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Revision 1.109 by root, Mon Dec 24 13:19:12 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.200 by root, Thu Oct 23 07:33:45 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
180 216
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
211 } 250 }
212 251
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 276
238=back 277=back
239 278
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
245 284
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 287not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 288
253=over 4 289=over 4
254 290
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 292
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 296flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 297
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 299function.
264 300
301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
303as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
304
305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
310C<ev_default_init>.
311
265The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 313backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267 314
268The following flags are supported: 315The following flags are supported:
269 316
274The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 321The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
275thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
276 323
277=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
278 325
279If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 326If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
280or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 329override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
284around bugs. 331around bugs.
290enabling this flag. 337enabling this flag.
291 338
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 340and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 342GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298 345
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 346The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag. 348flag.
302 349
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable. 351environment variable.
305 352
306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
307 354
308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 357but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 358using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313 360
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 361To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 362parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 363writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
320 371
321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 372=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
322 373
323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips. 379performance tips.
329 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
331 385
332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
338support for dup. 392support for dup.
339 393
340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 394While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 395will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 396(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 397best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
344very well if you register events for both fds. 398very well if you register events for both fds.
345 399
346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 400Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 401need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
348(or space) is available. 402(or space) is available.
349 403
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 404Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 405watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 406i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
407starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
408extra overhead.
353 409
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 410While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far. 411all kernel versions tested so far.
356 412
413This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
414C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
415
357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 416=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
358 417
359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 418Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 419broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 420anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 421completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 422you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 423libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
365system like NetBSD.
366 424
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 425You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 426only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 427the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
370 428
371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 429It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 430kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 431course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 432cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 433two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 434drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
377 435
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 436This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379 437
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 438While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 439everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 440almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 441(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 442(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
385sockets. 443using it only for sockets.
444
445This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
446C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
447C<NOTE_EOF>.
386 448
387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
388 450
389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 451This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 452implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 456=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
395 457
396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 458This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 459it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
398 460
399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 461Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 462notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
401blocking when no data (or space) is available. 463blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402 464
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 465While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 466file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 467descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better. 468might perform better.
407 469
470On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
471notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
472in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
473OS-specific backends.
474
475This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
476C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
477
408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 478=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
409 479
410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 480Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 481with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 482C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413 483
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 484It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
415 485
416=back 486=back
417 487
418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 488If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 489backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
420specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 490specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
421order of their flag values :)
422 491
423The most typical usage is like this: 492Example: This is the most typical usage.
424 493
425 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 494 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
426 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 495 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
427 496
428Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 497Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
429environment settings to be taken into account: 498environment settings to be taken into account:
430 499
431 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 500 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
432 501
433Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 502Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
434available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 503used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
435event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 504private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
505fds):
436 506
437 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 507 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
438 508
439=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 509=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
440 510
441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 511Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 512always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 513handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 514undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
445 515
516Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
517libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
518default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
519
446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 520Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
447 521
448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 522 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
449 if (!epoller) 523 if (!epoller)
450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 524 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
451 525
452=item ev_default_destroy () 526=item ev_default_destroy ()
453 527
454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 528Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 529etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 530sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 531responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 532calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 533the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
460for example). 534for example).
461 535
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 536Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 547Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 548earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
475 549
476=item ev_default_fork () 550=item ev_default_fork ()
477 551
552This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
478This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 553to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
479one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 554name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
480after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 555the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
481again makes little sense). 556sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
557functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
482 558
483You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 559On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
484only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 560process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
485fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 561you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
486 562
487The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 563The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
488it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 564it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
489quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 565quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
490 566
491 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 567 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
492 568
493At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
494without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
495do not need to care.
496
497=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 569=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
498 570
499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 571Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 572C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 573after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
574entirely your own problem.
575
576=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
577
578Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
579otherwise.
502 580
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 581=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504 582
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 583Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 584the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 599received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 600change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 601time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 602event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
525 603
604=item ev_now_update (loop)
605
606Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
607returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
608is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
609
610This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
611very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
612the current time is a good idea.
613
614See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
615
526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 616=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
527 617
528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 618Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 619after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
530events. 620events.
532If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 622If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
533either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 623either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
534 624
535Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 625Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
536relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 626relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
537finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 627finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
538automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 628that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
539relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 629of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
630beauty.
540 631
541A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 632A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
542those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 633those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
543case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 634process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
635the loop.
544 636
545A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 637A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
546neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 638necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
547your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 639will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
548one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 640be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
549external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 641user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
642iteration of the loop.
643
644This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
645with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 646own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
551usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 647usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
552 648
553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 649Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
554 650
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 651 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
556 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 652 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 653 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
654 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
558 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 655 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
656 as to not disturb the other process.
559 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 657 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
560 - Update the "event loop time". 658 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
561 - Calculate for how long to block. 659 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
660 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
661 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
662 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
562 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 663 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
563 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 664 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
564 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 665 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
565 - Queue all outstanding timers. 666 - Queue all expired timers.
566 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 667 - Queue all expired periodics.
567 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 668 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
568 - Queue all check watchers. 669 - Queue all check watchers.
569 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 670 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
570 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 671 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
571 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 672 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
572 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 673 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
573 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 674 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
675 continue with step *.
574 676
575Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 677Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
576anymore. 678anymore.
577 679
578 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 680 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
579 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 681 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
580 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 682 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
581 ... jobs done. yeah! 683 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
582 684
583=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 685=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
584 686
585Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 687Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
586has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 688has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
587C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 689C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
588C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 690C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
589 691
692This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
693
694It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
695
590=item ev_ref (loop) 696=item ev_ref (loop)
591 697
592=item ev_unref (loop) 698=item ev_unref (loop)
593 699
594Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 700Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
595loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 701loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
596count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 702count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
703
597a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 704If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
598returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 705from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
706stopping it.
707
599example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 708As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
600visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 709not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
601no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 710if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
602way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 711way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
603libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 712libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
713(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
714respectively).
604 715
605Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 716Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
606running when nothing else is active. 717running when nothing else is active.
607 718
608 struct ev_signal exitsig; 719 ev_signal exitsig;
609 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 720 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
610 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 721 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
611 evf_unref (loop); 722 evf_unref (loop);
612 723
613Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 724Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
614 725
615 ev_ref (loop); 726 ev_ref (loop);
616 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 727 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
617 728
618=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 729=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
619 730
620=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 731=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
621 732
622These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 733These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
623for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 734for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
624invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 735will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
736latency.
625 737
626Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 738Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
627allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 739allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
628increase efficiency of loop iterations. 740to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
741opportunities).
629 742
630The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 743The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
631handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 744one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
632the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 745program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
633events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 746events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
634overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 747overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
635 748
636By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 749By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
637time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 750time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
639C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 752C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
640introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 753introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
641 754
642Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 755Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
643to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 756to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
644latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 757latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
645will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 758later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
646any overhead in libev. 759value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
647 760
648Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 761Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
649interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 762interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
650interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 763interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
651usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 764usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
652as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 765as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
766
767Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
768saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
769are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
770times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
771reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
772they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
773
774=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
775
776This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
777compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
778through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
779is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
780error and call C<abort ()>.
