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2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70 70
71Libev 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
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 74
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
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
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return 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_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: 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
174a 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
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return 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
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned 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
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(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
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
193C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
194recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
195 216
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 218
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
199 220
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
204potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
205function. 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.
206 230
207You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
208free 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,
209or 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.
210 234
211Example: 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
212retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
213 237
214 static void * 238 static void *
215 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
216 { 240 {
217 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
226 } 250 }
227 251
228 ... 252 ...
229 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
230 254
231=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
232 256
233Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
234as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
235indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
236callback 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
237matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
238requested 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
239(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
240 264
241Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
252 276
253=back 277=back
254 278
255=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
256 280
257An 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>
258types 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>
259events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
260 284
261If 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
262in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
263create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 287not.
264whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
265threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
266done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
267 288
268=over 4 289=over 4
269 290
270=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
271 292
281from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
282as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 303as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
283 304
284The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
285C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
286for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
287create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
288can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
289C<ev_default_init>. 310C<ev_default_init>.
290 311
291The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
300The 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
301thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
302 323
303=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
304 325
305If 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
306or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
307C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
308override 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
309useful 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
310around bugs. 331around bugs.
317 338
318This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
319and 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
320iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
321GNU/Linux 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
322without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
323C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
324 345
325The 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
326forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
327flag. 348flag.
328 349
329This 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>
330environment variable. 351environment variable.
331 352
332=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
333 354
334This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
336but 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
337using 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
338usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
339 360
340To 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
341parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 362parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
342writing 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
343connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
344a 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
345readyness 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).
346 371
347=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)
348 373
349And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
350than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
351limit 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
352considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
353i.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
354performance tips. 379performance tips.
355 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
356=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
357 385
358For 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,
359but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
360like 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),
361epoll 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
362of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
363cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
364support for dup. 392support for dup.
365 393
366While 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
367will 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
368(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
369best 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
370very well if you register events for both fds. 398very well if you register events for both fds.
371 399
372Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 400Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
373need 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
374(or space) is available. 402(or space) is available.
375 403
376Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 404Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
377watchers 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,
378keep 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.
379 409
380While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 410While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
381all kernel versions tested so far. 411all kernel versions tested so far.
382 412
413This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
414C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
415
383=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 416=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
384 417
385Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 418Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
386was 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
387with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 420anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
388it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 421completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
389unless 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
390C<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.
391system like NetBSD.
392 424
393You 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
394only 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
395the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 427the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
396 428
397It 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
398kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 430kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
399course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 431course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
400cause 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
401two 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
402drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 434drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
403 435
404This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 436This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
405 437
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 438While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
407everywhere, 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
408almost 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
409(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
410(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,
411sockets. 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>.
412 448
413=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
414 450
415This 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
416implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 452implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
420=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 456=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
421 457
422This 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,
423it'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)).
424 460
425Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 461Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
426notifications, 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
427blocking when no data (or space) is available. 463blocking when no data (or space) is available.
428 464
429While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 465While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
430file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 466file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
431descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 467descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
432might perform better. 468might perform better.
433 469
434On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 470On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
435backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 471notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
436embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 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>.
437 477
438=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 478=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
439 479
440Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 480Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
441with 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
443 483
444It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 484It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
445 485
446=back 486=back
447 487
448If 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
449backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 489backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
450specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 490specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
451 491
452The most typical usage is like this: 492Example: This is the most typical usage.
453 493
454 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 494 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
455 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 495 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
456 496
457Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 497Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
458environment settings to be taken into account: 498environment settings to be taken into account:
459 499
460 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 500 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
461 501
462Use 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
463available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 503used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
464event 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):
465 506
466 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 507 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
467 508
468=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 509=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
469 510
470Similar 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
471always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 512always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
476libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 517libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
477default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 518default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
478 519
479Example: 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.
480 521
481 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 522 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
482 if (!epoller) 523 if (!epoller)
483 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 524 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
484 525
485=item ev_default_destroy () 526=item ev_default_destroy ()
486 527
487Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 528Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
488etc.). 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
489sense, 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
490responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 531responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
491calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 532calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
492the 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
493for example). 534for example).
494 535
495Note 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
527 568
528=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 569=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
529 570
530Like 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
531C<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
532after 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.
533 575
534=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 576=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
535 577
536Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 578Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
579otherwise.
537 580
538=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 581=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
539 582
540Returns 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
541the 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
556received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 599received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
557change 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
558time 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
559event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 602event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
560 603
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
561=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 616=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
562 617
563Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 618Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
564after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 619after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
565events. 620events.
567If 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
568either 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.
569 624
570Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 625Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
571relying 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
572finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 627finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
573automatically 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
574relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 629of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
630beauty.
575 631
576A 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
577those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 633those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
578case 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.
579 636
580A 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
581neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 638necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
582your 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
583one 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
584external 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
585libev 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
586usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 647usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
587 648
588Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 649Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
589 650
590 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 651 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
591 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 652 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
592 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 653 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
593 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 654 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
594 - 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.
595 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 657 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
596 - Update the "event loop time". 658 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
597 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 659 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
598 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 660 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
599 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 661 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
600 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 662 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
601 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 663 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
602 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 664 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
603 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 665 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
604 - Queue all outstanding timers. 666 - Queue all expired timers.
605 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 667 - Queue all expired periodics.
606 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 668 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
607 - Queue all check watchers. 669 - Queue all check watchers.
608 - 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).
609 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
610 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 672 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
611 - 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
616anymore. 678anymore.
617 679
618 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 680 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
619 ... 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..)
620 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 682 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
621 ... jobs done. yeah! 683 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
622 684
623=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 685=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
624 686
625Can 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
626has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 688has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
627C<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
628C<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.
629 691
630This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 692This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
631 693
694It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
695
632=item ev_ref (loop) 696=item ev_ref (loop)
633 697
634=item ev_unref (loop) 698=item ev_unref (loop)
635 699
636Ref/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
637loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 701loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
638count 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
639a 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>
640returning, 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
641example, 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
642visible 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
643no 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
644way 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
645libraries. 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>
646(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 713(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
647respectively). 714respectively).
648 715
649Example: 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>
650running when nothing else is active. 717running when nothing else is active.
651 718
652 struct ev_signal exitsig; 719 ev_signal exitsig;
653 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 720 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
654 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 721 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
655 evf_unref (loop); 722 evf_unref (loop);
656 723
657Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 724Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
658 725
659 ev_ref (loop); 726 ev_ref (loop);
660 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 727 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
661 728
662=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 729=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
663 730
664=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 731=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
665 732
666These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 733These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
667for 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
668invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 735will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
736latency.
