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Revision 1.204 by root, Mon Oct 27 11:08:29 2008 UTC

10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
276 276
277=back 277=back
278 278
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 280
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
284
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
287not.
284 288
285=over 4 289=over 4
286 290
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 292
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 391cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
388support for dup. 392support for dup.
389 393
394Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
395of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
396I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones) than registered
397in the set (especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these
398spurious notifications by employing an additional generation counter and
399comparing that against the events to filter out spurious ones.
400
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 401While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 402will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 403(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 404best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
394very well if you register events for both fds. 405very well if you register events for both fds.
395
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 406
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 407Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 408watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 409i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause 410starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 534responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 535calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 536the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 537for example).
531 538
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 539Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 540handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 541as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 542
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 543In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 544rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 545pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 546C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
710respectively). 717respectively).
711 718
712Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 719Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
713running when nothing else is active. 720running when nothing else is active.
714 721
715 struct ev_signal exitsig; 722 ev_signal exitsig;
716 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 723 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
717 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 724 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
718 evf_unref (loop); 725 evf_unref (loop);
719 726
720Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 727Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
768they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 775they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
769 776
770=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 777=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
771 778
772This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 779This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
773compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 780compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
774through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 781through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
775is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 782is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
776error and call C<abort ()>. 783error and call C<abort ()>.
777 784
778This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 785This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
782=back 789=back
783 790
784 791
785=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 792=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
786 793
794In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
795watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
796watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
797
787A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 798A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
788interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 799interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
789become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 800become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
790 801
791 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 802 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
792 { 803 {
793 ev_io_stop (w); 804 ev_io_stop (w);
794 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 805 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
795 } 806 }
796 807
797 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 808 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
809
798 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 810 ev_io stdin_watcher;
811
799 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 812 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
800 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 813 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
801 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 814 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
815
802 ev_loop (loop, 0); 816 ev_loop (loop, 0);
803 817
804As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 818As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
805watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 819watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
806although this can sometimes be quite valid). 820stack).
821
822Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
823or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
807 824
808Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 825Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
809(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 826(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
810callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 827callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
811watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 828watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
812is readable and/or writable). 829is readable and/or writable).
813 830
814Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 831Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
815with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 832macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
816to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 833is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
817(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 834ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
818 835
819To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 836To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
820with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 837with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
821*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 838*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
822corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 839corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
823 840
824As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 841As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
825must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 842must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
826reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 843reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
827 844
828Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 845Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
829registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 846registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
830third argument. 847third argument.
831 848
894=item C<EV_ERROR> 911=item C<EV_ERROR>
895 912
896An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 913An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
897happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 914happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
898ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 915ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
916problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
917
899problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 918You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
900with the watcher being stopped. 919watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
920an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
921bug in your program.
901 922
902Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 923Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
903example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 924example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
904callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 925callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
905the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 926the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
908 929
909=back 930=back
910 931
911=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 932=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
912 933
913In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
914e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
915
916=over 4 934=over 4
917 935
918=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 936=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
919 937
920This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 938This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
925which rolls both calls into one. 943which rolls both calls into one.
926 944
927You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 945You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
928(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 946(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
929 947
930The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 948The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
931int revents)>. 949int revents)>.
932 950
933Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 951Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
934 952
935 ev_io w; 953 ev_io w;
1028The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1046The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1029always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1047always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1030 1048
1031Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1049Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1032fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1050fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1033or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1051or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1034 1052
1035=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1053=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1036 1054
1037Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1055Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1038C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1056C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1060member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1078member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1061data: 1079data:
1062 1080
1063 struct my_io 1081 struct my_io
1064 { 1082 {
1065 struct ev_io io; 1083 ev_io io;
1066 int otherfd; 1084 int otherfd;
1067 void *somedata; 1085 void *somedata;
1068 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1086 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1069 }; 1087 };
1070 1088
1073 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1091 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1074 1092
1075And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1093And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1076can cast it back to your own type: 1094can cast it back to your own type:
1077 1095
1078 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1096 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1079 { 1097 {
1080 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1098 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1081 ... 1099 ...
1082 } 1100 }
1083 1101
1101programmers): 1119programmers):
1102 1120
1103 #include <stddef.h> 1121 #include <stddef.h>
1104 1122
1105 static void 1123 static void
1106 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1124 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1107 { 1125 {
1108 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1126 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1109 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1127 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1110 } 1128 }
1111 1129
1112 static void 1130 static void
1113 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1131 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1114 { 1132 {
1115 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1133 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1116 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1134 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1117 } 1135 }
1118 1136
1253Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1271Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1254readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1272readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1255attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1273attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1256 1274
1257 static void 1275 static void
1258 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1276 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1259 { 1277 {
1260 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1278 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1261 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1279 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1262 } 1280 }
1263 1281
1264 ... 1282 ...
