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Revision 1.116 by root, Mon Dec 31 01:34:09 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.202 by root, Fri Oct 24 08:30:01 2008 UTC

…		…
2		2
3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C	3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4		4
5	=head1 SYNOPSIS	5	=head1 SYNOPSIS
6		6
7	#include <ev.h>	7	#include <ev.h>
8		8
9	=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM	9	=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10		10
		11	// a single header file is required
11	#include <ev.h>	12	#include <ev.h>
12		13
		14	// every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
		15	// with the name ev_TYPE
13	ev_io stdin_watcher;	16	ev_io stdin_watcher;
14	ev_timer timeout_watcher;	17	ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15		18
16	/* called when data readable on stdin */	19	// all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
		20	// this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17	static void	21	static void
18	stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)	22	stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19	{	23	{
20	/* puts ("stdin ready"); */	24	puts ("stdin ready");
21	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */	25	// for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */	26	// with its corresponding stop function.
		27	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
		28
		29	// this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
		30	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23	}	31	}
24		32
		33	// another callback, this time for a time-out
25	static void	34	static void
26	timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	35	timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27	{	36	{
28	/* puts ("timeout"); */	37	puts ("timeout");
29	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */	38	// this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
		39	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30	}	40	}
31		41
32	int	42	int
33	main (void)	43	main (void)
34	{	44	{
		45	// use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	46	ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36		47
37	/* initialise an io watcher, then start it */	48	// initialise an io watcher, then start it
		49	// this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);	50	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	51	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40		52
		53	// initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41	/* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */	54	// simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);	55	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);	56	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44		57
45	/* loop till timeout or data ready */	58	// now wait for events to arrive
46	ev_loop (loop, 0);	59	ev_loop (loop, 0);
47		60
		61	// unloop was called, so exit
48	return 0;	62	return 0;
49	}	63	}
50		64
51	=head1 DESCRIPTION	65	=head1 DESCRIPTION
52		66
53	The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted	67	The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first	68	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55	time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.	69	time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56		70
57	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a	71	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage	72	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59	these event sources and provide your program with events.	73	these event sources and provide your program with events.
60		74
…		…
84	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent	98	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85	for example).	99	for example).
86		100
87	=head2 CONVENTIONS	101	=head2 CONVENTIONS
88		102
89	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will	103	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90	be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about	104	configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91	various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in	105	more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92	this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event	106	B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93	loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>	107	for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94	(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.	108	name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
		109	this argument.
95		110
96	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION	111	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97		112
98	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the	113	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99	(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near	114	(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100	the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is	115	the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101	called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases	116	called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102	to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on	117	to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103	it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name	118	it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences	119	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105	throughout libev.	120	throughout libev.
		121
		122	=head1 ERROR HANDLING
		123
		124	Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
		125	and internal errors (bugs).
		126
		127	When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
		128	a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
		129	set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
		130	abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
		131	()>.
		132
		133	When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
		134	it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
		135	so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
		136	the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
		137
		138	Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
		139	extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
		140	circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
		141
106		142
107	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS	143	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108		144
109	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the	145	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110	library in any way.	146	library in any way.
…		…
119		155
120	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)	156	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121		157
122	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until	158	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically	159	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124	this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.	160	this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125		161
126	=item int ev_version_major ()	162	=item int ev_version_major ()
127		163
128	=item int ev_version_minor ()	164	=item int ev_version_minor ()
129		165
…		…
142	not a problem.	178	not a problem.
143		179
144	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong	180	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145	version.	181	version.
146		182
147	assert (("libev version mismatch",	183	assert (("libev version mismatch",
148	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR	184	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));	185	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150		186
151	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()	187	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152		188
153	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>	189	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their	190	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
…		…
156	a description of the set values.	192	a description of the set values.
157		193
158	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and	194	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11	195	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160		196
161	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",	197	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));	198	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163		199
164	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()	200	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165		201
166	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also	202	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one	203	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on	204	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169	most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it	205	most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that	206	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.	207	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172		208
173	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()	209	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174		210
…		…
178	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for	214	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179	recommended ones.	215	recommended ones.
180		216
181	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	217	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182		218
183	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))	219	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184		220
185	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the	221	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186	semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to	222	semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187	allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when	223	used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188	memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some	224	when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189	potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc	225	or take some potentially destructive action.
190	function.	226
		227	Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
		228	correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
		229	C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191		230
192	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,	231	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,	232	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.	233	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195		234
196	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then	235	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197	retries).	236	retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198		237
199	static void *	238	static void *
200	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)	239	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201	{	240	{
202	for (;;)	241	for (;;)
…		…
211	}	250	}
212		251
213	...	252	...
214	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);	253	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215		254
216	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));	255	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217		256
218	Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such	257	Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string	258	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this	259	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no	260	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the	261	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff	262	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224	(such as abort).	263	(such as abort).
225		264
226	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.	265	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
…		…
237		276
238	=back	277	=back
239		278
240	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP	279	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241		280
242	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two	281	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243	types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child	282	is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244	events, and dynamically created loops which do not.	283	I<function>).
245		284
246	If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop	285	The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247	in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you	286	supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248	create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking	287	not.
249	whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250	threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251	done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252		288
253	=over 4	289	=over 4
254		290
255	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)	291	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256		292
…		…
260	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).	296	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261		297
262	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this	298	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263	function.	299	function.
264		300
		301	Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
		302	from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
		303	as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
		304
		305	The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
		306	C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
		307	for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
		308	create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
		309	can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
		310	C<ev_default_init>.
		311
265	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific	312	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).	313	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267		314
268	The following flags are supported:	315	The following flags are supported:
269		316
…		…
274	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right	321	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
275	thing, believe me).	322	thing, believe me).
276		323
277	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>	324	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
278		325
279	If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid	326	If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
280	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable	327	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
281	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will	328	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
282	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is	329	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
283	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work	330	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
284	around bugs.	331	around bugs.
…		…
290	enabling this flag.	337	enabling this flag.
291		338
292	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,	339	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop	340	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my	341	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295	Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence	342	GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296	without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has	343	without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).	344	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298		345
299	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and	346	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this	347	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301	flag.	348	flag.
302		349
303	This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>	350	This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304	environment variable.	351	environment variable.
305		352
306	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)	353	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
307		354
308	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as	355	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
…		…
310	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when	357	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
311	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its	358	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
312	usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.	359	usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313		360
314	To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of	361	To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315	parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are	362	parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316	writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many	363	writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317	connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have	364	connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318	a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of	365	a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319	readyness notifications you get per iteration.	366	readiness notifications you get per iteration.
		367
		368	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
		369	C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
		370	C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
320		371
321	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)	372	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
322		373
323	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated	374	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
324	than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial	375	than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
325	limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down	376	limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
326	considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,	377	considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327	i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for	378	i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328	performance tips.	379	performance tips.
329		380
		381	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
		382	C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
		383
330	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)	384	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
331		385
332	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,	386	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale	387	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),	388	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number	389	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336	of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect	390	of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337	cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad	391	cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
338	support for dup.	392	support for dup.
339		393
340	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration	394	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
341	will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident	395	will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
342	(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its	396	(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
343	best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work	397	best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
344	very well if you register events for both fds.	398	very well if you register events for both fds.
345		399
346	Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you	400	Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
347	need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data	401	need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
348	(or space) is available.	402	(or space) is available.
349		403
350	Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all	404	Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351	watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.	405	watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
352	keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.	406	i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
		407	starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
		408	extra overhead.
353		409
354	While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in	410	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355	all kernel versions tested so far.	411	all kernel versions tested so far.
356		412
		413	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		414	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
		415
357	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)	416	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
358		417
359	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it	418	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
360	was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably	419	broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
361	with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course	420	anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
362	it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"	421	completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
363	unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using	422	you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
364	C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)	423	libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
365	system like NetBSD.
366		424
367	You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it	425	You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368	only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on	426	only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369	the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	427	the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
370		428
371	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the	429	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
372	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of	430	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
373	course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never	431	course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
374	cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to	432	cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
375	two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it	433	two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
376	drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.	434	drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
377		435
378	This backend usually performs well under most conditions.	436	This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379		437
380	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work	438	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381	everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken	439	everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382	almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets	440	almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383	(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop	441	(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384	(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for	442	(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
385	sockets.	443	using it only for sockets.
		444
		445	This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
		446	C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
		447	C<NOTE_EOF>.
386		448
387	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)	449	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
388		450
389	This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an	451	This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390	implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets	452	implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
…		…
394	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)	456	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
395		457
396	This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,	458	This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
397	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).	459	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
398		460
399	Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious	461	Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
400	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid	462	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
401	blocking when no data (or space) is available.	463	blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402		464
403	While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active	465	While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404	file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file	466	file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405	descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend	467	descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406	might perform better.	468	might perform better.
407		469
		470	On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
		471	notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
		472	in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
		473	OS-specific backends.
		474
		475	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		476	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
		477
408	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>	478	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
409		479
410	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried	480	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
411	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as	481	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
412	C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.	482	C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413		483
414	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.	484	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
415		485
416	=back	486	=back
417		487
418	If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these	488	If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
419	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are	489	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
420	specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse	490	specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
421	order of their flag values :)
422		491
423	The most typical usage is like this:	492	Example: This is the most typical usage.
424		493
425	if (!ev_default_loop (0))	494	if (!ev_default_loop (0))
426	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");	495	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
427		496
428	Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow	497	Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
429	environment settings to be taken into account:	498	environment settings to be taken into account:
430		499
431	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);	500	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
432		501
433	Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if	502	Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
434	available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private	503	used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
435	event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):	504	private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
		505	fds):
436		506
437	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);	507	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
438		508
439	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)	509	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
440		510
441	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is	511	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
442	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot	512	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
443	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by	513	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
444	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).	514	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
445		515
		516	Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
		517	libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
		518	default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
		519
446	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.	520	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
447		521
448	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);	522	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
449	if (!epoller)	523	if (!epoller)
450	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");	524	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
451		525
452	=item ev_default_destroy ()	526	=item ev_default_destroy ()
453		527
454	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state	528	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
455	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal	529	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
456	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your	530	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
457	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>	531	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
458	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually	532	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
459	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them	533	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
460	for example).	534	for example).