781
782This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
783circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
784data structures consistent.
653 785
654=back 786=back
655 787
656 788
657=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 789=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
790
791In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
792watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
793watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
658 794
659A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 795A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
660interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 796interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
661become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 797become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
662 798
663 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 799 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
664 { 800 {
665 ev_io_stop (w); 801 ev_io_stop (w);
666 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 802 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
667 } 803 }
668 804
669 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 805 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
806
670 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 807 ev_io stdin_watcher;
808
671 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 809 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
672 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 810 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
673 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 811 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
812
674 ev_loop (loop, 0); 813 ev_loop (loop, 0);
675 814
676As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 815As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
677watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 816watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
678although this can sometimes be quite valid). 817stack).
818
819Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
820or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
679 821
680Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 822Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
681(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 823(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
682callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 824callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
683watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 825watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
684is readable and/or writable). 826is readable and/or writable).
685 827
686Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 828Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
687with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 829macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
688to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 830is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
689(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 831ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
690 832
691To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 833To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
692with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 834with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
693*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 835*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
694corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 836corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
695 837
696As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 838As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
697must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 839must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
698reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 840reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
699 841
700Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 842Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
701registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 843registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
702third argument. 844third argument.
703 845
757=item C<EV_FORK> 899=item C<EV_FORK>
758 900
759The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 901The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
760C<ev_fork>). 902C<ev_fork>).
761 903
904=item C<EV_ASYNC>
905
906The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
907
762=item C<EV_ERROR> 908=item C<EV_ERROR>
763 909
764An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 910An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
765happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 911happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
766ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 912ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
913problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
914
767problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 915You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
768with the watcher being stopped. 916watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
917an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
918bug in your program.
769 919
770Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 920Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
771for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 921example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
772your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 922callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
773with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 923the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
774programs, though, so beware. 924programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
925thing, so beware.
775 926
776=back 927=back
777 928
778=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 929=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
779
780In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
781e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
782 930
783=over 4 931=over 4
784 932
785=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 933=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
786 934
792which rolls both calls into one. 940which rolls both calls into one.
793 941
794You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 942You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
795(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 943(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
796 944
797The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 945The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
798int revents)>. 946int revents)>.
947
948Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
949
950 ev_io w;
951 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
952 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
799 953
800=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 954=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
801 955
802This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 956This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
803call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 957call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
806difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 960difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
807 961
808Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 962Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
809(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 963(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
810 964
965See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
966
811=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 967=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
812 968
813This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 969This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
814calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 970calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
815a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 971a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
972
973Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
974
975 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
816 976
817=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 977=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
818 978
819Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 979Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
820events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 980events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
821 981
982Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
983whole section.
984
985 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
986
822=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 987=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
823 988
824Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 989Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
990the watcher was active or not).
991
825status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 992It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
826non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 993non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
827C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 994calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
828you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 995pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
829good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 996therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
830 997
831=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 998=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
832 999
833Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1000Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
834and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1001and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
882 1049
883=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1050=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
884 1051
885Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1052Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
886C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1053C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
887can deal with that fact. 1054can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1055callback.
888 1056
889=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1057=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
890 1058
891If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1059If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
892and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1060returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
893watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1061watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
894 1062
1063Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1064callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1065
895=back 1066=back
896 1067
897 1068
898=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1069=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
899 1070
900Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1071Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
901and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1072and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
902to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1073to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
903don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1074don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
904member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1075member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
905data: 1076data:
906 1077
907 struct my_io 1078 struct my_io
908 { 1079 {
909 struct ev_io io; 1080 ev_io io;
910 int otherfd; 1081 int otherfd;
911 void *somedata; 1082 void *somedata;
912 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1083 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
913 } 1084 };
1085
1086 ...
1087 struct my_io w;
1088 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
914 1089
915And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1090And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
916can cast it back to your own type: 1091can cast it back to your own type:
917 1092
918 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1093 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
919 { 1094 {
920 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1095 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
921 ... 1096 ...
922 } 1097 }
923 1098
924More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1099More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
925instead have been omitted. 1100instead have been omitted.
926 1101
927Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1102Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
928watchers: 1103embedded watchers:
929 1104
930 struct my_biggy 1105 struct my_biggy
931 { 1106 {
932 int some_data; 1107 int some_data;
933 ev_timer t1; 1108 ev_timer t1;
934 ev_timer t2; 1109 ev_timer t2;
935 } 1110 }
936 1111
937In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1112In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
938you need to use C<offsetof>: 1113complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1114in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1115some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1116programmers):
939 1117
940 #include <stddef.h> 1118 #include <stddef.h>
941 1119
942 static void 1120 static void
943 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1121 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
944 { 1122 {
945 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1123 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
946 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1124 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
947 } 1125 }
948 1126
949 static void 1127 static void
950 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1128 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
951 { 1129 {
952 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1130 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
953 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1131 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
954 } 1132 }
955 1133
956 1134
957=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1135=head1 WATCHER TYPES
958 1136
959This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1137This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
983In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1161In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
984fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1162fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
985descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1163descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
986required if you know what you are doing). 1164required if you know what you are doing).
987 1165
988If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1166If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
989(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1167known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
990C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1168C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
991 1169
992Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1170Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
993receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1171receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
994be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1172be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
995because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1173because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
996lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1174lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
997this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1175this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
998it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1176it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
999C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1177C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1000 1178
1001If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1179If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1002play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1180not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1003whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1181re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1004such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1182interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1005its own, so its quite safe to use). 1183does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1184use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1185indefinitely.
1186
1187But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1006 1188
1007=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1189=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1008 1190
1009Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1191Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1010descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1192descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1011such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1193such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1012descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1194descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1013this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1195this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1014registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1196registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1015fact, a different file descriptor. 1197fact, a different file descriptor.
1016 1198
1045To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1227To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1046C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1228C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1047enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1229enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1048C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1230C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1049 1231
1232=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1233
1234While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1235when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1236sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1237this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1238
1239So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1240ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1241somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1242
1050 1243
1051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1244=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1052 1245
1053=over 4 1246=over 4
1054 1247
1055=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1248=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1056 1249
1057=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1250=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1058 1251
1059Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1252Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1060rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1253receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1061C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1254C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1062 1255
1063=item int fd [read-only] 1256=item int fd [read-only]
1064 1257
1065The file descriptor being watched. 1258The file descriptor being watched.
1066 1259
1067=item int events [read-only] 1260=item int events [read-only]
1068 1261
1069The events being watched. 1262The events being watched.
1070 1263
1071=back 1264=back
1265
1266=head3 Examples
1072 1267
1073Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1268Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1074readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1269readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1075attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1270attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1076 1271
1077 static void 1272 static void
1078 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1273 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1079 { 1274 {
1080 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1275 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1081 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1276 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1082 } 1277 }
1083 1278
1084 ... 1279 ...