669 737
670Setting 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>)
671allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 739allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
672increase efficiency of loop iterations. 740to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
741opportunities).
673 742
674The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 743The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
675handle 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
676the 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
677events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 746events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
678overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 747overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
679 748
680By 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
681time 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,
683C<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
684introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 753introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
685 754
686Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 755Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
687to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 756to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
688latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 757latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
689will 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
690any overhead in libev. 759value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
691 760
692Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 761Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
693interval 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
694interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 763interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
695usually 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>,
696as 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.
697 785
698=back 786=back
699 787
700 788
701=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.
702 794
703A 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
704interest 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
705become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 797become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
706 798
707 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)
708 { 800 {
709 ev_io_stop (w); 801 ev_io_stop (w);
710 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 802 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
711 } 803 }
712 804
713 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 805 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
806
714 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 807 ev_io stdin_watcher;
808
715 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 809 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
716 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 810 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
717 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 811 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
812
718 ev_loop (loop, 0); 813 ev_loop (loop, 0);
719 814
720As 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
721watcher 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
722although 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).
723 821
724Each 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
725(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 823(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
726callback 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
727watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 825watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
728is readable and/or writable). 826is readable and/or writable).
729 827
730Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 828Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
731with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 829macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
732to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 830is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
733(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 831ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
734 832
735To 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
736with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 834with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
737*) >>), 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
738corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 836corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
739 837
740As 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
741must 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
742reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 840reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
743 841
744Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 842Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
745registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 843registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
746third argument. 844third argument.
747 845
807 905
808The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 906The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
809 907
810=item C<EV_ERROR> 908=item C<EV_ERROR>
811 909
812An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 910An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
813happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 911happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
814ran 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
815problem. 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
816with 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.
817 919
818Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 920Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
819for 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
820your 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
821with 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
822programs, though, so beware. 924programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
925thing, so beware.
823 926
824=back 927=back
825 928
826=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 929=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
827
828In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
829e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
830 930
831=over 4 931=over 4
832 932
833=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 933=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
834 934
840which rolls both calls into one. 940which rolls both calls into one.
841 941
842You 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
843(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 943(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
844 944
845The 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,
846int 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);
847 953
848=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 954=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
849 955
850This 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
851call 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
854difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 960difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
855 961
856Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 962Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
857(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.
858 964
965See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
966
859=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 967=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
860 968
861This 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
862calls 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
863a 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);
864 976
865=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 977=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
866 978
867Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 979Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
868events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 980events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
869 981
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
870=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 987=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
871 988
872Stops 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
873status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 992It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
874non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 993non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
875C<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
876you 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
877good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 996therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
878 997
879=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 998=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
880 999
881Returns 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
882and 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
930 1049
931=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1050=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
932 1051
933Invoke 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
934C<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
935can deal with that fact. 1054can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1055callback.
936 1056
937=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1057=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
938 1058
939If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1059If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
940and 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
941watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1061watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
942 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
943=back 1066=back
944 1067
945 1068
946=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1069=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
947 1070
948Each 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
949and 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
950to 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
951don'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
952member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1075member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
953data: 1076data:
954 1077
955 struct my_io 1078 struct my_io
956 { 1079 {
957 struct ev_io io; 1080 ev_io io;
958 int otherfd; 1081 int otherfd;
959 void *somedata; 1082 void *somedata;
960 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1083 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
961 } 1084 };
1085
1086 ...
1087 struct my_io w;
1088 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
962 1089
963And 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
964can cast it back to your own type: 1091can cast it back to your own type:
965 1092
966 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)
967 { 1094 {
968 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1095 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
969 ... 1096 ...
970 } 1097 }
971 1098
972More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1099More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
973instead have been omitted. 1100instead have been omitted.
974 1101
975Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1102Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
976watchers: 1103embedded watchers:
977 1104
978 struct my_biggy 1105 struct my_biggy
979 { 1106 {
980 int some_data; 1107 int some_data;
981 ev_timer t1; 1108 ev_timer t1;
982 ev_timer t2; 1109 ev_timer t2;
983 } 1110 }
984 1111
985In 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
986you 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):
987 1117
988 #include <stddef.h> 1118 #include <stddef.h>
989 1119
990 static void 1120 static void
991 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1121 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
992 { 1122 {
993 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1123 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
994 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1124 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
995 } 1125 }
996 1126
997 static void 1127 static void
998 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1128 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
999 { 1129 {
1000 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1130 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1001 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1131 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1002 } 1132 }
1003 1133
1004 1134
1005=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1135=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1006 1136
1007This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1137This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1031In 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
1032fd 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
1033descriptors 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
1034required if you know what you are doing). 1164required if you know what you are doing).
1035 1165
1036If 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
1037(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
1038C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1168C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1039 1169
1040Another 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
1041receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1171receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1042be 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
1043because 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
1044lot 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
1045this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1175this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1046it 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
1047C<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.
1048 1178
1049If 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
1050play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1180not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1051whether 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
1052such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1182interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1053its 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.
1054 1188
1055=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1189=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1056 1190
1057Some 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
1058descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1192descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1059such 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
1060descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1194descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1061this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1195this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1062registered 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
1063fact, a different file descriptor. 1197fact, a different file descriptor.
1064 1198
1095enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1229enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1096C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1230C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1097 1231
1098=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1232=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1099 1233
1100While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1234While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1101when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1235when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1102gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1236sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1103programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1237this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1104undesirable.
1105 1238
1106So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1239So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1107ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1240ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1108somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1241somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1109 1242
1115=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1248=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1116 1249
1117=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1250=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1118 1251
1119Configures 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
1120rceeive 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
1121C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1254C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1122 1255
1123=item int fd [read-only] 1256=item int fd [read-only]
1124 1257
1125The file descriptor being watched. 1258The file descriptor being watched.
1126 1259
1134 1267
1135Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1268Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1136readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1269readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1137attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1270attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1138 1271
1139 static void 1272 static void
1140 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)
1141 { 1274 {
1142 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1275 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1143 .. 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
1144 } 1277 }
1145 1278
1146 ... 1279 ...
1147 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1280 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1148 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1281 ev_io stdin_readable;
1149 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);
1150 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1283 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1151 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1284 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1152 1285
1153 1286
1154=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1287=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1155 1288
1156Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1289Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1157given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1290given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1158 1291
1159The 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
1160times 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
1161time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1294year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1162detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1295detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1163monotonic 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.