461		535
462	Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by	536	Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
…		…
473	Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an	547	Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
474	earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.	548	earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
475		549
476	=item ev_default_fork ()	550	=item ev_default_fork ()
477		551
		552	This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
478	This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have	553	to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
479	one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense	554	name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
480	after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that	555	the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
481	again makes little sense).	556	sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
		557	functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
482		558
483	You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and	559	On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
484	only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just	560	process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
485	fork+exec, you don't have to call it.	561	you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
486		562
487	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call	563	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
488	it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in	564	it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
489	quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:	565	quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
490		566
491	pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);	567	pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
492		568
493	At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
494	without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
495	do not need to care.
496
497	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)	569	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
498		570
499	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by	571	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
500	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop	572	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
501	after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.	573	after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
		574	entirely your own problem.
		575
		576	=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
		577
		578	Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
		579	otherwise.
502		580
503	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)	581	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504		582
505	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to	583	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and	584	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
…		…
521	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not	599	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
522	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base	600	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
523	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the	601	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
524	event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).	602	event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
525		603
		604	=item ev_now_update (loop)
		605
		606	Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
		607	returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
		608	is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
		609
		610	This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
		611	very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
		612	the current time is a good idea.
		613
		614	See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
		615
526	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)	616	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
527		617
528	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called	618	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
529	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling	619	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
530	events.	620	events.
…		…
532	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until	622	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
533	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.	623	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
534		624
535	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than	625	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
536	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has	626	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
537	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that	627	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
538	automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of	628	that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
539	relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty.	629	of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
		630	beauty.
540		631
541	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle	632	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
542	those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in	633	those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
543	case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.	634	process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
		635	the loop.
544		636
545	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if	637	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
546	neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block	638	necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
547	your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after	639	will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
548	one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some	640	be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
549	external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other	641	user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
		642	iteration of the loop.
		643
		644	This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
		645	with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
550	libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is	646	own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
551	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.	647	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
552		648
553	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:	649	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
554		650
555	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.	651	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
556	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.	652	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557	- 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.
558	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.	654	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.
559	- 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.
560	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.	657	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
561	- Update the "event loop time".	658	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
562	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all	659	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
563	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having	660	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
564	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).	661	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
565	- Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.	662	- Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
566	- Block the process, waiting for any events.	663	- Block the process, waiting for any events.
567	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.	664	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
568	- Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.	665	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
569	- Queue all outstanding timers.	666	- Queue all expired timers.
570	- Queue all outstanding periodics.	667	- Queue all expired periodics.
571	- If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.	668	- Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
572	- Queue all check watchers.	669	- Queue all check watchers.
573	- 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).
574	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
575	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.	672	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
576	- 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
…		…
581	anymore.	678	anymore.
582		679
583	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long	680	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
584	... 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..)
585	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);	682	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
586	... jobs done. yeah!	683	... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
587		684
588	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)	685	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
589		686
590	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it	687	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
591	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either	688	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
592	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or	689	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
593	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.	690	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
594		691
595	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.	692	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
596		693
		694	It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
		695
597	=item ev_ref (loop)	696	=item ev_ref (loop)
598		697
599	=item ev_unref (loop)	698	=item ev_unref (loop)
600		699
601	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event	700	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
602	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference	701	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
603	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have	702	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
		703
604	a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from	704	If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
605	returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For	705	from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
		706	stopping it.
		707
606	example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not	708	As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
607	visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if	709	not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
608	no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent	710	if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
609	way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party	711	way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
610	libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>	712	libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
611	(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,
612	respectively).	714	respectively).
613		715
614	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>	716	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
615	running when nothing else is active.	717	running when nothing else is active.
616		718
617	struct ev_signal exitsig;	719	ev_signal exitsig;
618	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);	720	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
619	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);	721	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
620	evf_unref (loop);	722	evf_unref (loop);
621		723
622	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.	724	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
623		725
624	ev_ref (loop);	726	ev_ref (loop);
625	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);	727	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
626		728
627	=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)	729	=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
628		730
629	=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)	731	=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
630		732
631	These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting	733	These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
632	for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to	734	for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
633	invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.	735	will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
		736	latency.
634		737
635	Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)	738	Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
636	allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to	739	allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
637	increase efficiency of loop iterations.	740	to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
		741	opportunities).
638		742
639	The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to	743	The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
640	handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes	744	one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
641	the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new	745	program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
642	events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high	746	events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
643	overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.	747	overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
644		748
645	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more	749	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
646	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,	750	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
…		…
648	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will	752	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
649	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.	753	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
650		754
651	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev	755	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
652	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased	756	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
653	latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers	757	latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
654	will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce	758	later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
655	any overhead in libev.	759	value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
656		760
657	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect	761	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
658	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for	762	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
659	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It	763	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
660	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,	764	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
661	as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.	765	as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
		766
		767	Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
		768	saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
		769	are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
		770	times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
		771	reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
		772	they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
		773
		774	=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
		775
		776	This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
		777	compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
		778	through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
		779	is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
		780	error and call C<abort ()>.
		781
		782	This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
		783	circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
		784	data structures consistent.
662		785
663	=back	786	=back
664		787
665		788
666	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER	789	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
		790
		791	In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
		792	watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
		793	watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
667		794
668	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your	795	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
669	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to	796	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
670	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:	797	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
671		798
672	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)
673	{	800	{
674	ev_io_stop (w);	801	ev_io_stop (w);
675	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	802	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
676	}	803	}
677		804
678	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	805	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
		806
679	struct ev_io stdin_watcher;	807	ev_io stdin_watcher;
		808
680	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);	809	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
681	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	810	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
682	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	811	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
		812
683	ev_loop (loop, 0);	813	ev_loop (loop, 0);
684		814
685	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your	815	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
686	watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,	816	watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
687	although this can sometimes be quite valid).	817	stack).
		818
		819	Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
		820	or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
688		821
689	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init	822	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
690	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This	823	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
691	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io	824	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
692	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given	825	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
693	is readable and/or writable).	826	is readable and/or writable).
694		827
695	Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro	828	Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
696	with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro	829	macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
697	to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init	830	is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
698	(watcher *, callback, ...) >>.	831	ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
699		832
700	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it	833	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
701	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher	834	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
702	*) >>), 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
703	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.	836	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
704		837
705	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you	838	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
706	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never	839	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
707	reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.	840	reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
708		841
709	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the	842	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
710	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as	843	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
711	third argument.	844	third argument.
712		845
…		…
766	=item C<EV_FORK>	899	=item C<EV_FORK>
767		900
768	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see	901	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
769	C<ev_fork>).	902	C<ev_fork>).
770		903
		904	=item C<EV_ASYNC>
		905
		906	The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
		907
771	=item C<EV_ERROR>	908	=item C<EV_ERROR>
772		909
773	An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might	910	An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
774	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev	911	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
775	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other	912	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
		913	problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
		914
776	problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping	915	You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
777	with the watcher being stopped.	916	watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
		917	an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
		918	bug in your program.
778		919
779	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,	920	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
780	for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if	921	example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
781	your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope	922	callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
782	with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded	923	the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
783	programs, though, so beware.	924	programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
		925	thing, so beware.
784		926
785	=back	927	=back
786		928
787	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS	929	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
788
789	In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
790	e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
791		930
792	=over 4	931	=over 4
793		932
794	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)	933	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
795		934
…		…
801	which rolls both calls into one.	940	which rolls both calls into one.
802		941
803	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped	942	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
804	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.	943	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
805		944
806	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,	945	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
807	int revents)>.	946	int revents)>.
		947
		948	Example: 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);
808		953
809	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])	954	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
810		955
811	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to	956	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
812	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can	957	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
…		…
815	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).	960	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
816		961
817	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments	962	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
818	(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.
819		964
		965	See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
		966
820	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])	967	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
821		968
822	This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro	969	This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
823	calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise	970	calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
824	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.	971	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
		972
		973	Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
		974
		975	ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
825		976
826	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	977	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
827		978
828	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive	979	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
829	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.	980	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
830		981
		982	Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
		983	whole section.
		984
		985	ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
		986
831	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	987	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
832		988
833	Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending	989	Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
		990	the watcher was active or not).
		991
834	status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,	992	It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
835	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but	993	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
836	C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If	994	calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
837	you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a	995	pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
838	good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.	996	therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
839		997
840	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)	998	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
841		999
842	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started	1000	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
843	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify	1001	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
…		…
885	The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is	1043	The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
886	always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).	1044	always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
887		1045
888	Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is	1046	Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
889	fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might	1047	fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
890	or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.	1048	or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
891		1049
892	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)	1050	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
893		1051
894	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither	1052	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
895	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback	1053	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
896	can deal with that fact.	1054	can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
		1055	callback.