1085 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1280 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1086 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1281 ev_io stdin_readable;
1087 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1282 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1088 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1283 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1089 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1284 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1090 1285
1091 1286
1092=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1287=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1093 1288
1094Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1289Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1095given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1290given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1096 1291
1097The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1292The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1098times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1293times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1099time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1294year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1100detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1295detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1101monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1296monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1297
1298The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1299passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1300then order of execution is undefined.
1301
1302=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1303
1304Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1305recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1306you want to raise some error after a while.
1307
1308What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1309inefficient to smart and efficient.
1310
1311In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1312gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1313data or other life sign was received).
1314
1315=over 4
1316
1317=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1318
1319This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1320start the watcher:
1321
1322 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1323 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1324
1325Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1326and start it again:
1327
1328 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1329 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1330 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1331
1332This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1333some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1334data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1335still not a constant-time operation.
1336
1337=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1338
1339This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1340C<ev_timer_start>.
1341
1342To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1343of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1344successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1345you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1346the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1347
1348That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1349C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1350member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1351
1352At start:
1353
1354 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1355 timer->repeat = 60.;
1356 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1357
1358Each time there is some activity:
1359
1360 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1361
1362It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1363whether the watcher is active or not:
1364
1365 timer->repeat = 30.;
1366 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1367
1368This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1369you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1370remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1371
1372It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1373
1374=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1375
1376This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1377relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1378our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1379associated activity resets.
1380
1381In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1382but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1383within the callback:
1384
1385 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1386
1387 static void
1388 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1389 {
1390 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1391 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1392
1393 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1394 if (timeout < now)
1395 {
1396 // timeout occured, take action
1397 }
1398 else
1399 {
1400 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1401 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1402 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1403 w->again = timeout - now;
1404 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1405 }
1406 }
1407
1408To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1409as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1410been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1411the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1412re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1413a timeout then.
1414
1415Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1416C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1417
1418This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1419minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1420libev to change the timeout.
1421
1422To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1423to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1424callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1425
1426 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1427 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1428 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1429
1430And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1431C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1432
1433 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1434
1435This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1436time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1437
1438Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1439callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1440fix things for you.
1441
1442=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1443
1444If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1445employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1446do even better:
1447
1448When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1449at the I<end> of the list.
1450
1451Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1452the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1453
1454When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1455the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1456update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1457
1458This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1459starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1460complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1461ensures that the list stays sorted.
1462
1463=back
1464
1465So which method the best?
1466
1467Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1468situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1469better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1470one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1471
1472Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1473rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1474off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1475overkill :)
1476
1477=head3 The special problem of time updates
1478
1479Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1480least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1481time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1482growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1483lots of events in one iteration.
1102 1484
1103The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1485The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1104time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1486time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1105of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1487of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1106you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1488you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1107on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1489timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1108 1490
1109 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1491 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1110 1492
1111The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1493If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1112but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1494update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1113order of execution is undefined. 1495()>.
1114 1496
1115=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1497=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1116 1498
1117=over 4 1499=over 4
1118 1500
1119=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1501=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1120 1502
1121=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1503=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1122 1504
1123Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1505Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1124C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1506is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1125timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1507reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1126later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1508configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1509until stopped manually.
1127 1510
1128The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1511The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1129configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1512you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1130exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1513trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1131the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1514keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1132timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1515do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1133 1516
1134=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1517=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1135 1518
1136This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1519This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1137repeating. The exact semantics are: 1520repeating. The exact semantics are:
1138 1521
1139If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1522If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1140 1523
1141If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1524If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1142 1525
1143If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1526If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1144C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1527C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1145 1528
1146This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1529This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1147example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1530usage example.
1148timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1149seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1150configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1151C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1152you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1153socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1154automatically restart it if need be.
1155
1156That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1157altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1158
1159 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1160 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1161 ...
1162 timer->again = 17.;
1163 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1164 ...
1165 timer->again = 10.;
1166 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1167
1168This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1169you want to modify its timeout value.
1170 1531
1171=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1532=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1172 1533
1173The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1534The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1174or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1535or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1175which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1536which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1176 1537
1177=back 1538=back
1178 1539
1540=head3 Examples
1541
1179Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1542Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1180 1543
1181 static void 1544 static void
1182 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1545 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1183 { 1546 {
1184 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1547 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1185 } 1548 }
1186 1549
1187 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1550 ev_timer mytimer;
1188 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1551 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1189 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1552 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1190 1553
1191Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1554Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1192inactivity. 1555inactivity.
1193 1556
1194 static void 1557 static void
1195 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1558 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1196 { 1559 {
1197 .. ten seconds without any activity 1560 .. ten seconds without any activity
1198 } 1561 }
1199 1562
1200 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1563 ev_timer mytimer;
1201 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1564 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1202 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1565 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1203 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1566 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1204 1567
1205 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1568 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1206 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1569 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1207 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1570 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1208 1571
1209 1572
1210=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1573=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1211 1574
1212Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1575Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1213(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1576(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1214 1577
1215Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1578Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1216but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1579but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1217to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1580to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1218periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1581periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1219+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1582+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1583clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1220take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1584to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1221roughly 10 seconds later). 1585roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1222 1586
1223They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1587C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1224triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1588such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1225rules. 1589complicated rules.
1226 1590
1227As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1591As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1228time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1592time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1229during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1593during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1230 1594
1231=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1595=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1232 1596
1233=over 4 1597=over 4
1234 1598
1235=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1599=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1236 1600
1237=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1601=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1238 1602
1239Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1603Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1240operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1604operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1241 1605
1242=over 4 1606=over 4
1243 1607
1244=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1608=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1245 1609
1246In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1610In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1247C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1611time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1248that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1612jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1249system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1613only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1250 1614
1251=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1615=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1252 1616
1253In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1617In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1254C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1618C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1255and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1619and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1256 1620
1257This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1621This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1258time: 1622system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1623hour, on the hour:
1259 1624
1260 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1625 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1261 1626
1262This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1627This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1263but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1628but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1264full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1629full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1265by 3600. 1630by 3600.
1266 1631
1267Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1632Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1268C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1633C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1269time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1634time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1270 1635
1271For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1636For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1272C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1637C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1273this value. 1638this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1639
1640Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1641speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1642will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1643millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1274 1644
1275=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1645=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1276 1646
1277In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1647In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1278ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1648ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1279reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1649reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1280current time as second argument. 1650current time as second argument.
1281 1651
1282NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1652NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1283ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1653ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1284return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1285starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1286 1654
1655If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1656it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1657only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1658
1287Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1659The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1288ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1660*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1289 1661
1662 static ev_tstamp
1290 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1663 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1291 { 1664 {
1292 return now + 60.; 1665 return now + 60.;
1293 } 1666 }
1294 1667
1295It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1668It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1296(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1669(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1297will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1670will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1298might be called at other times, too. 1671might be called at other times, too.
1299 1672
1300NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1673NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1301passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1674equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1302 1675
1303This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1676This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1304triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1677triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1305next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1678next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1306you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1679you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1307reason I omitted it as an example). 1680reason I omitted it as an example).