1164 1484
1165The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1485The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1166time. 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
1167of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1487of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1168you 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
1169on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1489timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1170 1490
1171 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1491 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1172 1492
1173The 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
1174but 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
1175order of execution is undefined. 1495()>.
1176 1496
1177=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1497=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1178 1498
1179=over 4 1499=over 4
1180 1500
1181=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)
1182 1502
1183=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)
1184 1504
1185Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1505Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1186C<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
1187timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1507reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1188later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1508configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1509until stopped manually.
1189 1510
1190The 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
1191configure 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
1192exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1513trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1193the 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
1194timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1515do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1195 1516
1196=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1517=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1197 1518
1198This 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
1199repeating. The exact semantics are: 1520repeating. The exact semantics are:
1200 1521
1201If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1522If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1202 1523
1203If 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).
1204 1525
1205If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1526If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1206C<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.
1207 1528
1208This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1529This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1209example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1530usage example.
1210timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1211seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1212configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1213C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1214you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1215socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1216automatically restart it if need be.
1217
1218That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1219altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1220
1221 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1222 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1223 ...
1224 timer->again = 17.;
1225 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1226 ...
1227 timer->again = 10.;
1228 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1229
1230This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1231you want to modify its timeout value.
1232 1531
1233=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1532=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1234 1533
1235The 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
1236or 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),
1237which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1536which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1238 1537
1239=back 1538=back
1240 1539
1241=head3 Examples 1540=head3 Examples
1242 1541
1243Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1542Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1244 1543
1245 static void 1544 static void
1246 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)
1247 { 1546 {
1248 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1547 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1249 } 1548 }
1250 1549
1251 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1550 ev_timer mytimer;
1252 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1551 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1253 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1552 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1254 1553
1255Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1554Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1256inactivity. 1555inactivity.
1257 1556
1258 static void 1557 static void
1259 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1558 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1260 { 1559 {
1261 .. ten seconds without any activity 1560 .. ten seconds without any activity
1262 } 1561 }
1263 1562
1264 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1563 ev_timer mytimer;
1265 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 */
1266 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1565 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1267 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1566 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1268 1567
1269 // 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":
1270 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1569 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1271 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1570 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1272 1571
1273 1572
1274=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1573=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1275 1574
1276Periodic 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
1277(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1576(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1278 1577
1279Unlike 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)
1280but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1579but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1281to 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
1282periodic 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 ()
1283+ 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
1284take 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
1285roughly 10 seconds later). 1585roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1286 1586
1287They 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,
1288triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1588such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1289rules. 1589complicated rules.
1290 1590
1291As 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
1292time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1592time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1293during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1593during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1294 1594
1295=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1595=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1296 1596
1297=over 4 1597=over 4
1298 1598
1299=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)
1300 1600
1301=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)
1302 1602
1303Lots 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
1304operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1604operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1305 1605
1306=over 4 1606=over 4
1307 1607
1308=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1608=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1309 1609
1310In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1610In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1311C<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
1312that 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
1313system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1613only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1314 1614
1315=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1615=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1316 1616
1317In 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
1318C<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)
1319and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1619and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1320 1620
1321This 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
1322time: 1622system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1623hour, on the hour:
1323 1624
1324 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1625 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1325 1626
1326This 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,
1327but 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
1328full 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
1329by 3600. 1630by 3600.
1330 1631
1331Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1632Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1332C<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
1333time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1634time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1334 1635
1335For 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
1336C<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
1337this 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).
1338 1644
1339=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1645=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1340 1646
1341In 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
1342ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1648ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1343reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1649reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1344current time as second argument. 1650current time as second argument.
1345 1651
1346NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1652NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1347ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1653ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1348return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1349starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1350 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
1351Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1659The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1352ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1660*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1353 1661
1662 static ev_tstamp
1354 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1663 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1355 { 1664 {
1356 return now + 60.; 1665 return now + 60.;
1357 } 1666 }
1358 1667
1359It 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
1360(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
1361will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1670will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1362might be called at other times, too. 1671might be called at other times, too.
1363 1672
1364NOTE: 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
1365passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1674equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1366 1675
1367This 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
1368triggers 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
1369next 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
1370you 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
1371reason I omitted it as an example). 1680reason I omitted it as an example).
1372 1681
1373=back 1682=back
1377Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1686Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1378when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1687when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1379a 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
1380program when the crontabs have changed). 1689program when the crontabs have changed).
1381 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
1382=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1696=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1383 1697
1384When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1698When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1385absolute 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>).
1386 1700
1391 1705
1392The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1706The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1393take 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
1394called. 1708called.
1395 1709
1396=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]
1397 1711
1398The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1712The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1399switched 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
1400the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1714the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1401 1715
1402=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1403
1404When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1405trigger next.
1406
1407=back 1716=back
1408 1717
1409=head3 Examples 1718=head3 Examples
1410 1719
1411Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1720Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1412system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1721system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1413potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1722potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1414 1723
1415 static void 1724 static void
1416 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1725 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1417 { 1726 {
1418 ... 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)
1419 } 1728 }
1420 1729
1421 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1730 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1422 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1731 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1423 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1732 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1424 1733
1425Example: 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:
1426 1735
1427 #include <math.h> 1736 #include <math.h>
1428 1737
1429 static ev_tstamp 1738 static ev_tstamp
1430 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1739 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1431 { 1740 {
1432 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1741 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1433 } 1742 }
1434 1743
1435 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);
1436 1745
1437Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1746Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1438 1747
1439 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1748 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1440 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1749 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1441 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1750 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1442 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1751 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1443 1752
1444 1753
1445=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1754=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1446 1755
1447Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1756Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1448signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1757signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1449will 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
1450normal event processing, like any other event. 1759normal event processing, like any other event.
1451 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
1452You 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
1453first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1766first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1454with 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
1455as 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
1456watcher 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
1457SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1770signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1458 1771
1459If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1772If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1460C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1773C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1461interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1774interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1462signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1775signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1463them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1776them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1464 1777
1465=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1778=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1466 1779
1479 1792
1480=back 1793=back
1481 1794
1482=head3 Examples 1795=head3 Examples
1483 1796
1484Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1797Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1485 1798
1486 static void 1799 static void
1487 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1800 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1488 { 1801 {
1489 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1802 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1490 } 1803 }
1491 1804
1492 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1805 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1493 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1806 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1494 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1807 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1495 1808
1496 1809
1497=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1810=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1498 1811
1499Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1812Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1500some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1813some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1501is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1814exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1502forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1815has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1503loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 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.