897		1056
898	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1057	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
899		1058
900	If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status	1059	If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
901	and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the	1060	returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
902	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.	1061	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
903		1062
		1063	Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
		1064	callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
		1065
904	=back	1066	=back
905		1067
906		1068
907	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER	1069	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
908		1070
909	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change	1071	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
910	and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used	1072	and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
911	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and	1073	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
912	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data	1074	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
913	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own	1075	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
914	data:	1076	data:
915		1077
916	struct my_io	1078	struct my_io
917	{	1079	{
918	struct ev_io io;	1080	ev_io io;
919	int otherfd;	1081	int otherfd;
920	void *somedata;	1082	void *somedata;
921	struct whatever *mostinteresting;	1083	struct whatever *mostinteresting;
922	}	1084	};
		1085
		1086	...
		1087	struct my_io w;
		1088	ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
923		1089
924	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you	1090	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
925	can cast it back to your own type:	1091	can cast it back to your own type:
926		1092
927	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)
928	{	1094	{
929	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;	1095	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
930	...	1096	...
931	}	1097	}
932		1098
933	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type	1099	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
934	instead have been omitted.	1100	instead have been omitted.
935		1101
936	Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple	1102	Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
937	watchers:	1103	embedded watchers:
938		1104
939	struct my_biggy	1105	struct my_biggy
940	{	1106	{
941	int some_data;	1107	int some_data;
942	ev_timer t1;	1108	ev_timer t1;
943	ev_timer t2;	1109	ev_timer t2;
944	}	1110	}
945		1111
946	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,	1112	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
947	you need to use C<offsetof>:	1113	complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
		1114	in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
		1115	some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
		1116	programmers):
948		1117
949	#include <stddef.h>	1118	#include <stddef.h>
950		1119
951	static void	1120	static void
952	t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1121	t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
953	{	1122	{
954	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1123	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
955	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));	1124	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
956	}	1125	}
957		1126
958	static void	1127	static void
959	t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1128	t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
960	{	1129	{
961	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1130	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
962	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));	1131	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
963	}	1132	}
964		1133
965		1134
966	=head1 WATCHER TYPES	1135	=head1 WATCHER TYPES
967		1136
968	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat	1137	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
…		…
992	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per	1161	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
993	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file	1162	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
994	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not	1163	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
995	required if you know what you are doing).	1164	required if you know what you are doing).
996		1165
997	If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend	1166	If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
998	(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and	1167	known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
999	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).	1168	C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1000		1169
1001	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to	1170	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1002	receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might	1171	receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1003	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block	1172	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1004	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a	1173	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1005	lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into	1174	lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1006	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus	1175	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1007	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning	1176	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1008	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.	1177	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1009		1178
1010	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not	1179	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1011	play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test	1180	not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1012	whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface	1181	re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1013	such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on	1182	interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1014	its own, so its quite safe to use).	1183	does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
		1184	use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
		1185	indefinitely.
		1186
		1187	But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1015		1188
1016	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors	1189	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1017		1190
1018	Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file	1191	Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1019	descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,	1192	descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1020	such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file	1193	such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1021	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop	1194	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1022	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is	1195	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1023	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in	1196	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1024	fact, a different file descriptor.	1197	fact, a different file descriptor.
1025		1198
…		…
1054	To support fork in your programs, you either have to call	1227	To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1055	C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,	1228	C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1056	enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or	1229	enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1057	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.	1230	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1058		1231
		1232	=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
		1233
		1234	While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
		1235	when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
		1236	sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
		1237	this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
		1238
		1239	So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
		1240	ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
		1241	somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
		1242
1059		1243
1060	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions	1244	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1061		1245
1062	=over 4	1246	=over 4
1063		1247
1064	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)	1248	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1065		1249
1066	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)	1250	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1067		1251
1068	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to	1252	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1069	rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or	1253	receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1070	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.	1254	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1071		1255
1072	=item int fd [read-only]	1256	=item int fd [read-only]
1073		1257
1074	The file descriptor being watched.	1258	The file descriptor being watched.
1075		1259
…		…
1083		1267
1084	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well	1268	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1085	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could	1269	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1086	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.	1270	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1087		1271
1088	static void	1272	static void
1089	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)
1090	{	1274	{
1091	ev_io_stop (loop, w);	1275	ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1092	.. 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
1093	}	1277	}
1094		1278
1095	...	1279	...
1096	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	1280	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1097	struct ev_io stdin_readable;	1281	ev_io stdin_readable;
1098	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);
1099	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);	1283	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1100	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1284	ev_loop (loop, 0);
1101		1285
1102		1286
1103	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts	1287	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1104		1288
1105	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a	1289	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1106	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.	1290	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1107		1291
1108	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that	1292	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1109	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years	1293	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1110	time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because	1294	year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1111	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the	1295	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1112	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).	1296	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
		1297
		1298	The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
		1299	passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
		1300	then order of execution is undefined.
		1301
		1302	=head3 Be smart about timeouts
		1303
		1304	Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
		1305	recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
		1306	you want to raise some error after a while.
		1307
		1308	What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
		1309	inefficient to smart and efficient.
		1310
		1311	In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
		1312	gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
		1313	data 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
		1319	This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
		1320	start the watcher:
		1321
		1322	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
		1323	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1324
		1325	Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
		1326	and start it again:
		1327
		1328	ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
		1329	ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
		1330	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1331
		1332	This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
		1333	some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
		1334	data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
		1335	still not a constant-time operation.
		1336
		1337	=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
		1338
		1339	This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
		1340	C<ev_timer_start>.
		1341
		1342	To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
		1343	of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
		1344	successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
		1345	you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
		1346	the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
		1347
		1348	That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
		1349	C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
		1350	member and C<ev_timer_again>.
		1351
		1352	At start:
		1353
		1354	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
		1355	timer->repeat = 60.;
		1356	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1357
		1358	Each time there is some activity:
		1359
		1360	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1361
		1362	It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
		1363	whether the watcher is active or not:
		1364
		1365	timer->repeat = 30.;
		1366	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1367
		1368	This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
		1369	you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
		1370	remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
		1371
		1372	It 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
		1376	This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
		1377	relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
		1378	our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
		1379	associated activity resets.
		1380
		1381	In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
		1382	but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
		1383	within 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
		1408	To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
		1409	as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
		1410	been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
		1411	the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
		1412	re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
		1413	a timeout then.
		1414
		1415	Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
		1416	C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
		1417
		1418	This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
		1419	minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
		1420	libev to change the timeout.
		1421
		1422	To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
		1423	to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
		1424	callback, 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
		1430	And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
		1431	C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
		1432
		1433	last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
		1434
		1435	This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
		1436	time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
		1437
		1438	Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
		1439	callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
		1440	fix things for you.
		1441
		1442	=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
		1443
		1444	If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
		1445	employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
		1446	do even better:
		1447
		1448	When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
		1449	at the I<end> of the list.
		1450
		1451	Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
		1452	the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
		1453
		1454	When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
		1455	the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
		1456	update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
		1457
		1458	This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
		1459	starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
		1460	complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
		1461	ensures that the list stays sorted.
		1462
		1463	=back
		1464
		1465	So which method the best?
		1466
		1467	Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
		1468	situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
		1469	better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
		1470	one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
		1471
		1472	Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
		1473	rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
		1474	off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
		1475	overkill :)
		1476
		1477	=head3 The special problem of time updates
		1478
		1479	Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
		1480	least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
		1481	time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
		1482	growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
		1483	lots of events in one iteration.
1113		1484
1114	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>	1485	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1115	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time	1486	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1116	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If	1487	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1117	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout	1488	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1118	on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:	1489	timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1119		1490
1120	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);	1491	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1121		1492
1122	The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,	1493	If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1123	but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then	1494	update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1124	order of execution is undefined.	1495	()>.
1125		1496
1126	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1497	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1127		1498
1128	=over 4	1499	=over 4
1129		1500
1130	=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)
1131		1502
1132	=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)
1133		1504
1134	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is	1505	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1135	C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the	1506	is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1136	timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds	1507	reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1137	later, again, and again, until stopped manually.	1508	configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
		1509	until stopped manually.
1138		1510
1139	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you	1511	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1140	configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at	1512	you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1141	exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with	1513	trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1142	the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the	1514	keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1143	timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.	1515	do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1144		1516
1145	=item ev_timer_again (loop)	1517	=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1146		1518
1147	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is	1519	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1148	repeating. The exact semantics are:	1520	repeating. The exact semantics are:
1149		1521
1150	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.	1522	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1151		1523
1152	If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).	1524	If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1153		1525
1154	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the	1526	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1155	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.	1527	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1156		1528
1157	This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical	1529	This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1158	example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle	1530	usage example.
1159	timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1160	seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1161	configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1162	C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1163	you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1164	socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1165	automatically restart it if need be.
1166
1167	That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1168	altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1169
1170	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1171	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1172	...
1173	timer->again = 17.;
1174	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1175	...
1176	timer->again = 10.;
1177	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1178
1179	This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1180	you want to modify its timeout value.
1181		1531
1182	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]	1532	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1183		1533
1184	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out	1534	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1185	or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),	1535	or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1186	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.	1536	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1187		1537
1188	=back	1538	=back
1189		1539
1190	=head3 Examples	1540	=head3 Examples
1191		1541
1192	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.	1542	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1193		1543
1194	static void	1544	static void
1195	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)
1196	{	1546	{
1197	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here	1547	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1198	}	1548	}
1199		1549
1200	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1550	ev_timer mytimer;
1201	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);	1551	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1202	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);	1552	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1203		1553
1204	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of	1554	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1205	inactivity.	1555	inactivity.