1308 1681
1309=back 1682=back
1313Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1686Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1314when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1687when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1315a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1688a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1316program when the crontabs have changed). 1689program when the crontabs have changed).
1317 1690
1691=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1692
1693When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1694trigger next.
1695
1318=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1696=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1319 1697
1320When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1698When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1321absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1699absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1322 1700
1327 1705
1328The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1706The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1329take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1707take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1330called. 1708called.
1331 1709
1332=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1710=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1333 1711
1334The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1712The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1335switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1713switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1336the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1714the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1337 1715
1338=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1339
1340When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1341trigger next.
1342
1343=back 1716=back
1344 1717
1718=head3 Examples
1719
1345Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1720Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1346system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1721system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1347potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1722potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1348 1723
1349 static void 1724 static void
1350 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1725 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1351 { 1726 {
1352 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1727 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1353 } 1728 }
1354 1729
1355 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1730 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1356 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1731 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1357 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1732 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1358 1733
1359Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1734Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1360 1735
1361 #include <math.h> 1736 #include <math.h>
1362 1737
1363 static ev_tstamp 1738 static ev_tstamp
1364 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1739 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1365 { 1740 {
1366 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1741 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1367 } 1742 }
1368 1743
1369 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1744 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1370 1745
1371Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1746Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1372 1747
1373 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1748 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1374 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1749 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1375 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1750 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1376 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1751 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1377 1752
1378 1753
1379=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1754=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1380 1755
1381Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1756Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1382signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1757signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1383will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1758will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1384normal event processing, like any other event. 1759normal event processing, like any other event.
1385 1760
1761If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1762do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1763C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1764
1386You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1765You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1387first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1766first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1388with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1767with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1389as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1768you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1390watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1769the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1391SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1770signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1771
1772If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1773C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1774interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1775signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1776them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1392 1777
1393=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1778=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1394 1779
1395=over 4 1780=over 4
1396 1781
1405 1790
1406The signal the watcher watches out for. 1791The signal the watcher watches out for.
1407 1792
1408=back 1793=back
1409 1794
1795=head3 Examples
1796
1797Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1798
1799 static void
1800 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1801 {
1802 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1803 }
1804
1805 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1806 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1807 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1808
1410 1809
1411=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1810=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1412 1811
1413Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1812Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1414some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1813some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1814exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1815has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1816as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1817forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1818but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1819not.
1820
1821Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1822you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1823
1824=head3 Process Interaction
1825
1826Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1827initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1828the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1829of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1830synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1831children, even ones not watched.
1832
1833=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1834
1835Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1836processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1837handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1838C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1839default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1840event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1841that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1842
1843=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1844
1845Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1846child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1847callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1848when a child exit is detected.
1415 1849
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1850=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417 1851
1418=over 4 1852=over 4
1419 1853
1420=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1854=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1421 1855
1422=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1856=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1423 1857
1424Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1858Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1425I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1859I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1426at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1860at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1427the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1861the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1428C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1862C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1429process causing the status change. 1863process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1864activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1865activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1430 1866
1431=item int pid [read-only] 1867=item int pid [read-only]
1432 1868
1433The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1869The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1434 1870
1441The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1877The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1442C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1878C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1443 1879
1444=back 1880=back
1445 1881
1446Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1882=head3 Examples
1447 1883
1884Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1885its completion.
1886
1887 ev_child cw;
1888
1448 static void 1889 static void
1449 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1890 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1450 { 1891 {
1451 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1892 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1893 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1452 } 1894 }
1453 1895
1454 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1896 pid_t pid = fork ();
1455 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1897
1456 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1898 if (pid < 0)
1899 // error
1900 else if (pid == 0)
1901 {
1902 // the forked child executes here
1903 exit (1);
1904 }
1905 else
1906 {
1907 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1908 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1909 }
1457 1910
1458 1911
1459=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1912=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1460 1913
1461This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1914This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1462C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1915C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1463compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1916compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1464 1917
1465The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1918The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1466not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1919not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1469the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1922the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1470 1923
1471The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1924The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1472relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1925relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1473 1926
1474Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1927Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1475calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1928implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1476can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1929it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1477a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1930this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1478unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1931then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1479five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1932you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1480impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1933dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1481usually overkill. 1934around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1482 1935
1483This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1936This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1484as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1937as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1485resource-intensive. 1938resource-intensive.
1486 1939
1487At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1940At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1488implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1941is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1489reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1942an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1490semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1943of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1491to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1492usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1493polling.
1494 1944
1495=head3 Inotify 1945=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1496 1946
1947Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1948compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1949support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1950structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1951use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1952compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1953obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1954most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1955
1956The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1957file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1958optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1959to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1960default compilation environment.
1961
1962=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1963
1497When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1964When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1965only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1498available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1966implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1499change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1967change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1500when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1968lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1501 1969
1502Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1970Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1503except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1971except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1504making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1972making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1505there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1973there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1974but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1506 1975
1507(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1976There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1508implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1977implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1509descriptor open on the object at all times). 1978descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1979etc. is difficult.
1510 1980
1511=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1981=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1512 1982
1513The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1983The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1514even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1984even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1515only support whole seconds. 1985only support whole seconds.
1516 1986
1517That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1987That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1518miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1988easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1519your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1989calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1520the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1990within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1991stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1521 1992
1522The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1993The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1523the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1994than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1524(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1995a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1525is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1996ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1526systems. 1997
1998The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1999of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2000might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2001C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2002a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2003update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2004the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2005the timer callback).
1527 2006
1528=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2007=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1529 2008
1530=over 4 2009=over 4
1531 2010
1537C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2016C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1538be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2017be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1539a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2018a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1540path for as long as the watcher is active. 2019path for as long as the watcher is active.
1541 2020
1542The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2021The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1543relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2022relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1544last change was detected). 2023last change was detected).
1545 2024
1546=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2025=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1547 2026
1548Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2027Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1549watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2028watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1550detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2029detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1551useful simply to find out the new values. 2030the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2031new values.
1552 2032
1553=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2033=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1554 2034
1555The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2035The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1556C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2036C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1557suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2037suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2038members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1558was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2039some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1559 2040
1560=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2041=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1561 2042
1562The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2043The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1563C<prev> != C<attr>. 2044C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2045differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2046C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1564 2047
1565=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2048=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1566 2049
1567The specified interval. 2050The specified interval.
1568 2051
1569=item const char *path [read-only] 2052=item const char *path [read-only]
1570 2053
1571The filesystem path that is being watched. 2054The file system path that is being watched.
1572 2055
1573=back 2056=back
1574 2057
1575=head3 Examples 2058=head3 Examples
1576 2059
1577Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2060Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1578 2061
1579 static void 2062 static void
1580 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2063 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1581 { 2064 {
1582 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2065 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1583 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2066 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1584 { 2067 {
1585 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2068 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1586 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2069 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1587 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2070 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1588 } 2071 }
1589 else 2072 else
1590 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2073 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1591 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2074 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1592 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2075 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1593 } 2076 }
1594 2077
1595 ... 2078 ...