1504 1820
1505Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1821Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1506you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1822you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1507 1823
1508=head3 Process Interaction 1824=head3 Process Interaction
1509 1825
1510Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1826Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1511initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1827initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1512the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1828the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1513of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1829of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1514synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1830synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1515children, even ones not watched. 1831children, even ones not watched.
1516 1832
1517=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1833=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1521handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1837handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1522C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1838C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1523default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1839default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1524event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1840event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1525that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 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.
1526 1849
1527=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1850=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1528 1851
1529=over 4 1852=over 4
1530 1853
1559=head3 Examples 1882=head3 Examples
1560 1883
1561Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1884Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1562its completion. 1885its completion.
1563 1886
1564 ev_child cw; 1887 ev_child cw;
1565 1888
1566 static void 1889 static void
1567 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1890 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1568 { 1891 {
1569 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1892 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1570 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1893 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1571 } 1894 }
1572 1895
1573 pid_t pid = fork (); 1896 pid_t pid = fork ();
1574 1897
1575 if (pid < 0) 1898 if (pid < 0)
1576 // error 1899 // error
1577 else if (pid == 0) 1900 else if (pid == 0)
1578 { 1901 {
1579 // the forked child executes here 1902 // the forked child executes here
1580 exit (1); 1903 exit (1);
1581 } 1904 }
1582 else 1905 else
1583 { 1906 {
1584 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1907 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1585 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1908 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1586 } 1909 }
1587 1910
1588 1911
1589=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1912=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1590 1913
1591This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1914This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1592C<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
1593compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1916compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1594 1917
1595The 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
1596not 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
1599the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1922the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1600 1923
1601The 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
1602relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1925relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1603 1926
1604Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1927Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1605calls 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
1606can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1929it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1607a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1930this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1608unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1931then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1609five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1932you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1610impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1933dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1611usually overkill. 1934around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1612 1935
1613This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1936This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1614as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1937as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1615resource-intensive. 1938resource-intensive.
1616 1939
1617At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1940At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1618implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1941is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1619reader). 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
1620semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1943of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1621to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1622usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1623polling.
1624 1944
1625=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1945=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1626 1946
1627Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1947Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1628compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1948compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1629disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1949support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1630structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1950structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1631use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1951use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1632compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1952compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1633obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1953obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1634most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1954most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1635 1955
1636=head3 Inotify 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.
1637 1961
1962=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1963
1638When 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
1639available 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
1640change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1967change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1641when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1968lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1642 1969
1643Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1970Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1644except 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
1645making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1972making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1646there 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.
1647 1975
1648(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
1649implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1977implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1650descriptor open on the object at all times). 1978descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1979etc. is difficult.
1651 1980
1652=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1981=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1653 1982
1654The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1983The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1655even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1984even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1656only support whole seconds. 1985only support whole seconds.
1657 1986
1658That 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
1659miss 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
1660your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1989calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1661the 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).
1662 1992
1663The 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
1664the 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
1665(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);
1666is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1996ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1667systems. 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).
1668 2006
1669=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2007=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1670 2008
1671=over 4 2009=over 4
1672 2010
1678C<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
1679be 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
1680a 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
1681path for as long as the watcher is active. 2019path for as long as the watcher is active.
1682 2020
1683The 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,
1684relative 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
1685last change was detected). 2023last change was detected).
1686 2024
1687=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2025=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1688 2026
1689Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2027Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1690watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2028watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1691detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2029detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1692useful simply to find out the new values. 2030the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2031new values.
1693 2032
1694=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2033=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1695 2034
1696The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2035The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1697C<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
1698suitable 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
1699was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2039some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1700 2040
1701=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2041=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1702 2042
1703The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2043The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1704C<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>.
1705 2047
1706=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2048=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1707 2049
1708The specified interval. 2050The specified interval.
1709 2051
1710=item const char *path [read-only] 2052=item const char *path [read-only]
1711 2053
1712The filesystem path that is being watched. 2054The file system path that is being watched.
1713 2055
1714=back 2056=back
1715 2057
1716=head3 Examples 2058=head3 Examples
1717 2059
1718Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2060Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1719 2061
1720 static void 2062 static void
1721 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2063 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1722 { 2064 {
1723 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2065 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1724 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2066 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1725 { 2067 {
1726 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2068 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1727 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2069 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1728 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2070 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1729 } 2071 }
1730 else 2072 else
1731 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2073 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1732 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2074 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1733 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2075 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1734 } 2076 }
1735 2077
1736 ... 2078 ...
1737 ev_stat passwd; 2079 ev_stat passwd;
1738 2080
1739 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2081 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1740 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2082 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1741 2083
1742Example: 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
1743miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2085miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1744one 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
1745C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2087C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1746 2088
1747 static ev_stat passwd; 2089 static ev_stat passwd;
1748 static ev_timer timer; 2090 static ev_timer timer;
1749 2091
1750 static void 2092 static void
1751 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2093 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1752 { 2094 {
1753 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2095 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1754 2096
1755 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2097 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1756 } 2098 }
1757 2099
1758 static void 2100 static void
1759 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2101 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1760 { 2102 {
1761 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2103 /* reset the one-second timer */
1762 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2104 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1763 } 2105 }
1764 2106
1765 ... 2107 ...
1766 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2108 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1767 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2109 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1768 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2110 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1769 2111
1770 2112
1771=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...
1772 2114
1773Idle 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
1774priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2116priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1775count). 2117as receiving "events").
1776 2118
1777That 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
1778(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
1779triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2121triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1780are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2122are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1804=head3 Examples 2146=head3 Examples
1805 2147
1806Example: 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
1807callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2149callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1808 2150
1809 static void 2151 static void
1810 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2152 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1811 { 2153 {
1812 free (w); 2154 free (w);
1813 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2155 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1814 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2156 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1815 } 2157 }
1816 2158
1817 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2159 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1818 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2160 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1819 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2161 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1820 2162
1821 2163
1822=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!
1823 2165
1824Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2166Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1825prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2167prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1826afterwards. 2168afterwards.
1827 2169
1828You 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
1829the 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>
1832those 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,
1833C<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
1834called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2176called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1835 2177
1836Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2178Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1837their 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
1838variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2180variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1839coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2181coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1840you 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,
1841in 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>
1842watcher). 2184watcher).