1206		1556
1207	static void	1557	static void
1208	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1558	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1209	{	1559	{
1210	.. ten seconds without any activity	1560	.. ten seconds without any activity
1211	}	1561	}
1212		1562
1213	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1563	ev_timer mytimer;
1214	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 */
1215	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */	1565	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1216	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1566	ev_loop (loop, 0);
1217		1567
1218	// 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":
1219	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds	1569	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1220	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);	1570	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1221		1571
1222		1572
1223	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?	1573	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1224		1574
1225	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile	1575	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1226	(and unfortunately a bit complex).	1576	(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1227		1577
1228	Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)	1578	Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1229	but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher	1579	but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1230	to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a	1580	to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1231	periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()	1581	periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1232	+ 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
		1583	clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1233	take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger	1584	to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1234	roughly 10 seconds later).	1585	roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1235		1586
1236	They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as	1587	C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1237	triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,	1588	such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1238	rules.	1589	complicated rules.
1239		1590
1240	As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the	1591	As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1241	time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready	1592	time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1242	during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.	1593	during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1243		1594
1244	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1595	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1245		1596
1246	=over 4	1597	=over 4
1247		1598
1248	=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)
1249		1600
1250	=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)
1251		1602
1252	Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of	1603	Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1253	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:	1604	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1254		1605
1255	=over 4	1606	=over 4
1256		1607
1257	=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)	1608	=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1258		1609
1259	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time	1610	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1260	C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,	1611	time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1261	that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the	1612	jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1262	system time reaches or surpasses this time.	1613	only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1263		1614
1264	=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)	1615	=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1265		1616
1266	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next	1617	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1267	C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)	1618	C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1268	and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.	1619	and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1269		1620
1270	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system	1621	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1271	time:	1622	system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
		1623	hour, on the hour:
1272		1624
1273	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);	1625	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1274		1626
1275	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,	1627	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1276	but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a	1628	but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1277	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible	1629	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1278	by 3600.	1630	by 3600.
1279		1631
1280	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that	1632	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1281	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible	1633	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1282	time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.	1634	time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1283		1635
1284	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near	1636	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1285	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for	1637	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1286	this value.	1638	this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
		1639
		1640	Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
		1641	speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
		1642	will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
		1643	millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1287		1644
1288	=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)	1645	=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1289		1646
1290	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being	1647	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1291	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the	1648	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1292	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the	1649	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1293	current time as second argument.	1650	current time as second argument.
1294		1651
1295	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,	1652	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1296	ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,	1653	ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1297	return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1298	starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1299		1654
		1655	If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
		1656	it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
		1657	only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
		1658
1300	Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,	1659	The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1301	ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:	1660	*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1302		1661
		1662	static ev_tstamp
1303	static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1663	my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1304	{	1664	{
1305	return now + 60.;	1665	return now + 60.;
1306	}	1666	}
1307		1667
1308	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value	1668	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1309	(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
1310	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but	1670	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1311	might be called at other times, too.	1671	might be called at other times, too.
1312		1672
1313	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the	1673	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1314	passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.	1674	equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1315		1675
1316	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that	1676	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1317	triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the	1677	triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1318	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How	1678	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1319	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main	1679	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1320	reason I omitted it as an example).	1680	reason I omitted it as an example).
1321		1681
1322	=back	1682	=back
…		…
1326	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful	1686	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1327	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return	1687	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1328	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like	1688	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1329	program when the crontabs have changed).	1689	program when the crontabs have changed).
1330		1690
		1691	=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
		1692
		1693	When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
		1694	trigger next.
		1695
1331	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]	1696	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1332		1697
1333	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the	1698	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1334	absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).	1699	absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1335		1700
…		…
1340		1705
1341	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only	1706	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1342	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being	1707	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1343	called.	1708	called.
1344		1709
1345	=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]
1346		1711
1347	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is	1712	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1348	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when	1713	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1349	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.	1714	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1350		1715
1351	=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1352
1353	When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1354	trigger next.
1355
1356	=back	1716	=back
1357		1717
1358	=head3 Examples	1718	=head3 Examples
1359		1719
1360	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the	1720	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1361	system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have	1721	system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1362	potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.	1722	potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1363		1723
1364	static void	1724	static void
1365	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	1725	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1366	{	1726	{
1367	... 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)
1368	}	1728	}
1369		1729
1370	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1730	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1371	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);	1731	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1372	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1732	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1373		1733
1374	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:	1734	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1375		1735
1376	#include <math.h>	1736	#include <math.h>
1377		1737
1378	static ev_tstamp	1738	static ev_tstamp
1379	my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1739	my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1380	{	1740	{
1381	return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;	1741	return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1382	}	1742	}
1383		1743
1384	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);
1385		1745
1386	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:	1746	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1387		1747
1388	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1748	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1389	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,	1749	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1390	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);	1750	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1391	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1751	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1392		1752
1393		1753
1394	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!	1754	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1395		1755
1396	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific	1756	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1397	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev	1757	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1398	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the	1758	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1399	normal event processing, like any other event.	1759	normal event processing, like any other event.
1400		1760
		1761	If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
		1762	do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
		1763	C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
		1764
1401	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the	1765	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1402	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher	1766	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1403	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long	1767	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1404	as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal	1768	you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1405	watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to	1769	the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1406	SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).	1770	signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
		1771
		1772	If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
		1773	C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
		1774	interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
		1775	signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
		1776	them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1407		1777
1408	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1778	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1409		1779
1410	=over 4	1780	=over 4
1411		1781
…		…
1420		1790
1421	The signal the watcher watches out for.	1791	The signal the watcher watches out for.
1422		1792
1423	=back	1793	=back
1424		1794
		1795	=head3 Examples
		1796
		1797	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
		1798
		1799	static void
		1800	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
		1801	{
		1802	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
		1803	}
		1804
		1805	ev_signal signal_watcher;
		1806	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
		1807	ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
		1808
1425		1809
1426	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes	1810	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1427		1811
1428	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to	1812	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1429	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).	1813	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
		1814	exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
		1815	has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
		1816	as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
		1817	forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
		1818	but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
		1819	not.
		1820
		1821	Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
		1822	you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
		1823
		1824	=head3 Process Interaction
		1825
		1826	Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
		1827	initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
		1828	the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
		1829	of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
		1830	synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
		1831	children, even ones not watched.
		1832
		1833	=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
		1834
		1835	Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
		1836	processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
		1837	handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
		1838	C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
		1839	default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
		1840	event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
		1841	that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
		1842
		1843	=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
		1844
		1845	Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
		1846	child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
		1847	callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
		1848	when a child exit is detected.
1430		1849
1431	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1850	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1432		1851
1433	=over 4	1852	=over 4
1434		1853
1435	=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)	1854	=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1436		1855
1437	=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)	1856	=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1438		1857
1439	Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or	1858	Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1440	I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look	1859	I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1441	at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see	1860	at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1442	the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems	1861	the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1443	C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the	1862	C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1444	process causing the status change.	1863	process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
		1864	activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
		1865	activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1445		1866
1446	=item int pid [read-only]	1867	=item int pid [read-only]
1447		1868
1448	The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.	1869	The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1449		1870
…		…
1458		1879
1459	=back	1880	=back
1460		1881
1461	=head3 Examples	1882	=head3 Examples
1462		1883
1463	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.	1884	Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
		1885	its completion.
1464		1886
		1887	ev_child cw;
		1888
1465	static void	1889	static void
1466	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)	1890	child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1467	{	1891	{
1468	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	1892	ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
		1893	printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1469	}	1894	}
1470		1895
1471	struct ev_signal signal_watcher;	1896	pid_t pid = fork ();
1472	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);	1897
1473	ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);	1898	if (pid < 0)
		1899	// error
		1900	else if (pid == 0)
		1901	{
		1902	// the forked child executes here
		1903	exit (1);
		1904	}
		1905	else
		1906	{
		1907	ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
		1908	ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
		1909	}
1474		1910
1475		1911
1476	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?	1912	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1477		1913
1478	This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls	1914	This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1479	C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed	1915	C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1480	compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.	1916	compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1481		1917
1482	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does	1918	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1483	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does	1919	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
…		…
1486	the stat buffer having unspecified contents.	1922	the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1487		1923
1488	The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is	1924	The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1489	relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.	1925	relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1490		1926
1491	Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply	1927	Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1492	calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You	1928	implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1493	can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify	1929	it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1494	a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,	1930	this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1495	unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around	1931	then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1496	five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also	1932	you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1497	impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats	1933	dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1498	usually overkill.	1934	around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1499		1935
1500	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,	1936	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1501	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be	1937	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1502	resource-intensive.	1938	resource-intensive.
1503		1939
1504	At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is	1940	At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1505	implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the	1941	is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1506	reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the	1942	an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1507	semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs	1943	of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1508	to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1509	usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1510	polling.
1511		1944
1512	=head3 Inotify	1945	=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1513		1946
		1947	Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
		1948	compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
		1949	support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
		1950	structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
		1951	use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
		1952	compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
		1953	obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
		1954	most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
		1955
		1956	The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
		1957	file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
		1958	optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
		1959	to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
		1960	default compilation environment.
		1961
		1962	=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
		1963
1514	When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only	1964	When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
		1965	only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1515	available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up	1966	implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1516	change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily	1967	change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1517	when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.	1968	lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1518		1969
1519	Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers	1970	Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1520	except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid	1971	except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1521	making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support	1972	making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1522	there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.	1973	there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
		1974	but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1523		1975
1524	(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to	1976	There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1525	implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file	1977	implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1526	descriptor open on the object at all times).	1978	descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
		1979	etc. is difficult.
1527		1980
1528	=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution	1981	=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1529		1982
1530	The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and	1983	The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1531	even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still	1984	even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1532	only support whole seconds.	1985	only support whole seconds.