1596 ev_stat passwd; 2079 ev_stat passwd;
1597 2080
1598 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2081 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1599 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2082 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1600 2083
1601Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2084Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1602miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2085miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1603one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2086one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1604C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2087C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1605 2088
1606 static ev_stat passwd; 2089 static ev_stat passwd;
1607 static ev_timer timer; 2090 static ev_timer timer;
1608 2091
1609 static void 2092 static void
1610 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2093 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1611 { 2094 {
1612 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2095 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1613 2096
1614 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2097 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1615 } 2098 }
1616 2099
1617 static void 2100 static void
1618 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2101 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1619 { 2102 {
1620 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2103 /* reset the one-second timer */
1621 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2104 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1622 } 2105 }
1623 2106
1624 ... 2107 ...
1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2108 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2109 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1627 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2110 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1628 2111
1629 2112
1630=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2113=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1631 2114
1632Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2115Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1633priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2116priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1634count). 2117as receiving "events").
1635 2118
1636That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2119That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1637(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2120(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1638triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2121triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1639are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2122are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1658kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2141kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1659believe me. 2142believe me.
1660 2143
1661=back 2144=back
1662 2145
2146=head3 Examples
2147
1663Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2148Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1664callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2149callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1665 2150
1666 static void 2151 static void
1667 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2152 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1668 { 2153 {
1669 free (w); 2154 free (w);
1670 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2155 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1671 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 2156 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1672 } 2157 }
1673 2158
1674 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2159 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1675 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2160 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1676 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2161 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1677 2162
1678 2163
1679=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2164=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1680 2165
1681Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2166Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1682prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2167prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1683afterwards. 2168afterwards.
1684 2169
1685You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2170You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1686the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2171the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1689those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2174those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1690C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2175C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1691called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2176called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1692 2177
1693Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2178Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1694their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2179their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1695variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2180variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1696coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2181coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1697you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2182you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1698in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2183in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1699watcher). 2184watcher).
1700 2185
1701This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2186This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1702to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2187need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1703them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2188for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1704provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2189libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1705any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2190you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1706and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2191of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1707callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2192I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1708because you never know, you know?). 2193nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1709 2194
1710As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2195As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1711coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2196coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1712during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2197during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1713are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2198are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1716loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2201loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1717low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2202low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1718 2203
1719It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2204It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1720priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2205priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2206after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2207
1721after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2208Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1722too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2209activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1723supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2210might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1724did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2211C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1725(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2212loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1726state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2213C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1727coexist peacefully with others). 2214others).
1728 2215
1729=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2216=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1730 2217
1731=over 4 2218=over 4
1732 2219
1734 2221
1735=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2222=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1736 2223
1737Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2224Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1738parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2225parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1739macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2226macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2227pointless.
1740 2228
1741=back 2229=back
2230
2231=head3 Examples
1742 2232
1743There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2233There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1744into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2234into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1745(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2235(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1746use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2236use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1747embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2237Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1748into the Glib event loop). 2238Glib event loop).
1749 2239
1750Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2240Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1751and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2241and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1752is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2242is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1753priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2243priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1754the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2244the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1755 2245
1756 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2246 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1757 static ev_timer tw; 2247 static ev_timer tw;
1758 2248
1759 static void 2249 static void
1760 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2250 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1761 { 2251 {
1762 } 2252 }
1763 2253
1764 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2254 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1765 static void 2255 static void
1766 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2256 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1767 { 2257 {
1768 int timeout = 3600000; 2258 int timeout = 3600000;
1769 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2259 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1770 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2260 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1771 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2261 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1772 2262
1773 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2263 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1774 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2264 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1775 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2265 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1776 2266
1777 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2267 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1778 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2268 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1779 { 2269 {
1780 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2270 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1781 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2271 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1782 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2272 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1783 2273
1784 fds [i].revents = 0; 2274 fds [i].revents = 0;
1785 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2275 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1786 } 2276 }
1787 } 2277 }
1788 2278
1789 // stop all watchers after blocking 2279 // stop all watchers after blocking
1790 static void 2280 static void
1791 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2281 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1792 { 2282 {
1793 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2283 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1794 2284
1795 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2285 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1796 { 2286 {
1797 // set the relevant poll flags 2287 // set the relevant poll flags
1798 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2288 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1799 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2289 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1800 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2290 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1801 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2291 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1802 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2292 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1803 2293
1804 // now stop the watcher 2294 // now stop the watcher
1805 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2295 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1806 } 2296 }
1807 2297
1808 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2298 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1809 } 2299 }
1810 2300
1811Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2301Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1812in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2302in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1813 2303
1814Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2304Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1815notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2305notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1816callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2306callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1817 2307
1818 static void 2308 static void
1819 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2309 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1820 { 2310 {
1821 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2311 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1822 update_now (EV_A); 2312 update_now (EV_A);
1823 2313
1824 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2314 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1825 } 2315 }
1826 2316
1827 static void 2317 static void
1828 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2318 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1829 { 2319 {
1830 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2320 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1831 update_now (EV_A); 2321 update_now (EV_A);
1832 2322
1833 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2323 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1834 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2324 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1835 } 2325 }
1836 2326
1837 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2327 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1838 2328
1839Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2329Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1840want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2330want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1841their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2331override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1842loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2332main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1843this. 2333this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2334libglib event loop.
1844 2335
1845 static gint 2336 static gint
1846 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2337 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1847 { 2338 {
1848 int got_events = 0; 2339 int got_events = 0;
1849 2340
1850 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2341 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1851 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2342 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1852 2343
1853 if (timeout >= 0) 2344 if (timeout >= 0)
1854 // create/start timer 2345 // create/start timer
1855 2346
1856 // poll 2347 // poll
1857 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2348 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1858 2349
1859 // stop timer again 2350 // stop timer again
1860 if (timeout >= 0) 2351 if (timeout >= 0)
1861 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2352 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1862 2353
1863 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2354 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1864 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2355 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1865 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2356 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1866 2357
1867 return got_events; 2358 return got_events;
1868 } 2359 }
1869 2360
1870 2361
1871=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2362=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1872 2363
1873This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2364This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1879prioritise I/O. 2370prioritise I/O.
1880 2371
1881As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2372As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1882sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2373sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1883still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2374still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1884so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2375so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1885into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2376it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1886be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2377will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1887at least you can use both at what they are best. 2378C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2379best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1888 2380
1889As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2381As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1890to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2382some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1891priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2383and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1892you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2384this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1893a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2385the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1894 2386
1895As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2387As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1896there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2388there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1897call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2389call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1898their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2390their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1906interested in that. 2398interested in that.
1907 2399
1908Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2400Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1909when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2401when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1910but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2402but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1911yourself. 2403yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2404and future versions of libev might do just that.
1912 2405
1913Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2406Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1914C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2407C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1915portable one. 2408portable one.