1843 2185
1844This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2186This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1845to 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
1846them 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
1847provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2189libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1848any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2190you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1849and 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
1850callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2192I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1851because you never know, you know?). 2193nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1852 2194
1853As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2195As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1854coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2196coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1855during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2197during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1856are 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
1859loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2201loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1860low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2202low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1861 2203
1862It 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>)
1863priority, 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
1864after 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
1865too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2209activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1866supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2210might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1867did 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
1868(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
1869state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2213C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1870coexist peacefully with others). 2214others).
1871 2215
1872=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2216=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1873 2217
1874=over 4 2218=over 4
1875 2219
1877 2221
1878=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2222=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1879 2223
1880Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2224Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1881parameters 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>
1882macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2226macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2227pointless.
1883 2228
1884=back 2229=back
1885 2230
1886=head3 Examples 2231=head3 Examples
1887 2232
1888There 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
1889into 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
1890(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
1891use 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
1892embeds 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
1893into the Glib event loop). 2238Glib event loop).
1894 2239
1895Method 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,
1896and 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
1897is 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
1898priority 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
1899the 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.
1900 2245
1901 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2246 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1902 static ev_timer tw; 2247 static ev_timer tw;
1903 2248
1904 static void 2249 static void
1905 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2250 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1906 { 2251 {
1907 } 2252 }
1908 2253
1909 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2254 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1910 static void 2255 static void
1911 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2256 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1912 { 2257 {
1913 int timeout = 3600000; 2258 int timeout = 3600000;
1914 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2259 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1915 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2260 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1916 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2261 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1917 2262
1918 /* 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 */
1919 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2264 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1920 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2265 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1921 2266
1922 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2267 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1923 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2268 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1924 { 2269 {
1925 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2270 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1926 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2271 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1927 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2272 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1928 2273
1929 fds [i].revents = 0; 2274 fds [i].revents = 0;
1930 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2275 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1931 } 2276 }
1932 } 2277 }
1933 2278
1934 // stop all watchers after blocking 2279 // stop all watchers after blocking
1935 static void 2280 static void
1936 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2281 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1937 { 2282 {
1938 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2283 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1939 2284
1940 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2285 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1941 { 2286 {
1942 // set the relevant poll flags 2287 // set the relevant poll flags
1943 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2288 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1944 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2289 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1945 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2290 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1946 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2291 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1947 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2292 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1948 2293
1949 // now stop the watcher 2294 // now stop the watcher
1950 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2295 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1951 } 2296 }
1952 2297
1953 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2298 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1954 } 2299 }
1955 2300
1956Method 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>
1957in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2302in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1958 2303
1959Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2304Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1960notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2305notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1961callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2306callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1962 2307
1963 static void 2308 static void
1964 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2309 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1965 { 2310 {
1966 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2311 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1967 update_now (EV_A); 2312 update_now (EV_A);
1968 2313
1969 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2314 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1970 } 2315 }
1971 2316
1972 static void 2317 static void
1973 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2318 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1974 { 2319 {
1975 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2320 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1976 update_now (EV_A); 2321 update_now (EV_A);
1977 2322
1978 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2323 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1979 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2324 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1980 } 2325 }
1981 2326
1982 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2327 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1983 2328
1984Method 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
1985want 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
1986their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2331override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1987loop 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
1988this. 2333this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2334libglib event loop.
1989 2335
1990 static gint 2336 static gint
1991 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2337 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1992 { 2338 {
1993 int got_events = 0; 2339 int got_events = 0;
1994 2340
1995 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2341 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1996 // 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
1997 2343
1998 if (timeout >= 0) 2344 if (timeout >= 0)
1999 // create/start timer 2345 // create/start timer
2000 2346
2001 // poll 2347 // poll
2002 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2348 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2003 2349
2004 // stop timer again 2350 // stop timer again
2005 if (timeout >= 0) 2351 if (timeout >= 0)
2006 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2352 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2007 2353
2008 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2354 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2009 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2355 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2010 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2356 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2011 2357
2012 return got_events; 2358 return got_events;
2013 } 2359 }
2014 2360
2015 2361
2016=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2362=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2017 2363
2018This 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
2024prioritise I/O. 2370prioritise I/O.
2025 2371
2026As 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
2027sockets 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
2028still 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
2029so 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
2030into 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
2031be 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
2032at 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 :)
2033 2380
2034As 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
2035to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2382some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2036priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2383and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2037you 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
2038a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2385the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2039 2386
2040As 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
2041there 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
2042call 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
2043their 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
2051interested in that. 2398interested in that.
2052 2399
2053Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2400Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2054when 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,
2055but 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
2056yourself. 2403yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2404and future versions of libev might do just that.
2057 2405
2058Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2406Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2059C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2407C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2060portable one. 2408portable one.
2061 2409
2062So 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
2063that 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
2064this 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
2065create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2413create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2066 2414
2415=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2416
2417While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2418automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2419fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2420however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2421as applicable.
2422
2067=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2423=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2068 2424
2069=over 4 2425=over 4
2070 2426
2071=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2427=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2074 2430
2075Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2431Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2076embeddable. 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
2077invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2433invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2078to 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,
2079if 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).
2080 2436
2081=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2437=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2082 2438
2083Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2439Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2084similarly 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
2085apropriate way for embedded loops. 2441appropriate way for embedded loops.
2086 2442
2087=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2443=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2088 2444
2089The embedded event loop. 2445The embedded event loop.
2090 2446
2092 2448
2093=head3 Examples 2449=head3 Examples
2094 2450
2095Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2451Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2096event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2452event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2097loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2453loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2098C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2454C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2099used). 2455used).