1533		1986
1534	That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might	1987	That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1535	miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls	1988	easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1536	your callback, which does something. When there is another update within	1989	calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1537	the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.	1990	within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
		1991	stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1538		1992
1539	The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till	1993	The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1540	the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>	1994	than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1541	(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>	1995	a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1542	is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating	1996	ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1543	systems.	1997
		1998	The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
		1999	of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
		2000	might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
		2001	C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
		2002	a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
		2003	update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
		2004	the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
		2005	the timer callback).
1544		2006
1545	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2007	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1546		2008
1547	=over 4	2009	=over 4
1548		2010
…		…
1554	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to	2016	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1555	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose	2017	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1556	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same	2018	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1557	path for as long as the watcher is active.	2019	path for as long as the watcher is active.
1558		2020
1559	The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,	2021	The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1560	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the	2022	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1561	last change was detected).	2023	last change was detected).
1562		2024
1563	=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)	2025	=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1564		2026
1565	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the	2027	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1566	watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid	2028	watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1567	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be	2029	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1568	useful simply to find out the new values.	2030	the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
		2031	new values.
1569		2032
1570	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]	2033	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1571		2034
1572	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of	2035	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1573	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types	2036	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1574	suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there	2037	suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
		2038	members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1575	was some error while C<stat>ing the file.	2039	some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1576		2040
1577	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]	2041	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1578		2042
1579	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever	2043	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1580	C<prev> != C<attr>.	2044	C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
		2045	differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
		2046	C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1581		2047
1582	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]	2048	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1583		2049
1584	The specified interval.	2050	The specified interval.
1585		2051
1586	=item const char *path [read-only]	2052	=item const char *path [read-only]
1587		2053
1588	The filesystem path that is being watched.	2054	The file system path that is being watched.
1589		2055
1590	=back	2056	=back
1591		2057
1592	=head3 Examples	2058	=head3 Examples
1593		2059
1594	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.	2060	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1595		2061
1596	static void	2062	static void
1597	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)	2063	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1598	{	2064	{
1599	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */	2065	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1600	if (w->attr.st_nlink)	2066	if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1601	{	2067	{
1602	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);	2068	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1603	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2069	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1604	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2070	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1605	}	2071	}
1606	else	2072	else
1607	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */	2073	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1608	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "	2074	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1609	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");	2075	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1610	}	2076	}
1611		2077
1612	...	2078	...
1613	ev_stat passwd;	2079	ev_stat passwd;
1614		2080
1615	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);	2081	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1616	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);	2082	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1617		2083
1618	Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not	2084	Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1619	miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so	2085	miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1620	one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on	2086	one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1621	C<ev_timer> callback invocation).	2087	C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1622		2088
1623	static ev_stat passwd;	2089	static ev_stat passwd;
1624	static ev_timer timer;	2090	static ev_timer timer;
1625		2091
1626	static void	2092	static void
1627	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	2093	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1628	{	2094	{
1629	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);	2095	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1630		2096
1631	/* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */	2097	/* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1632	}	2098	}
1633		2099
1634	static void	2100	static void
1635	stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)	2101	stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1636	{	2102	{
1637	/* reset the one-second timer */	2103	/* reset the one-second timer */
1638	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);	2104	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1639	}	2105	}
1640		2106
1641	...	2107	...
1642	ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);	2108	ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1643	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);	2109	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1644	ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);	2110	ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1645		2111
1646		2112
1647	=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...
1648		2114
1649	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher	2115	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1650	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not	2116	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1651	count).	2117	as receiving "events").
1652		2118
1653	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts	2119	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1654	(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
1655	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers	2121	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1656	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop	2122	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
…		…
1680	=head3 Examples	2146	=head3 Examples
1681		2147
1682	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the	2148	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1683	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.	2149	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1684		2150
1685	static void	2151	static void
1686	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)	2152	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1687	{	2153	{
1688	free (w);	2154	free (w);
1689	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has	2155	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1690	// no longer asnything immediate to do.	2156	// no longer anything immediate to do.
1691	}	2157	}
1692		2158
1693	struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));	2159	ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1694	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);	2160	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1695	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);	2161	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1696		2162
1697		2163
1698	=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!
1699		2165
1700	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:	2166	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1701	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers	2167	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1702	afterwards.	2168	afterwards.
1703		2169
1704	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter	2170	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1705	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>	2171	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
…		…
1708	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,	2174	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1709	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be	2175	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1710	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.	2176	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1711		2177
1712	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and	2178	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1713	their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track	2179	their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1714	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a	2180	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1715	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if	2181	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1716	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,	2182	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1717	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>	2183	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1718	watcher).	2184	watcher).
1719		2185
1720	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need	2186	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1721	to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for	2187	need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1722	them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries	2188	for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1723	provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for	2189	libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1724	any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers	2190	you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1725	and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer	2191	of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1726	callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,	2192	I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1727	because you never know, you know?).	2193	nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1728		2194
1729	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate	2195	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1730	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines	2196	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1731	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines	2197	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1732	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines	2198	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
…		…
1735	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping	2201	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1736	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).	2202	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1737		2203
1738	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)	2204	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1739	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers	2205	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
		2206	after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
		2207
1740	after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,	2208	Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1741	too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully	2209	activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1742	supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers	2210	might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1743	did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other	2211	C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1744	(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable	2212	loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1745	state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to	2213	C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1746	coexist peacefully with others).	2214	others).
1747		2215
1748	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2216	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1749		2217
1750	=over 4	2218	=over 4
1751		2219
…		…
1753		2221
1754	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)	2222	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1755		2223
1756	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no	2224	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1757	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>	2225	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1758	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.	2226	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
		2227	pointless.
1759		2228
1760	=back	2229	=back
1761		2230
1762	=head3 Examples	2231	=head3 Examples
1763		2232
1764	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules	2233	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1765	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev	2234	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1766	(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
1767	use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>	2236	use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1768	embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV	2237	Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1769	into the Glib event loop).	2238	Glib event loop).
1770		2239
1771	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,	2240	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1772	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows	2241	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1773	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low	2242	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1774	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as	2243	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1775	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.	2244	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1776		2245
1777	static ev_io iow [nfd];	2246	static ev_io iow [nfd];
1778	static ev_timer tw;	2247	static ev_timer tw;
1779		2248
1780	static void	2249	static void
1781	io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)	2250	io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1782	{	2251	{
1783	}	2252	}
1784		2253
1785	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking	2254	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1786	static void	2255	static void
1787	adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)	2256	adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1788	{	2257	{
1789	int timeout = 3600000;	2258	int timeout = 3600000;
1790	struct pollfd fds [nfd];	2259	struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1791	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.	2260	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1792	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));	2261	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1793		2262
1794	/* 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 */
1795	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);	2264	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1796	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);	2265	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1797		2266
1798	// create one ev_io per pollfd	2267	// create one ev_io per pollfd
1799	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2268	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1800	{	2269	{
1801	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,	2270	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1802	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)	2271	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1803	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));	2272	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1804		2273
1805	fds [i].revents = 0;	2274	fds [i].revents = 0;
1806	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);	2275	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1807	}	2276	}
1808	}	2277	}
1809		2278
1810	// stop all watchers after blocking	2279	// stop all watchers after blocking
1811	static void	2280	static void
1812	adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)	2281	adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1813	{	2282	{
1814	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);	2283	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1815		2284
1816	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2285	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1817	{	2286	{
1818	// set the relevant poll flags	2287	// set the relevant poll flags
1819	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here	2288	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1820	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;	2289	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1821	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);	2290	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1822	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;	2291	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1823	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;	2292	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1824		2293
1825	// now stop the watcher	2294	// now stop the watcher
1826	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);	2295	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1827	}	2296	}
1828		2297
1829	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));	2298	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1830	}	2299	}
1831		2300
1832	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>	2301	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1833	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.	2302	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1834		2303
1835	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event	2304	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1836	notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher	2305	notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1837	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.	2306	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1838		2307
1839	static void	2308	static void
1840	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	2309	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1841	{	2310	{
1842	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2311	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1843	update_now (EV_A);	2312	update_now (EV_A);
1844		2313
1845	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);	2314	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1846	}	2315	}
1847		2316
1848	static void	2317	static void
1849	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)	2318	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1850	{	2319	{
1851	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2320	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1852	update_now (EV_A);	2321	update_now (EV_A);
1853		2322
1854	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2323	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1855	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2324	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1856	}	2325	}
1857		2326
1858	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll	2327	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1859		2328
1860	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you	2329	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1861	want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override	2330	want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1862	their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main	2331	override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1863	loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does	2332	main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1864	this.	2333	this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
		2334	libglib event loop.
1865		2335
1866	static gint	2336	static gint
1867	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)	2337	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1868	{	2338	{
1869	int got_events = 0;	2339	int got_events = 0;
1870		2340
1871	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2341	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1872	// 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
1873		2343
1874	if (timeout >= 0)	2344	if (timeout >= 0)
1875	// create/start timer	2345	// create/start timer
1876		2346
1877	// poll	2347	// poll
1878	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	2348	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1879		2349
1880	// stop timer again	2350	// stop timer again
1881	if (timeout >= 0)	2351	if (timeout >= 0)
1882	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);	2352	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1883		2353
1884	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set	2354	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1885	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2355	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1886	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);	2356	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1887		2357
1888	return got_events;	2358	return got_events;
1889	}	2359	}
1890		2360
1891		2361
1892	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...	2362	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1893		2363
1894	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop	2364	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
…		…
1900	prioritise I/O.	2370	prioritise I/O.