1916 2409
1917So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2410So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1918that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2411that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1919this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2412this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1920create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2413create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1921 2414
1922 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2415=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
1923 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1924 struct ev_embed embed;
1925
1926 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1927 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1928 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1929 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1930 : 0;
1931 2416
1932 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2417While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
1933 if (loop_lo) 2418automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
1934 { 2419fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
1935 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2420however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
1936 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2421as applicable.
1937 }
1938 else
1939 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1940 2422
1941=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2423=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1942 2424
1943=over 4 2425=over 4
1944 2426
1948 2430
1949Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2431Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1950embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2432embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1951invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2433invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1952to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2434to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1953if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2435if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1954 2436
1955=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2437=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1956 2438
1957Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2439Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1958similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2440similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1959apropriate way for embedded loops. 2441appropriate way for embedded loops.
1960 2442
1961=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2443=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1962 2444
1963The embedded event loop. 2445The embedded event loop.
1964 2446
1965=back 2447=back
2448
2449=head3 Examples
2450
2451Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2452event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2453loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2454C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2455used).
2456
2457 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2458 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2459 ev_embed embed;
2460
2461 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2462 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2463 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2464 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2465 : 0;
2466
2467 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2468 if (loop_lo)
2469 {
2470 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2471 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2472 }
2473 else
2474 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2475
2476Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2477a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2478kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2479C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2480
2481 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2482 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2483 ev_embed embed;
2484
2485 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2486 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2487 {
2488 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2489 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2490 }
2491
2492 if (!loop_socket)
2493 loop_socket = loop;
2494
2495 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1966 2496
1967 2497
1968=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2498=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1969 2499
1970Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2500Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1986believe me. 2516believe me.
1987 2517
1988=back 2518=back
1989 2519
1990 2520
2521=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2522
2523In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2524asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2525loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2526
2527Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2528control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2529C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2530can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2531safe.
2532
2533This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2534too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2535(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2536C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2537
2538Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2539just the default loop.
2540
2541=head3 Queueing
2542
2543C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2544is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2545multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2546need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2547
2548That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2549queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2550queue:
2551
2552=over 4
2553
2554=item queueing from a signal handler context
2555
2556To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2557handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2558an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2559
2560 static ev_async mysig;
2561
2562 static void
2563 sigusr1_handler (void)
2564 {
2565 sometype data;
2566
2567 // no locking etc.
2568 queue_put (data);
2569 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2570 }
2571
2572 static void
2573 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2574 {
2575 sometype data;
2576 sigset_t block, prev;
2577
2578 sigemptyset (&block);
2579 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2580 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2581
2582 while (queue_get (&data))
2583 process (data);
2584
2585 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2586 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2587 }
2588
2589(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2590instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2591either...).
2592
2593=item queueing from a thread context
2594
2595The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2596threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2597employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2598
2599 static ev_async mysig;
2600 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2601
2602 static void
2603 otherthread (void)
2604 {
2605 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2606 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2607 queue_put (data);
2608 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2609
2610 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2611 }
2612
2613 static void
2614 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2615 {
2616 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2617
2618 while (queue_get (&data))
2619 process (data);
2620
2621 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2622 }
2623
2624=back
2625
2626
2627=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2628
2629=over 4
2630
2631=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2632
2633Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2634kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2635trust me.
2636
2637=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2638
2639Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2640an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2641C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2642similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2643section below on what exactly this means).
2644
2645This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2646so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2647calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2648
2649=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2650
2651Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2652watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2653event loop.
2654
2655C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2656the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2657it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2658quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2659
2660Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2661whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2662
2663=back
2664
2665
1991=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2666=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1992 2667
1993There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2668There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1994 2669
1995=over 4 2670=over 4
1996 2671
1997=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2672=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
1998 2673
1999This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2674This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2000callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2675callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2001watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2676watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2002or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2677or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2003more watchers yourself. 2678more watchers yourself.
2004 2679
2005If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2680If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2006is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2681C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2007C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2682the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2008 2683
2009If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2684If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2010started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2685started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2011repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2686repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2012dubious value.
2013 2687
2014The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2688The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2015passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2689passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2016C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2690C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2017value passed to C<ev_once>: 2691value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2692a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2693events precedence.
2018 2694
2695Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2696
2019 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2697 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2020 { 2698 {
2021 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2022 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2023 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2699 if (revents & EV_READ)
2024 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2700 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2701 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2702 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2025 } 2703 }
2026 2704
2027 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2705 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2028 2706
2029=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2707=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2030 2708
2031Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2709Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2032had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2710had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2033initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2711initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2034 2712
2035=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2713=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2036 2714
2037Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2715Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2038the given events it. 2716the given events it.
2039 2717
2040=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2718=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2041 2719
2042Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2720Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2043loop!). 2721loop!).
2044 2722
2045=back 2723=back
2046 2724
2047 2725
2063 2741
2064=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2742=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2065will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2743will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2066is an ev_pri field. 2744is an ev_pri field.
2067 2745
2746=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2747first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2748
2068=item * Other members are not supported. 2749=item * Other members are not supported.
2069 2750
2070=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2751=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2071to use the libev header file and library. 2752to use the libev header file and library.
2072 2753
2073=back 2754=back
2074 2755
2075=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2756=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2076 2757
2077Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2758Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2078you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2759you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2079the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2760the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2080 2761
2081To use it, 2762To use it,
2082 2763
2083 #include <ev++.h> 2764 #include <ev++.h>
2084 2765
2085This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2766This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2086of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2767of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2087put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2768put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2088options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2769options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2155your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2836your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2156thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2837thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2157 2838
2158Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2839Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2159 2840
2160 struct myclass 2841 struct myclass
2161 { 2842 {
2162 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2843 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2163 } 2844 }
2164 2845
2165 myclass obj; 2846 myclass obj;
2166 ev::io iow; 2847 ev::io iow;
2167 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2848 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2168 2849
2169=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2850=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2170 2851
2171Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2852Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2172callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2853callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2174 2855
2175The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2856The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2176 2857
2177See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2858See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2178 2859
2179Example: 2860Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2180 2861
2181 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2862 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2182 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2863 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2183 2864
2184=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2865=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2185 2866
2186Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2867Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2187do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2868do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2188 2869
2189=item w->set ([args]) 2870=item w->set ([arguments])
2190 2871
2191Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2872Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2192called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2873called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2193automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2874automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2194method. 2875method.
2195 2876
2196=item w->start () 2877=item w->start ()
2220=back 2901=back
2221 2902
2222Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2903Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2223the constructor. 2904the constructor.
2224 2905
2225 class myclass 2906 class myclass
2226 { 2907 {
2227 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2908 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2228 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2909 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2229 2910
2230 myclass (); 2911 myclass (int fd)
2231 } 2912 {
2232
2233 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2234 {
2235 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2913 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2236 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2914 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2237 2915
2238 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2916 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2917 }
2239 } 2918 };
2919
2920
2921=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2922
2923Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2924number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2925any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2926me a note.
2927
2928=over 4
2929
2930=item Perl
2931
2932The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2933libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2934there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2935to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2936C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2937and C<EV::Glib>).
2938
2939It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2940L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2941
2942=item Python
2943
2944Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2945seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2946patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2947for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2948libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2949libev).
