. Great).
3344 3534
3345Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3535Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3346to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3536to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3347call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3537call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3348select emulation on windows). 3538select emulation on windows).
3349 3539
3350Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3540Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3351libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3541libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3352or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3542or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3353C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3543C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3354arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3544arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3355libraries. 3545libraries.
3356 3546
3357This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3547This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3358windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3548windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3359wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3549wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3360calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3550calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3361 3551
3362=back 3552=back
3363 3553
3364
3365=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3554=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3366 3555
3367In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3556In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3368additional extensions: 3557backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3369 3558
3370=over 4 3559=over 4
3371 3560
3561=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3562calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3563
3564Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3565structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3566assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3567callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3568calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3569
3372=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3570=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3373 3571
3374The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3572The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3375C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3573C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3376threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3574threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3377believed to be sufficiently portable. 3575believed to be sufficiently portable.
3378 3576
3379=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3577=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3380 3578
3389except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3587except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3390well. 3588well.
3391 3589
3392=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3590=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3393 3591
3394To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3592To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3395internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3593instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3396non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3594systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3397is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3595least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3398millions of watchers. 3596watchers.
3399 3597
3400=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3598=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3401 3599
3402The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3600The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3403have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 3601have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3407=back 3605=back
3408 3606
3409If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3607If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3410 3608
3411 3609
3412=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 3610=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3413 3611
3414Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3612In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3415lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3613libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3416scared by this. 3614the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3417 3615
3418However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 3616All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3419has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 3617extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3420warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 3618happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3421targetting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 3619mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3620average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3422 3621
3423Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 3622=over 4
3424workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3425maintainable.
3426 3623
3427And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 3624=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3428wrong (because they don't actually warn about the cindition their message
3429seems to warn about).
3430 3625
3431While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 3626This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3432"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 3627there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3433with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 3628have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3434them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3435warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3436 3629
3630=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3437 3631
3438=head1 VALGRIND 3632That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3633as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3439 3634
3440Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3635=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3441highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3442 3636
3443If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3637These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3444in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3445 3638
3446 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3639=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3447 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3448 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3449 3640
3450then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3641=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3451valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3452might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3453 3642
3454If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3643These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3455with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3644correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3456a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3645have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3457no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind 3646is rare).
3458properly.
3459 3647
3460If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3648=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3461I suggest using suppression lists. 3649
3650By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3651fixed position in the storage array.
3652
3653=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3654
3655A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3656libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3657on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3658
3659=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3660
3661=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3662
3663Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3664priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3665linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3666watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3667
3668=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3669
3670=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3671
3672=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3673
3674Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3675calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3676involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3677
3678=back
3462 3679
3463 3680
3464=head1 AUTHOR 3681=head1 AUTHOR
3465 3682
3466Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3683Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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