1901		2371
1902	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support	2372	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1903	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you	2373	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1904	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales	2374	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1905	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it	2375	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1906	into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will	2376	it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1907	be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but	2377	will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1908	at least you can use both at what they are best.	2378	C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
		2379	best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1909		2380
1910	As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have	2381	As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1911	to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even	2382	some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1912	priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case	2383	and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1913	you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in	2384	this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1914	a second one, and embed the second one in the first.	2385	the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1915		2386
1916	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time	2387	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1917	there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then	2388	there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1918	call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke	2389	call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1919	their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded	2390	their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
…		…
1927	interested in that.	2398	interested in that.
1928		2399
1929	Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:	2400	Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1930	when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,	2401	when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1931	but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers	2402	but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1932	yourself.	2403	yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
		2404	and future versions of libev might do just that.
1933		2405
1934	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by	2406	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1935	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any	2407	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1936	portable one.	2408	portable one.
1937		2409
1938	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared	2410	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1939	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around	2411	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1940	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to	2412	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1941	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.	2413	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1942		2414
		2415	=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
		2416
		2417	While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
		2418	automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
		2419	fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
		2420	however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
		2421	as applicable.
		2422
1943	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2423	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1944		2424
1945	=over 4	2425	=over 4
1946		2426
1947	=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)
…		…
1950		2430
1951	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be	2431	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1952	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be	2432	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1953	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback	2433	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1954	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,	2434	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1955	if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).	2435	if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1956		2436
1957	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)	2437	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1958		2438
1959	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works	2439	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1960	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most	2440	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1961	apropriate way for embedded loops.	2441	appropriate way for embedded loops.
1962		2442
1963	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]	2443	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1964		2444
1965	The embedded event loop.	2445	The embedded event loop.
1966		2446
…		…
1968		2448
1969	=head3 Examples	2449	=head3 Examples
1970		2450
1971	Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default	2451	Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1972	event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default	2452	event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1973	loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in	2453	loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1974	C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be	2454	C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1975	used).	2455	used).
1976		2456
1977	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);	2457	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1978	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;	2458	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1979	struct ev_embed embed;	2459	ev_embed embed;
1980		2460
1981	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works	2461	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1982	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)	2462	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1983	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()	2463	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1984	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())	2464	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1985	: 0;	2465	: 0;
1986		2466
1987	// 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
1988	if (loop_lo)	2468	if (loop_lo)
1989	{	2469	{
1990	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);	2470	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1991	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);	2471	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1992	}	2472	}
1993	else	2473	else
1994	loop_lo = loop_hi;	2474	loop_lo = loop_hi;
1995		2475
1996	Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create	2476	Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1997	a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any	2477	a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1998	kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in	2478	kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1999	C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).	2479	C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2000		2480
2001	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	2481	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2002	struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;	2482	struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2003	struct ev_embed embed;	2483	ev_embed embed;
2004		2484
2005	if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)	2485	if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2006	if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))	2486	if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2007	{	2487	{
2008	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);	2488	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2009	ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);	2489	ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2010	}	2490	}
2011		2491
2012	if (!loop_socket)	2492	if (!loop_socket)
2013	loop_socket = loop;	2493	loop_socket = loop;
2014		2494
2015	// 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
2016		2496
2017		2497
2018	=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
2019		2499
2020	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because	2500	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
…		…
2036	believe me.	2516	believe me.
2037		2517
2038	=back	2518	=back
2039		2519
2040		2520
		2521	=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
		2522
		2523	In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
		2524	asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
		2525	loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
		2526
		2527	Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
		2528	control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
		2529	C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
		2530	can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
		2531	safe.
		2532
		2533	This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
		2534	too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
		2535	(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
		2536	C<ev_async_sent> calls).
		2537
		2538	Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
		2539	just the default loop.
		2540
		2541	=head3 Queueing
		2542
		2543	C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
		2544	is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
		2545	multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
		2546	need elaborate support such as pthreads.
		2547
		2548	That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
		2549	queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
		2550	queue:
		2551
		2552	=over 4
		2553
		2554	=item queueing from a signal handler context
		2555
		2556	To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
		2557	handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
		2558	an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
		2559
		2560	static ev_async mysig;
		2561
		2562	static void
		2563	sigusr1_handler (void)
		2564	{
		2565	sometype data;
		2566
		2567	// no locking etc.
		2568	queue_put (data);
		2569	ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
		2570	}
		2571
		2572	static void
		2573	mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
		2574	{
		2575	sometype data;
		2576	sigset_t block, prev;
		2577
		2578	sigemptyset (&block);
		2579	sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
		2580	sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
		2581
		2582	while (queue_get (&data))
		2583	process (data);
		2584
		2585	if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
		2586	sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
		2587	}
		2588
		2589	(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
		2590	instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
		2591	either...).
		2592
		2593	=item queueing from a thread context
		2594
		2595	The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
		2596	threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
		2597	employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
		2598
		2599	static ev_async mysig;
		2600	static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
		2601
		2602	static void
		2603	otherthread (void)
		2604	{
		2605	// only need to lock the actual queueing operation
		2606	pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
		2607	queue_put (data);
		2608	pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
		2609
		2610	ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
		2611	}
		2612
		2613	static void
		2614	mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
		2615	{
		2616	pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
		2617
		2618	while (queue_get (&data))
		2619	process (data);
		2620
		2621	pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
		2622	}
		2623
		2624	=back
		2625
		2626
		2627	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
		2628
		2629	=over 4
		2630
		2631	=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
		2632
		2633	Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
		2634	kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
		2635	trust me.
		2636
		2637	=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
		2638
		2639	Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
		2640	an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
		2641	C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
		2642	similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
		2643	section below on what exactly this means).
		2644
		2645	This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
		2646	so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
		2647	calls to C<ev_async_send>.
		2648
		2649	=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
		2650
		2651	Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
		2652	watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
		2653	event loop.
		2654
		2655	C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
		2656	the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
		2657	it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
		2658	quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
		2659
		2660	Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
		2661	whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
		2662
		2663	=back
		2664
		2665
2041	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS	2666	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2042		2667
2043	There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.	2668	There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2044		2669
2045	=over 4	2670	=over 4
2046		2671
2047	=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)
2048		2673
2049	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your	2674	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2050	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both	2675	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2051	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd	2676	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2052	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or	2677	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2053	more watchers yourself.	2678	more watchers yourself.
2054		2679
2055	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events	2680	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2056	is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and	2681	C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2057	C<events> set will be craeted and started.	2682	the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2058		2683
2059	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be	2684	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2060	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and	2685	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2061	repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of	2686	repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2062	dubious value.
2063		2687
2064	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets	2688	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2065	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of	2689	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2066	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>	2690	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2067	value passed to C<ev_once>:	2691	value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
		2692	a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
		2693	events precedence.
2068		2694
		2695	Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
		2696
2069	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)	2697	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2070	{	2698	{
2071	if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2072	/* doh, nothing entered */;
2073	else if (revents & EV_READ)	2699	if (revents & EV_READ)
2074	/* 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 */;
2075	}	2703	}
2076		2704
2077	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);	2705	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2078		2706
2079	=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)	2707	=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2080		2708
2081	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event	2709	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2082	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an	2710	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2083	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).	2711	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2084		2712
2085	=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)	2713	=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2086		2714
2087	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected	2715	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2088	the given events it.	2716	the given events it.
2089		2717
2090	=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)	2718	=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2091		2719
2092	Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default	2720	Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2093	loop!).	2721	loop!).
2094		2722
2095	=back	2723	=back
2096		2724
2097		2725
…		…
2113		2741
2114	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities	2742	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2115	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there	2743	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2116	is an ev_pri field.	2744	is an ev_pri field.
2117		2745
		2746	=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
		2747	first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
		2748
2118	=item * Other members are not supported.	2749	=item * Other members are not supported.
2119		2750
2120	=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
2121	to use the libev header file and library.	2752	to use the libev header file and library.
2122		2753
2123	=back	2754	=back
2124		2755
2125	=head1 C++ SUPPORT	2756	=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2126		2757
2127	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow	2758	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2128	you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change	2759	you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2129	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.	2760	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2130		2761
2131	To use it,	2762	To use it,
2132		2763
2133	#include <ev++.h>	2764	#include <ev++.h>
2134		2765
2135	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many	2766	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2136	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are	2767	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2137	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding	2768	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2138	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.	2769	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
…		…
2205	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the	2836	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2206	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.	2837	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2207		2838
2208	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation	2839	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2209		2840
2210	struct myclass	2841	struct myclass
2211	{	2842	{
2212	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	2843	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2213	}	2844	}
2214		2845
2215	myclass obj;	2846	myclass obj;
2216	ev::io iow;	2847	ev::io iow;
2217	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);	2848	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2218		2849
2219	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)	2850	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2220		2851
2221	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as	2852	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2222	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's	2853	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
…		…
2224		2855
2225	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.	2856	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2226		2857
2227	See the method-C<set> above for more details.	2858	See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2228		2859
2229	Example:	2860	Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2230		2861
2231	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	2862	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2232	iow.set <io_cb> ();	2863	iow.set <io_cb> ();
2233		2864
2234	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)	2865	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2235		2866
2236	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only	2867	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2237	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).	2868	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2238		2869
2239	=item w->set ([args])	2870	=item w->set ([arguments])
2240		2871
2241	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be	2872	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2242	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets	2873	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2243	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this	2874	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2244	method.	2875	method.
2245		2876
2246	=item w->start ()	2877	=item w->start ()
…		…
2270	=back	2901	=back
2271		2902
2272	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in	2903	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2273	the constructor.	2904	the constructor.