2950
2951=item Ruby
2952
2953Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2954of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2955more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2956L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2957
2958=item D
2959
2960Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2961be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2962
2963=back
2240 2964
2241 2965
2242=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2966=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2243 2967
2244Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2968Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2245of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2969of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2246functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2970functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2247 2971
2248To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2972To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2249following macros are defined: 2973following macros are defined:
2254 2978
2255This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2979This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2256loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2980loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2257C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2981C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2258 2982
2259 ev_unref (EV_A); 2983 ev_unref (EV_A);
2260 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2984 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2261 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2985 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2262 2986
2263It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2987It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2264which is often provided by the following macro. 2988which is often provided by the following macro.
2265 2989
2266=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2990=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2267 2991
2268This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2992This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2269loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2993loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2270C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2994C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2271 2995
2272 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2996 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2273 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2997 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2274 2998
2275 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2999 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2276 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3000 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2277 3001
2278It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3002It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2279suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3003suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2280 3004
2281=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3005=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2282 3006
2283Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3007Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2284loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3008loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3009
3010=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3011
3012Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3013default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3014is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3015execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3016
3017It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3018watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2285 3019
2286=back 3020=back
2287 3021
2288Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3022Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2289macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3023macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2290or not. 3024or not.
2291 3025
2292 static void 3026 static void
2293 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3027 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2294 { 3028 {
2295 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3029 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2296 } 3030 }
2297 3031
2298 ev_check check; 3032 ev_check check;
2299 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3033 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2300 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3034 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2301 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3035 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2302 3036
2303=head1 EMBEDDING 3037=head1 EMBEDDING
2304 3038
2305Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3039Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2306applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3040applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2313libev somewhere in your source tree). 3047libev somewhere in your source tree).
2314 3048
2315=head2 FILESETS 3049=head2 FILESETS
2316 3050
2317Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3051Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2318in your app. 3052in your application.
2319 3053
2320=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3054=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2321 3055
2322To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3056To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2323configuration (no autoconf): 3057configuration (no autoconf):
2324 3058
2325 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3059 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2326 #include "ev.c" 3060 #include "ev.c"
2327 3061
2328This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3062This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2329single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3063single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2330it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3064it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2331done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3065done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2332where you can put other configuration options): 3066where you can put other configuration options):
2333 3067
2334 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3068 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2335 #include "ev.h" 3069 #include "ev.h"
2336 3070
2337Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3071Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2338compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3072compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2339as a bug). 3073as a bug).
2340 3074
2341You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3075You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2342in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3076in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2343 3077
2344 ev.h 3078 ev.h
2345 ev.c 3079 ev.c
2346 ev_vars.h 3080 ev_vars.h
2347 ev_wrap.h 3081 ev_wrap.h
2348 3082
2349 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3083 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2350 3084
2351 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3085 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2352 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3086 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2353 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3087 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2354 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3088 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2355 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3089 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2356 3090
2357F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3091F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2358to compile this single file. 3092to compile this single file.
2359 3093
2360=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3094=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2361 3095
2362To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3096To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2363 3097
2364 #include "event.c" 3098 #include "event.c"
2365 3099
2366in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3100in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2367 3101
2368 #include "event.h" 3102 #include "event.h"
2369 3103
2370in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3104in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2371 3105
2372You need the following additional files for this: 3106You need the following additional files for this:
2373 3107
2374 event.h 3108 event.h
2375 event.c 3109 event.c
2376 3110
2377=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3111=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2378 3112
2379Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3113Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2380whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3114whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2381F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3115F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2382include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3116include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2383 3117
2384For this of course you need the m4 file: 3118For this of course you need the m4 file:
2385 3119
2386 libev.m4 3120 libev.m4
2387 3121
2388=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3122=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2389 3123
2390Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3124Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2391before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3125define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2392and only include the select backend. 3126autoconf is documented for every option.
2393 3127
2394=over 4 3128=over 4
2395 3129
2396=item EV_STANDALONE 3130=item EV_STANDALONE
2397 3131
2402F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3136F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2403 3137
2404=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3138=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2405 3139
2406If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3140If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2407monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3141monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2408of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3142of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2409usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3143usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2410the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3144the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2411to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3145to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2412function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3146function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2413 3147
2414=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3148=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2415 3149
2416If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3150If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2417realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3151real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2418runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3152runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2419be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3153be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2420(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3154(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2421note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3155note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2422 3156
2423=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3157=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2424 3158
2425If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3159If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2426and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3160and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2427 3161
3162=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3163
3164If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3165available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3166C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3167If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31682.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3169
2428=item EV_USE_SELECT 3170=item EV_USE_SELECT
2429 3171
2430If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3172If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2431C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3173C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2432other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3174other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2433will not be compiled in. 3175will not be compiled in.
2434 3176
2435=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3177=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2436 3178
2437If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3179If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2438structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3180structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2439C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3181C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2440exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3182exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2441low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3183low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2442allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3184allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2443influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3185influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2444 3186
2450be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3192be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2451C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3193C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2452it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3194it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2453on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3195on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2454 3196
3197=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
3198
3199If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3200file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3201default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3202correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3203in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3204
2455=item EV_USE_POLL 3205=item EV_USE_POLL
2456 3206
2457If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3207If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2458backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3208backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2459takes precedence over select. 3209takes precedence over select.
2460 3210
2461=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3211=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2462 3212
2463If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3213If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2464C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3214C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2465otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3215otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2466preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3216backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3217headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2467 3218
2468=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3219=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2469 3220
2470If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3221If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2471C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3222C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2484otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3235otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2485backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3236backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2486 3237
2487=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3238=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2488 3239
2489reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3240Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2490 3241
2491=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3242=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2492 3243
2493If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3244If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2494interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3245interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2495be detected at runtime. 3246be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3247indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3248
3249=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3250
3251Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3252access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3253type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3254that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3255as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3256
3257In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3258(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2496 3259
2497=item EV_H 3260=item EV_H
2498 3261
2499The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3262The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2500undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 3263undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2501can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3264used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2502 3265
2503=item EV_CONFIG_H 3266=item EV_CONFIG_H
2504 3267
2505If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3268If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2506F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3269F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2507C<EV_H>, above. 3270C<EV_H>, above.
2508 3271
2509=item EV_EVENT_H 3272=item EV_EVENT_H
2510 3273
2511Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3274Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2512of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 3275of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2513 3276
2514=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3277=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2515 3278
2516If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3279If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2517prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3280prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2538When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3301When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2539all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3302all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2540and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3303and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2541fine. 3304fine.
2542 3305
2543If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3306If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2544C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3307both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2545 3308
2546=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3309=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2547 3310
2548If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3311If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2549defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3312defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2556code. 3319code.