2100 2456
2101 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2457 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2102 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2458 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2103 struct ev_embed embed; 2459 ev_embed embed;
2104 2460
2105 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2461 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2106 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2462 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2107 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2463 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2108 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2464 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2109 : 0; 2465 : 0;
2110 2466
2111 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2467 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2112 if (loop_lo) 2468 if (loop_lo)
2113 { 2469 {
2114 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2470 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2115 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2471 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2116 } 2472 }
2117 else 2473 else
2118 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2474 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2119 2475
2120Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2476Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2121a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2477a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2122kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2478kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2123C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2479C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2124 2480
2125 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2481 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2126 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2482 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2127 struct ev_embed embed; 2483 ev_embed embed;
2128 2484
2129 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2485 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2130 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2486 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2131 { 2487 {
2132 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2488 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2133 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2489 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2134 } 2490 }
2135 2491
2136 if (!loop_socket) 2492 if (!loop_socket)
2137 loop_socket = loop; 2493 loop_socket = loop;
2138 2494
2139 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2495 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2140 2496
2141 2497
2142=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
2143 2499
2144Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2500Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2188is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2544is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2189multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2545multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2190need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2546need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2191 2547
2192That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2548That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2193queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2549queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2194queue: 2550queue:
2195 2551
2196=over 4 2552=over 4
2197 2553
2198=item queueing from a signal handler context 2554=item queueing from a signal handler context
2199 2555
2200To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2556To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2201handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2557handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2202some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2558an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2203 2559
2204 static ev_async mysig; 2560 static ev_async mysig;
2205 2561
2206 static void 2562 static void
2207 sigusr1_handler (void) 2563 sigusr1_handler (void)
2274 2630
2275=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2631=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2276 2632
2277Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2633Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2278kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2634kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2279believe me. 2635trust me.
2280 2636
2281=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2637=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2282 2638
2283Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2639Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2284an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2640an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2285C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2641C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2286similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2642similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2287section below on what exactly this means). 2643section below on what exactly this means).
2288 2644
2289This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2645This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2290so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2646so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2291calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2647calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2292 2648
2293=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2649=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2294 2650
2295Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2651Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2297event loop. 2653event loop.
2298 2654
2299C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2655C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2300the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2656the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2301it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2657it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2302quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2658quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2303 2659
2304Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2660Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2305wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2661whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2306 2662
2307=back 2663=back
2308 2664
2309 2665
2310=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2666=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2314=over 4 2670=over 4
2315 2671
2316=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)
2317 2673
2318This 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
2319callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2675callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2320watchers. 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
2321or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2677or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2322more watchers yourself. 2678more watchers yourself.
2323 2679
2324If 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
2325is 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
2326C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2682the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2327 2683
2328If 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
2329started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2685started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2330repeat = 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.
2331dubious value.
2332 2687
2333The 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
2334passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2689passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2335C<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>
2336value 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.
2337 2694
2695Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2696
2338 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2697 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2339 { 2698 {
2340 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2341 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2342 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2699 if (revents & EV_READ)
2343 /* 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 */;
2344 } 2703 }
2345 2704
2346 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2705 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2347 2706
2348=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2707=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2349 2708
2350Feeds 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
2351had 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
2352initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2711initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2353 2712
2354=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2713=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2355 2714
2356Feed 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
2357the given events it. 2716the given events it.
2358 2717
2359=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2718=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2360 2719
2361Feed 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
2362loop!). 2721loop!).
2363 2722
2364=back 2723=back
2365 2724
2366 2725
2382 2741
2383=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2742=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2384will 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
2385is an ev_pri field. 2744is an ev_pri field.
2386 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
2387=item * Other members are not supported. 2749=item * Other members are not supported.
2388 2750
2389=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
2390to use the libev header file and library. 2752to use the libev header file and library.
2391 2753
2392=back 2754=back
2393 2755
2394=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2756=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2395 2757
2396Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2758Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2397you 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
2398the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2760the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2399 2761
2400To use it, 2762To use it,
2401 2763
2402 #include <ev++.h> 2764 #include <ev++.h>
2403 2765
2404This 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
2405of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2767of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2406put 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
2407options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2769options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2474your 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
2475thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2837thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2476 2838
2477Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2839Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2478 2840
2479 struct myclass 2841 struct myclass
2480 { 2842 {
2481 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2843 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2482 } 2844 }
2483 2845
2484 myclass obj; 2846 myclass obj;
2485 ev::io iow; 2847 ev::io iow;
2486 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2848 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2487 2849
2488=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2850=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2489 2851
2490Also 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
2491callback. 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
2493 2855
2494The 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)>.
2495 2857
2496See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2858See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2497 2859
2498Example: 2860Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2499 2861
2500 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2862 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2501 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2863 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2502 2864
2503=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2865=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2504 2866
2505Associates 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
2506do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2868do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2507 2869
2508=item w->set ([args]) 2870=item w->set ([arguments])
2509 2871
2510Basically 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
2511called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2873called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2512automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2874automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2513method. 2875method.
2514 2876
2515=item w->start () 2877=item w->start ()
2539=back 2901=back
2540 2902
2541Example: 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
2542the constructor. 2904the constructor.
2543 2905
2544 class myclass 2906 class myclass
2545 { 2907 {
2546 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2908 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2547 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2909 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2548 2910
2549 myclass (int fd) 2911 myclass (int fd)
2550 { 2912 {
2551 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2913 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2552 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2914 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2553 2915
2554 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2916 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2555 } 2917 }
2556 }; 2918 };
2557 2919
2558 2920
2559=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2921=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2560 2922
2561Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2923Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2562numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2924number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2563any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2925any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2564me a note. 2926me a note.
2565 2927
2566=over 4 2928=over 4
2567 2929
2568=item Perl 2930=item Perl
2569 2931
2570The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2932The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2571libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2933libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2572there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2934there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2573to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2935to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2574C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2936C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2937and C<EV::Glib>).
2575 2938
2576It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2939It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2577L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2940L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2578 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
2579=item Ruby 2951=item Ruby
2580 2952
2581Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2953Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2582of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2954of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2583more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2955more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2584L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2956L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2585 2957
2586=item D 2958=item D
2587 2959
2588Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2960Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2589be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2961be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2962
2963=item Ocaml
2964
2965Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2966L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2590 2967
2591=back 2968=back
2592 2969
2593 2970
2594=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2971=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2595 2972
2596Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2973Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2597of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2974of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2598functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2975functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2599 2976
2600To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2977To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2601following macros are defined: 2978following macros are defined:
2606 2983
2607This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2984This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2608loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2985loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2609C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2986C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2610 2987
2611 ev_unref (EV_A); 2988 ev_unref (EV_A);
2612 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2989 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2613 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2990 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2614 2991
2615It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2992It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2616which is often provided by the following macro. 2993which is often provided by the following macro.
2617 2994
2618=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2995=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2619 2996
2620This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2997This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2621loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2998loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2622C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2999C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2623 3000
2624 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3001 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2625 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3002 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2626 3003
2627 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3004 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2628 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3005 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2629 3006
2630It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3007It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2631suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3008suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2632 3009
2633=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3010=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2634 3011
2635Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3012Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2636loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3013loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3014
3015=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3016
3017Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3018default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3019is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3020execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3021
3022It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3023watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2637 3024
2638=back 3025=back
2639 3026
2640Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3027Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2641macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3028macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2642or not. 3029or not.