2274		2905
2275	class myclass	2906	class myclass
2276	{	2907	{
2277	ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);	2908	ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2278	ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);	2909	ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2279		2910
2280	myclass ();	2911	myclass (int fd)
2281	}	2912	{
2282
2283	myclass::myclass (int fd)
2284	{
2285	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);	2913	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2286	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);	2914	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2287		2915
2288	io.start (fd, ev::READ);	2916	io.start (fd, ev::READ);
		2917	}
2289	}	2918	};
		2919
		2920
		2921	=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
		2922
		2923	Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
		2924	number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
		2925	any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
		2926	me a note.
		2927
		2928	=over 4
		2929
		2930	=item Perl
		2931
		2932	The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
		2933	libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
		2934	there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
		2935	to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
		2936	C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
		2937	and C<EV::Glib>).
		2938
		2939	It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
		2940	L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
		2941
		2942	=item Python
		2943
		2944	Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
		2945	seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
		2946	patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
		2947	for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
		2948	libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
		2949	libev).
		2950
		2951	=item Ruby
		2952
		2953	Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
		2954	of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
		2955	more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
		2956	L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
		2957
		2958	=item D
		2959
		2960	Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
		2961	be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
		2962
		2963	=item Ocaml
		2964
		2965	Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
		2966	L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
		2967
		2968	=back
2290		2969
2291		2970
2292	=head1 MACRO MAGIC	2971	=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2293		2972
2294	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal	2973	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2295	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)	2974	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2296	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.	2975	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2297		2976
2298	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the	2977	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2299	following macros are defined:	2978	following macros are defined:
…		…
2304		2983
2305	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev	2984	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2306	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,	2985	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2307	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:	2986	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2308		2987
2309	ev_unref (EV_A);	2988	ev_unref (EV_A);
2310	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);	2989	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2311	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	2990	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2312		2991
2313	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,	2992	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2314	which is often provided by the following macro.	2993	which is often provided by the following macro.
2315		2994
2316	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>	2995	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2317		2996
2318	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev	2997	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2319	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,	2998	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2320	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:	2999	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2321		3000
2322	// this is how ev_unref is being declared	3001	// this is how ev_unref is being declared
2323	static void ev_unref (EV_P);	3002	static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2324		3003
2325	// this is how you can declare your typical callback	3004	// this is how you can declare your typical callback
2326	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3005	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2327		3006
2328	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite	3007	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2329	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.	3008	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2330		3009
2331	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>	3010	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2332		3011
2333	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default	3012	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2334	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").	3013	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
		3014
		3015	=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
		3016
		3017	Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
		3018	default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
		3019	is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
		3020	execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
		3021
		3022	It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
		3023	watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2335		3024
2336	=back	3025	=back
2337		3026
2338	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above	3027	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2339	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported	3028	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2340	or not.	3029	or not.
2341		3030
2342	static void	3031	static void
2343	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3032	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2344	{	3033	{
2345	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);	3034	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2346	}	3035	}
2347		3036
2348	ev_check check;	3037	ev_check check;
2349	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);	3038	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2350	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);	3039	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2351	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);	3040	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2352		3041
2353	=head1 EMBEDDING	3042	=head1 EMBEDDING
2354		3043
2355	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host	3044	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2356	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra	3045	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
…		…
2363	libev somewhere in your source tree).	3052	libev somewhere in your source tree).
2364		3053
2365	=head2 FILESETS	3054	=head2 FILESETS
2366		3055
2367	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files	3056	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2368	in your app.	3057	in your application.
2369		3058
2370	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP	3059	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2371		3060
2372	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual	3061	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2373	configuration (no autoconf):	3062	configuration (no autoconf):
2374		3063
2375	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3064	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2376	#include "ev.c"	3065	#include "ev.c"
2377		3066
2378	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a	3067	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2379	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use	3068	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2380	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best	3069	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2381	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and	3070	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2382	where you can put other configuration options):	3071	where you can put other configuration options):
2383		3072
2384	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3073	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2385	#include "ev.h"	3074	#include "ev.h"
2386		3075
2387	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++	3076	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2388	compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated	3077	compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2389	as a bug).	3078	as a bug).
2390		3079
2391	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory	3080	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2392	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):	3081	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2393		3082
2394	ev.h	3083	ev.h
2395	ev.c	3084	ev.c
2396	ev_vars.h	3085	ev_vars.h
2397	ev_wrap.h	3086	ev_wrap.h
2398		3087
2399	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only	3088	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2400		3089
2401	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)
2402	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)
2403	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)
2404	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)
2405	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)
2406		3095
2407	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need	3096	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2408	to compile this single file.	3097	to compile this single file.
2409		3098
2410	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API	3099	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2411		3100
2412	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:	3101	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2413		3102
2414	#include "event.c"	3103	#include "event.c"
2415		3104
2416	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:	3105	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2417		3106
2418	#include "event.h"	3107	#include "event.h"
2419		3108
2420	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.	3109	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2421		3110
2422	You need the following additional files for this:	3111	You need the following additional files for this:
2423		3112
2424	event.h	3113	event.h
2425	event.c	3114	event.c
2426		3115
2427	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT	3116	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2428		3117
2429	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in	3118	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2430	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your	3119	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2431	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then	3120	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2432	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.	3121	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2433		3122
2434	For this of course you need the m4 file:	3123	For this of course you need the m4 file:
2435		3124
2436	libev.m4	3125	libev.m4
2437		3126
2438	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS	3127	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2439		3128
2440	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define	3129	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2441	before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity	3130	define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2442	and only include the select backend.	3131	autoconf is documented for every option.
2443		3132
2444	=over 4	3133	=over 4
2445		3134
2446	=item EV_STANDALONE	3135	=item EV_STANDALONE
2447		3136
…		…
2452	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.	3141	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2453		3142
2454	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC	3143	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2455		3144
2456	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3145	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2457	monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use	3146	monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2458	of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you	3147	of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2459	usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when	3148	usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2460	the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have	3149	the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2461	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>	3150	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2462	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).	3151	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2463		3152
2464	=item EV_USE_REALTIME	3153	=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2465		3154
2466	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3155	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2467	realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at	3156	real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2468	runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will	3157	runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2469	be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get	3158	be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2470	(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the	3159	(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2471	note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.	3160	note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2472		3161
2473	=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP	3162	=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2474		3163
2475	If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available	3164	If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2476	and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.	3165	and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2477		3166
		3167	=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
		3168
		3169	If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
		3170	available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
		3171	C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
		3172	If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
		3173	2.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
		3174
2478	=item EV_USE_SELECT	3175	=item EV_USE_SELECT
2479		3176
2480	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the	3177	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2481	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no	3178	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2482	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend	3179	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2483	will not be compiled in.	3180	will not be compiled in.
2484		3181
2485	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET	3182	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2486		3183
2487	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>	3184	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2488	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing	3185	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2489	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on	3186	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2490	exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some	3187	exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2491	low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only	3188	low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2492	allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might	3189	allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2493	influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.	3190	influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2494		3191
…		…
2518		3215
2519	=item EV_USE_EPOLL	3216	=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2520		3217
2521	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux	3218	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2522	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,	3219	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2523	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the	3220	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2524	preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.	3221	backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
		3222	headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2525		3223
2526	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE	3224	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2527		3225
2528	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style	3226	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2529	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,	3227	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
…		…
2542	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred	3240	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2543	backend for Solaris 10 systems.	3241	backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2544		3242
2545	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL	3243	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2546		3244
2547	reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.	3245	Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2548		3246
2549	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY	3247	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2550		3248
2551	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify	3249	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2552	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will	3250	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2553	be detected at runtime.	3251	be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
		3252	indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
		3253
		3254	=item EV_ATOMIC_T
		3255
		3256	Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
		3257	access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
		3258	type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
		3259	that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
		3260	as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
		3261
		3262	In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
		3263	(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2554		3264
2555	=item EV_H	3265	=item EV_H
2556		3266
2557	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if	3267	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2558	undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to	3268	undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2559	virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.	3269	used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2560		3270
2561	=item EV_CONFIG_H	3271	=item EV_CONFIG_H
2562		3272
2563	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override	3273	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2564	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to	3274	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2565	C<EV_H>, above.	3275	C<EV_H>, above.
2566		3276
2567	=item EV_EVENT_H	3277	=item EV_EVENT_H
2568		3278
2569	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea	3279	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2570	of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.	3280	of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2571		3281
2572	=item EV_PROTOTYPES	3282	=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2573		3283
2574	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function	3284	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2575	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is	3285	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
…		…
2596	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search	3306	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2597	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space	3307	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2598	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually	3308	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2599	fine.	3309	fine.
2600		3310
2601	If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to	3311	If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2602	C<0> will save some memory and cpu.	3312	both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2603		3313
2604	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE	3314	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2605		3315
2606	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If	3316	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2607	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of	3317	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
…		…
2614	code.	3324	code.
2615		3325
2616	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE	3326	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2617		3327
2618	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If	3328	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2619	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3329	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
		3330	watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2620		3331
2621	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE	3332	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2622		3333
2623	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If	3334	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2624	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3335	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
…		…
2626	=item EV_FORK_ENABLE	3337	=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2627		3338
2628	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If	3339	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2629	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3340	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2630		3341
		3342	=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
		3343
		3344	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
		3345	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
		3346
2631	=item EV_MINIMAL	3347	=item EV_MINIMAL
2632		3348
2633	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some	3349	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2634	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override	3350	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2635	some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.	3351	inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
		3352	much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2636		3353
2637	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE	3354	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2638		3355
2639	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by	3356	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2640	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more	3357	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
…		…
2647	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),	3364	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2648	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>	3365	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2649	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of	3366	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2650	two).	3367	two).