2557 3320
2558=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3321=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2559 3322
2560If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3323If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2561defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3324defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3325watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2562 3326
2563=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3327=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2564 3328
2565If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3329If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2566defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3330defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2568=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3332=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2569 3333
2570If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3334If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2571defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3335defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2572 3336
3337=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3338
3339If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3340defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3341
2573=item EV_MINIMAL 3342=item EV_MINIMAL
2574 3343
2575If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3344If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2576speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3345speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2577some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3346inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3347much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2578 3348
2579=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3349=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2580 3350
2581C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3351C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2582pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3352pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2589inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3359inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2590usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3360usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2591watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3361watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2592two). 3362two).
2593 3363
3364=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3365
3366Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3367timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3368to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3369faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3370
3371The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3372(disabled).
3373
3374=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3375
3376Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3377timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3378the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3379which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3380but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3381noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3382
3383The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3384(disabled).
3385
3386=item EV_VERIFY
3387
3388Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3389be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3390in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3391called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3392called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3393verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3394libev considerably.
3395
3396The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3397C<0>.
3398
2594=item EV_COMMON 3399=item EV_COMMON
2595 3400
2596By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3401By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2597this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3402this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2598members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3403members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2599though, and it must be identical each time. 3404though, and it must be identical each time.
2600 3405
2601For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3406For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2602 3407
2603 #define EV_COMMON \ 3408 #define EV_COMMON \
2604 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3409 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2605 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3410 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2606 3411
2607=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3412=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2608 3413
2609=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3414=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2610 3415
2615definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3420definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2616their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3421their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2617avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3422avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2618method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3423method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2619 3424
3425=back
3426
2620=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3427=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2621 3428
2622If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3429If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2623exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3430exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2624all public symbols, one per line: 3431all public symbols, one per line:
2625 3432
2626 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3433 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2627 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3434 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2628 3435
2629This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3436This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2630multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3437multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2631itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3438itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2632 3439
2633A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3440A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2634include before including F<ev.h>: 3441include before including F<ev.h>:
2635 3442
2636 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3443 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2653file. 3460file.
2654 3461
2655The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3462The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2656that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3463that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2657 3464
2658 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3465 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2659 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3466 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2660 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3467 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2661 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3468 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2662 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3469 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2663 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3470 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2664 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3471 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2665 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3472 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2666 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3473 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2667 3474
2668 #include "ev++.h" 3475 #include "ev++.h"
2669 3476
2670And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3477And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2671 3478
2672 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3479 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2673 #include "ev.c" 3480 #include "ev.c"
2674 3481
3482=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2675 3483
3484=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3485
3486=head3 THREADS
3487
3488All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3489documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3490that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3491are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3492parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3493of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3494structures that need any locking.
3495
3496Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3497concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3498must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3499only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3500a mutex per loop).
3501
3502Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3503so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3504concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3505outside".
3506
3507If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3508without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3509help you, but here is some generic advice:
3510
3511=over 4
3512
3513=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3514in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3515
3516This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3517themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3518
3519=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3520
3521Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3522exists, but it is always a good start.
3523
3524=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3525loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3526
3527Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3528better than you currently do :-)
3529
3530=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3531event loop.
3532
3533C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3534(or from signal contexts...).
3535
3536An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3537work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3538default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3539watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3540
3541=back
3542
3543=head3 COROUTINES
3544
3545Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3546libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3547coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3548different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3549loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3550you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3551
3552Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3553C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3554they do not clal any callbacks.
3555
3556=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3557
3558Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3559lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3560scared by this.
3561
3562However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3563has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3564warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3565targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3566
3567Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3568workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3569maintainable.
3570
3571And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3572wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3573seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3574warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3575been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3576such buggy versions.
3577
3578While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3579"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3580with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3581them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3582warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3583
3584
3585=head2 VALGRIND
3586
3587Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3588highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3589
3590If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3591in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3592
3593 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3594 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3595 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3596
3597Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3598is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3599
3600Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3601as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3602although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3603confused.
3604
3605Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3606make it into some kind of religion.
3607
3608If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3609with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3610is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3611annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3612of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3613
3614If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3615I suggest using suppression lists.
3616
3617
3618=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3619
3620=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3621
3622Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3623requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3624model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3625the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3626descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3627e.g. cygwin.
3628
3629Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3630re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3631things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3632way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3633
3634There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3635embedding it into other applications.
3636
3637Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3638accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3639either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3640so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3641megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3642available).
3643
3644Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3645the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3646is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3647more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3648different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3649notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3650(Microsoft monopoly games).
3651
3652A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3653section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3654of F<ev.h>:
3655
3656 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3657 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3658
3659 #include "ev.h"
3660
3661And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3662you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3663
3664 #include "evwrap.h"
3665 #include "ev.c"
3666
3667=over 4
3668
3669=item The winsocket select function
3670
3671The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3672requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3673also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3674requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3675C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3676discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3677C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3678
3679The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3680libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3681
3682 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3683 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3684
3685Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3686complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3687
3688=item Limited number of file descriptors
3689
3690Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3691
3692Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3693of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3694can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3695recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3696previous thread in each. Great).
3697
3698Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3699to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3700call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3701select emulation on windows).
3702
3703Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3704libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3705or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3706C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3707arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3708libraries.
3709
3710This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3711windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3712wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3713calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3714
3715=back
3716
3717=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3718
3719In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3720backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3721
3722=over 4
3723
3724=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3725calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3726
3727Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3728structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3729assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3730callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3731calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3732
3733=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3734
3735The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3736C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3737threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3738believed to be sufficiently portable.
3739
3740=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3741
3742Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3743allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3744pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3745thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3746be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3747C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3748
3749The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3750except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3751well.
3752
3753=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3754
3755To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3756instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3757systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3758least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3759watchers.
3760
3761=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3762
3763The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3764have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3765enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3766implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3767
3768=back
3769
3770If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3771
3772
2676=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3773=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
2677 3774
2678In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3775In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2679libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3776libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
2680documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3777the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2681 3778
2682All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3779All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2683extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3780extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2684happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3781happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2685mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3782mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
2686it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3783average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2687 3784
2688=over 4 3785=over 4
2689 3786
2690=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3787=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2691 3788
2692This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3789This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2693there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3790there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
2694have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers. 3791have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2695 3792
2696=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3793=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2697 3794
2698That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3795That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
2699as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3796as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2700 3797
2701=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3798=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2702 3799
2703These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3800These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2704 3801
2705=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3802=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2706 3803
2707=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3804=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2708 3805
2709These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3806These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
2710correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3807correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2711have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3808have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3809is rare).
2712 3810
2713=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3811=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2714 3812
2715By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3813By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2716beginning of the storage array. 3814fixed position in the storage array.
2717 3815
2718=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3816=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2719 3817
2720A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3818A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2721libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3819libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2722on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3820on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2723 3821
2724=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3822=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2725 3823
2726=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3824=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2727 3825
2728Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3826Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2729priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3827priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2730linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating 3828linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2731watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling. 3829watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3830
3831=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3832
3833=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3834
3835=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3836
3837Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3838calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3839involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2732 3840
2733=back 3841=back
2734 3842
2735 3843
2736=head1 AUTHOR 3844=head1 AUTHOR

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