2643 3030
2644 static void 3031 static void
2645 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3032 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2646 { 3033 {
2647 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3034 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2648 } 3035 }
2649 3036
2650 ev_check check; 3037 ev_check check;
2651 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3038 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2652 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3039 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2653 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3040 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2654 3041
2655=head1 EMBEDDING 3042=head1 EMBEDDING
2656 3043
2657Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3044Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2658applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3045applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2665libev somewhere in your source tree). 3052libev somewhere in your source tree).
2666 3053
2667=head2 FILESETS 3054=head2 FILESETS
2668 3055
2669Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3056Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2670in your app. 3057in your application.
2671 3058
2672=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3059=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2673 3060
2674To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3061To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2675configuration (no autoconf): 3062configuration (no autoconf):
2676 3063
2677 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3064 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2678 #include "ev.c" 3065 #include "ev.c"
2679 3066
2680This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3067This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2681single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3068single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2682it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3069it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2683done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3070done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2684where you can put other configuration options): 3071where you can put other configuration options):
2685 3072
2686 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3073 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2687 #include "ev.h" 3074 #include "ev.h"
2688 3075
2689Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3076Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2690compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3077compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2691as a bug). 3078as a bug).
2692 3079
2693You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3080You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2694in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3081in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2695 3082
2696 ev.h 3083 ev.h
2697 ev.c 3084 ev.c
2698 ev_vars.h 3085 ev_vars.h
2699 ev_wrap.h 3086 ev_wrap.h
2700 3087
2701 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3088 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2702 3089
2703 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3090 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2704 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3091 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2705 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3092 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2706 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3093 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2707 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3094 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2708 3095
2709F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3096F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2710to compile this single file. 3097to compile this single file.
2711 3098
2712=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3099=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2713 3100
2714To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3101To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2715 3102
2716 #include "event.c" 3103 #include "event.c"
2717 3104
2718in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3105in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2719 3106
2720 #include "event.h" 3107 #include "event.h"
2721 3108
2722in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3109in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2723 3110
2724You need the following additional files for this: 3111You need the following additional files for this:
2725 3112
2726 event.h 3113 event.h
2727 event.c 3114 event.c
2728 3115
2729=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3116=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2730 3117
2731Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3118Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2732whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3119whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2733F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3120F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2734include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3121include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2735 3122
2736For this of course you need the m4 file: 3123For this of course you need the m4 file:
2737 3124
2738 libev.m4 3125 libev.m4
2739 3126
2740=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3127=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2741 3128
2742Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3129Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2743before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3130define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2744and only include the select backend. 3131autoconf is documented for every option.
2745 3132
2746=over 4 3133=over 4
2747 3134
2748=item EV_STANDALONE 3135=item EV_STANDALONE
2749 3136
2754F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3141F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2755 3142
2756=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3143=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2757 3144
2758If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3145If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2759monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3146monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2760of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3147of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2761usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3148usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2762the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3149the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2763to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3150to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2764function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3151function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2765 3152
2766=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3153=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2767 3154
2768If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3155If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2769realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3156real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2770runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3157runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2771be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3158be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2772(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3159(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2773note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3160note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2774 3161
2775=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3162=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2776 3163
2777If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3164If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2778and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3165and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2779 3166
3167=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3168
3169If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3170available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3171C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3172If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31732.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3174
2780=item EV_USE_SELECT 3175=item EV_USE_SELECT
2781 3176
2782If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3177If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2783C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3178C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2784other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3179other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2785will not be compiled in. 3180will not be compiled in.
2786 3181
2787=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3182=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2788 3183
2789If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3184If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2790structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3185structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2791C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3186C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2792exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3187exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2793low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3188low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2794allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3189allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2795influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3190influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2796 3191
2820 3215
2821=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3216=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2822 3217
2823If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3218If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2824C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3219C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2825otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3220otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2826preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3221backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3222headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2827 3223
2828=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3224=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2829 3225
2830If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3226If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2831C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3227C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2844otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3240otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2845backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3241backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2846 3242
2847=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3243=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2848 3244
2849reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3245Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2850 3246
2851=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3247=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2852 3248
2853If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3249If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2854interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3250interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2855be detected at runtime. 3251be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3252indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2856 3253
2857=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3254=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2858 3255
2859Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 3256Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2860access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3257access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2861type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3258type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2862that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3259that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2863as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3260as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2864 3261
2865In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3262In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2866(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3263(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2867 3264
2868=item EV_H 3265=item EV_H
2869 3266
2870The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3267The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2909When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3306When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2910all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3307all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2911and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3308and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2912fine. 3309fine.
2913 3310
2914If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3311If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2915C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3312both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2916 3313
2917=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3314=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2918 3315
2919If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3316If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2920defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3317defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2927code. 3324code.
2928 3325
2929=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3326=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2930 3327
2931If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3328If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2932defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3329defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3330watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2933 3331
2934=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3332=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2935 3333
2936If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3334If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2937defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3335defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2947defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3345defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2948 3346
2949=item EV_MINIMAL 3347=item EV_MINIMAL
2950 3348
2951If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3349If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2952speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3350speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2953some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3351inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3352much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2954 3353
2955=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3354=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2956 3355
2957C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3356C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2958pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3357pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2965inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3364inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2966usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3365usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2967watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3366watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2968two). 3367two).
2969 3368
3369=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3370
3371Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3372timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3373to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3374faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3375
3376The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3377(disabled).
3378
3379=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3380
3381Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3382timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3383the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3384which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3385but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3386noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3387
3388The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3389(disabled).
3390
3391=item EV_VERIFY
3392
3393Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3394be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3395in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3396called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3397called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3398verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3399libev considerably.
3400
3401The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3402C<0>.
3403
2970=item EV_COMMON 3404=item EV_COMMON
2971 3405
2972By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3406By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2973this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3407this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2974members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3408members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2975though, and it must be identical each time. 3409though, and it must be identical each time.
2976 3410
2977For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3411For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2978 3412
2979 #define EV_COMMON \ 3413 #define EV_COMMON \
2980 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3414 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2981 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3415 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2982 3416
2983=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3417=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2984 3418
2985=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3419=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2986 3420
2991definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3425definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2992their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3426their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2993avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3427avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2994method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3428method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2995 3429
3430=back
3431
2996=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3432=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2997 3433
2998If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3434If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2999exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3435exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3000all public symbols, one per line: 3436all public symbols, one per line:
3001 3437
3002 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3438 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3003 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3439 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3004 3440
3005This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3441This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3006multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3442multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3007itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3443itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3008 3444
3009A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3445A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3010include before including F<ev.h>: 3446include before including F<ev.h>:
3011 3447
3012 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3448 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3029file. 3465file.