2651		3368
		3369	=item EV_USE_4HEAP
		3370
		3371	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3372	timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
		3373	to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
		3374	faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
		3375
		3376	The 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
		3381	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3382	timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
		3383	the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
		3384	which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
		3385	but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
		3386	noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
		3387
		3388	The 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
		3393	Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
		3394	be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
		3395	in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
		3396	called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
		3397	called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
		3398	verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
		3399	libev considerably.
		3400
		3401	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
		3402	C<0>.
		3403
2652	=item EV_COMMON	3404	=item EV_COMMON
2653		3405
2654	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining	3406	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2655	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of	3407	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2656	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,	3408	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2657	though, and it must be identical each time.	3409	though, and it must be identical each time.
2658		3410
2659	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:	3411	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2660		3412
2661	#define EV_COMMON \	3413	#define EV_COMMON \
2662	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \	3414	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2663	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */	3415	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2664		3416
2665	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)	3417	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2666		3418
2667	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)	3419	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2668		3420
…		…
2673	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for	3425	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2674	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to	3426	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2675	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use	3427	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2676	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.	3428	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2677		3429
		3430	=back
		3431
2678	=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS	3432	=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2679		3433
2680	If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of	3434	If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2681	exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list	3435	exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2682	all public symbols, one per line:	3436	all public symbols, one per line:
2683		3437
2684	Symbols.ev for libev proper	3438	Symbols.ev for libev proper
2685	Symbols.event for the libevent emulation	3439	Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2686		3440
2687	This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with	3441	This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2688	multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in	3442	multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2689	itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).	3443	itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2690		3444
2691	A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to	3445	A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2692	include before including F<ev.h>:	3446	include before including F<ev.h>:
2693		3447
2694	<Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h	3448	<Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
…		…
2711	file.	3465	file.
2712		3466
2713	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file	3467	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2714	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:	3468	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2715		3469
2716	#define EV_MINIMAL 1	3470	#define EV_MINIMAL 1
2717	#define EV_USE_POLL 0	3471	#define EV_USE_POLL 0
2718	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0	3472	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2719	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0	3473	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2720	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0	3474	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2721	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0	3475	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2722	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>	3476	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2723	#define EV_MINPRI 0	3477	#define EV_MINPRI 0
2724	#define EV_MAXPRI 0	3478	#define EV_MAXPRI 0
2725		3479
2726	#include "ev++.h"	3480	#include "ev++.h"
2727		3481
2728	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:	3482	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2729		3483
2730	#include "ev_cpp.h"	3484	#include "ev_cpp.h"
2731	#include "ev.c"	3485	#include "ev.c"
2732		3486
		3487	=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2733		3488
2734	=head1 COMPLEXITIES	3489	=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2735		3490
2736	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside	3491	=head3 THREADS
2737	libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2738	documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2739		3492
2740	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be	3493	All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2741	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this	3494	documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2742	happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might	3495	that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2743	mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average	3496	are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2744	it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.	3497	parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
		3498	of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
		3499	structures that need any locking.
		3500
		3501	Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
		3502	concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
		3503	must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
		3504	only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
		3505	a mutex per loop).
		3506
		3507	Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
		3508	so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
		3509	concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
		3510	outside".
		3511
		3512	If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
		3513	without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
		3514	help you, but here is some generic advice:
2745		3515
2746	=over 4	3516	=over 4
2747		3517
2748	=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
		3519	in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2749		3520
2750	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and	3521	This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2751	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will	3522	themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2752	have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2753		3523
2754	=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.
2755		3525
2756	That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them	3526	Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2757	as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.	3527	exists, but it is always a good start.
2758		3528
2759	=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)	3529	=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
		3530	loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2760		3531
2761	These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.	3532	Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
		3533	better than you currently do :-)
2762		3534
2763	=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)	3535	=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
		3536	event loop.
2764		3537
2765	=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))	3538	C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
		3539	(or from signal contexts...).
2766		3540
2767	These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the	3541	An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2768	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually	3542	work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2769	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).	3543	default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2770		3544	watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2771	=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2772
2773	By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2774	beginning of the storage array.
2775
2776	=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2777
2778	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2779	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2780	on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2781
2782	=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2783
2784	=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2785
2786	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2787	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2788	linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2789	watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2790		3545
2791	=back	3546	=back
2792		3547
		3548	=head3 COROUTINES
2793		3549
2794	=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds	3550	Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
		3551	libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
		3552	coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
		3553	different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
		3554	loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
		3555	you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
		3556
		3557	Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
		3558	C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
		3559	they do not clal any callbacks.
		3560
		3561	=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
		3562
		3563	Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
		3564	lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
		3565	scared by this.
		3566
		3567	However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
		3568	has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
		3569	warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
		3570	targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
		3571
		3572	Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
		3573	workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
		3574	maintainable.
		3575
		3576	And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
		3577	wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
		3578	seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
		3579	warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
		3580	been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
		3581	such buggy versions.
		3582
		3583	While 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
		3585	with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
		3586	them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
		3587	warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
		3588
		3589
		3590	=head2 VALGRIND
		3591
		3592	Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
		3593	highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
		3594
		3595	If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
		3596	in 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
		3602	Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
		3603	is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
		3604
		3605	Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
		3606	as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
		3607	although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
		3608	confused.
		3609
		3610	Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
		3611	make it into some kind of religion.
		3612
		3613	If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
		3614	with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
		3615	is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
		3616	annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
		3617	of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
		3618
		3619	If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
		3620	I suggest using suppression lists.
		3621
		3622
		3623	=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
		3624
		3625	=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2795		3626
2796	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev	3627	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2797	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX	3628	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2798	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in	3629	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2799	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket	3630	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2800	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using	3631	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2801	e.g. cygwin.	3632	e.g. cygwin.
2802		3633
		3634	Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
		3635	re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
		3636	things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
		3637	way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
		3638
2803	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except	3639	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2804	embedding it into other applications.	3640	embedding it into other applications.
2805		3641
		3642	Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
		3643	accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
		3644	either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
		3645	so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
		3646	megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
		3647	available).
		3648
2806	Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the	3649	Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2807	abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not	3650	the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2808	recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than	3651	is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2809	a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different	3652	more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2810	implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot	3653	different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2811	be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).	3654	notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
		3655	(Microsoft monopoly games).
		3656
		3657	A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
		3658	section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
		3659	of 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
		3666	And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
		3667	you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
		3668
		3669	#include "evwrap.h"
		3670	#include "ev.c"
2812		3671
2813	=over 4	3672	=over 4
2814		3673
2815	=item The winsocket select function	3674	=item The winsocket select function
2816		3675
2817	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires	3676	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2818	socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select	3677	requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2819	very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors	3678	also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2820	to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,	3679	requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2821	C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor	3680	C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2822	symbols for more info.	3681	discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
		3682	C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2823		3683
2824	The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime	3684	The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2825	libraries and raw winsocket select is:	3685	libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2826		3686
2827	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1	3687	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2828	#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 */
2829		3689
2830	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a	3690	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2831	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.	3691	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2832		3692
2833	=item Limited number of file descriptors	3693	=item Limited number of file descriptors
2834		3694
2835	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions	3695	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2836	of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles	3696
		3697	Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2837	(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for	3698	of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2838	C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a	3699	can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2839	chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).	3700	recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
		3701	previous thread in each. Great).
2840		3702
2841	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>	3703	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2842	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select	3704	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2843	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own	3705	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2844	select emulation on windows).	3706	select emulation on windows).
2845		3707
2846	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime	3708	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2847	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish	3709	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2848	or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling	3710	or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2849	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another	3711	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2850	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime	3712	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
2851	libraries.	3713	libraries.
2852		3714
2853	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on	3715	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2854	windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to	3716	windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2855	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of	3717	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2856	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.	3718	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2857		3719
2858	=back	3720	=back
2859		3721
		3722	=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
		3723
		3724	In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
		3725	backend-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
		3730	calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
		3731
		3732	Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
		3733	structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
		3734	assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
		3735	callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
		3736	calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
		3737
		3738	=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
		3739
		3740	The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
		3741	C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
		3742	threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
		3743	believed to be sufficiently portable.
		3744
		3745	=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
		3746
		3747	Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
		3748	allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
		3749	pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
		3750	thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
		3751	be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
		3752	C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
		3753
		3754	The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
		3755	except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
		3756	well.
		3757
		3758	=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
		3759
		3760	To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
		3761	instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
		3762	systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
		3763	least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
		3764	watchers.
		3765
		3766	=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
		3767
		3768	The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
		3769	have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
		3770	enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
		3771	implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
		3772
		3773	=back
		3774
		3775	If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
		3776
		3777
		3778	=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
		3779
		3780	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
		3781	libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
		3782	the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
		3783
		3784	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
		3785	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
		3786	happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
		3787	mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
		3788	average 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
		3794	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
		3795	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
		3796	have 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
		3800	That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
		3801	as 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
		3805	These 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
		3811	These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
		3812	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
		3813	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
		3814	is rare).
		3815
		3816	=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
		3817
		3818	By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
		3819	fixed 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
		3823	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
		3824	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
		3825	on 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
		3831	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
		3832	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
		3833	linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
		3834	watchers 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
		3842	Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
		3843	calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
		3844	involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
		3845
		3846	=back
		3847
2860		3848
2861	=head1 AUTHOR	3849	=head1 AUTHOR
2862		3850
2863	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.	3851	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2864		3852

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