3030 3466
3031The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3467The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3032that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3468that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3033 3469
3034 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3470 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3035 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3471 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3036 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3472 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3037 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3473 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3038 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3474 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3039 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3475 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3040 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3476 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3041 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3477 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3042 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3478 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3043 3479
3044 #include "ev++.h" 3480 #include "ev++.h"
3045 3481
3046And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3482And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3047 3483
3048 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3484 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3049 #include "ev.c" 3485 #include "ev.c"
3050 3486
3487=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3051 3488
3052=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3489=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3053 3490
3054In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3491=head3 THREADS
3055libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
3056documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3057 3492
3058All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3493All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3059extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3494documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3060happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3495that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3061mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3496are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3062it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3497parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3498of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3499structures that need any locking.
3500
3501Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3502concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3503must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3504only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3505a mutex per loop).
3506
3507Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3508so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3509concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3510outside".
3511
3512If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3513without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3514help you, but here is some generic advice:
3063 3515
3064=over 4 3516=over 4
3065 3517
3066=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3518=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3519in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3067 3520
3068This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3521This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3069there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3522themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3070have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3071 3523
3072=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3524=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3073 3525
3074That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3526Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3075as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3527exists, but it is always a good start.
3076 3528
3077=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3529=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3530loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3078 3531
3079These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3532Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3533better than you currently do :-)
3080 3534
3081=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3535=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3536event loop.
3082 3537
3083=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3538C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3539(or from signal contexts...).
3084 3540
3085These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3541An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3086correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3542work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3087have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3543default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3088 3544watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3089=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3090
3091By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
3092beginning of the storage array.
3093
3094=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3095
3096A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3097libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3098on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3099
3100=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3101
3102=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3103
3104Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3105priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3106linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3107watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3108
3109=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3110
3111=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3112
3113=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3114
3115Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3116calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3117involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3118 3545
3119=back 3546=back
3120 3547
3548=head3 COROUTINES
3121 3549
3122=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3550Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3551libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3552coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3553different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3554loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3555you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3556
3557Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3558C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3559they do not clal any callbacks.
3560
3561=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3562
3563Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3564lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3565scared by this.
3566
3567However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3568has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3569warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3570targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3571
3572Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3573workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3574maintainable.
3575
3576And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3577wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3578seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3579warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3580been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3581such buggy versions.
3582
3583While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3584"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3585with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3586them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3587warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3588
3589
3590=head2 VALGRIND
3591
3592Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3593highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3594
3595If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3596in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3597
3598 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3599 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3600 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3601
3602Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3603is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3604
3605Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3606as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3607although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3608confused.
3609
3610Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3611make it into some kind of religion.
3612
3613If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3614with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3615is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3616annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3617of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3618
3619If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3620I suggest using suppression lists.
3621
3622
3623=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3624
3625=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3123 3626
3124Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3627Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3125requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3628requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3126model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3629model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3127the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3630the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3128descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3631descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3129e.g. cygwin. 3632e.g. cygwin.
3130 3633
3634Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3635re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3636things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3637way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3638
3131There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3639There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3132embedding it into other applications. 3640embedding it into other applications.
3133 3641
3642Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3643accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3644either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3645so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3646megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3647available).
3648
3134Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3649Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3135abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3650the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3136recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3651is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3137a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3652more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3138implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3653different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3139be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3654notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3655(Microsoft monopoly games).
3656
3657A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3658section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3659of F<ev.h>:
3660
3661 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3662 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3663
3664 #include "ev.h"
3665
3666And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3667you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3668
3669 #include "evwrap.h"
3670 #include "ev.c"
3140 3671
3141=over 4 3672=over 4
3142 3673
3143=item The winsocket select function 3674=item The winsocket select function
3144 3675
3145The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3676The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3146socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3677requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3147very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3678also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3148to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3679requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3149C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3680C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3150symbols for more info. 3681discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3682C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3151 3683
3152The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3684The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3153libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3685libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3154 3686
3155 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3687 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3156 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3688 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3157 3689
3158Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3690Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3159complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3691complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3160 3692
3161=item Limited number of file descriptors 3693=item Limited number of file descriptors
3162 3694
3163Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3695Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3164of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3696
3697Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3165(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3698of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3166C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3699can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3167chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3700recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3701previous thread in each. Great).
3168 3702
3169Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3703Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3170to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3704to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3171call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3705call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3172select emulation on windows). 3706select emulation on windows).
3173 3707
3174Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3708Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3175libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3709libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3176or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3710or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3177C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3711C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3178arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3712arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3179libraries. 3713libraries.
3180 3714
3181This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3715This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3182windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3716windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3183wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3717wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3184calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3718calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3185 3719
3186=back 3720=back
3187 3721
3722=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3723
3724In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3725backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3726
3727=over 4
3728
3729=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3730calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3731
3732Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3733structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3734assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3735callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3736calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3737
3738=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3739
3740The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3741C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3742threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3743believed to be sufficiently portable.
3744
3745=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3746
3747Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3748allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3749pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3750thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3751be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3752C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3753
3754The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3755except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3756well.
3757
3758=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3759
3760To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3761instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3762systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3763least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3764watchers.
3765
3766=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3767
3768The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3769have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3770enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3771implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3772
3773=back
3774
3775If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3776
3777
3778=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3779
3780In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3781libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3782the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3783
3784All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3785extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3786happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3787mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3788average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3789
3790=over 4
3791
3792=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3793
3794This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3795there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3796have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3797
3798=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3799
3800That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3801as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3802
3803=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3804
3805These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3806
3807=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3808
3809=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3810
3811These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3812correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3813have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3814is rare).
3815
3816=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3817
3818By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3819fixed position in the storage array.
3820
3821=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3822
3823A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3824libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3825on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3826
3827=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3828
3829=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3830
3831Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3832priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3833linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3834watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3835
3836=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3837
3838=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3839
3840=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3841
3842Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3843calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3844involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3845
3846=back
3847
3188 3848
3189=head1 AUTHOR 3849=head1 AUTHOR
3190 3850
3191Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3851Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3192 3852

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