1265 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1283 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1266 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1284 ev_io stdin_readable;
1267 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1285 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1268 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1286 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1269 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1287 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1270 1288
1271 1289
1282 1300
1283The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1301The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1284passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1302passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1285then order of execution is undefined. 1303then order of execution is undefined.
1286 1304
1305=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1306
1307Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1308recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1309you want to raise some error after a while.
1310
1311What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1312inefficient to smart and efficient.
1313
1314In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1315gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1316data or other life sign was received).
1317
1318=over 4
1319
1320=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1321
1322This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1323start the watcher:
1324
1325 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1326 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1327
1328Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1329and start it again:
1330
1331 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1332 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1333 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1334
1335This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1336some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1337data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1338still not a constant-time operation.
1339
1340=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1341
1342This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1343C<ev_timer_start>.
1344
1345To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1346of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1347successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1348you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1349the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1350
1351That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1352C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1353member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1354
1355At start:
1356
1357 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1358 timer->repeat = 60.;
1359 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1360
1361Each time there is some activity:
1362
1363 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1364
1365It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1366whether the watcher is active or not:
1367
1368 timer->repeat = 30.;
1369 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1370
1371This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1372you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1373remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1374
1375It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1376
1377=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1378
1379This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1380relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1381our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1382associated activity resets.
1383
1384In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1385but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1386within the callback:
1387
1388 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1389
1390 static void
1391 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1392 {
1393 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1394 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1395
1396 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1397 if (timeout < now)
1398 {
1399 // timeout occured, take action
1400 }
1401 else
1402 {
1403 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1404 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1405 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1406 w->again = timeout - now;
1407 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1408 }
1409 }
1410
1411To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1412as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1413been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1414the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1415re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1416a timeout then.
1417
1418Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1419C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1420
1421This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1422minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1423libev to change the timeout.
1424
1425To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1426to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1427callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1428
1429 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1430 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1431 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1432
1433And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1434C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1435
1436 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1437
1438This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1439time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1440
1441Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1442callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1443fix things for you.
1444
1445=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1446
1447If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1448employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1449do even better:
1450
1451When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1452at the I<end> of the list.
1453
1454Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1455the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1456
1457When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1458the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1459update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1460
1461This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1462starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1463complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1464ensures that the list stays sorted.
1465
1466=back
1467
1468So which method the best?
1469
1470Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1471situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1472better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1473one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1474
1475Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1476rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1477off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1478overkill :)
1479
1287=head3 The special problem of time updates 1480=head3 The special problem of time updates
1288 1481
1289Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1482Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1290least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1483least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1291time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1484time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1334If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1527If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1335 1528
1336If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1529If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1337C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1530C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1338 1531
1339This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1532This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1340example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1533usage example.
1341timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1342seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1343configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1344C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1345you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1346socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1347automatically restart it if need be.
1348
1349That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1350altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1351
1352 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1353 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1354 ...
1355 timer->again = 17.;
1356 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1357 ...
1358 timer->again = 10.;
1359 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1360
1361This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1362you want to modify its timeout value.
1363
1364Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1365time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1366callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1367some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1368timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1369 1534
1370=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1535=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1371 1536
1372The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1537The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1373or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1538or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1378=head3 Examples 1543=head3 Examples
1379 1544
1380Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1545Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1381 1546
1382 static void 1547 static void
1383 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1548 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1384 { 1549 {
1385 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1550 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1386 } 1551 }
1387 1552
1388 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1553 ev_timer mytimer;
1389 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1554 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1390 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1555 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1391 1556
1392Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1557Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1393inactivity. 1558inactivity.
1394 1559
1395 static void 1560 static void
1396 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1561 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1397 { 1562 {
1398 .. ten seconds without any activity 1563 .. ten seconds without any activity
1399 } 1564 }
1400 1565
1401 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1566 ev_timer mytimer;
1402 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1567 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1403 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1568 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1404 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1569 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1405 1570
1406 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1571 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1492 1657
1493If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1658If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1494it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 1659it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1495only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1660only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1496 1661
1497The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1662The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1498*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1663*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1499 1664
1665 static ev_tstamp
1500 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1666 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1501 { 1667 {
1502 return now + 60.; 1668 return now + 60.;
1503 } 1669 }
1504 1670
1505It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1671It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1542 1708
1543The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1709The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1544take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1710take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1545called. 1711called.
1546 1712
1547=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1713=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1548 1714
1549The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1715The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1550switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1716switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1551the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1717the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1552 1718
1557Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1723Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1558system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1724system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1559potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1725potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1560 1726
1561 static void 1727 static void
1562 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1728 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1563 { 1729 {
1564 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1730 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1565 } 1731 }
1566 1732
1567 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1733 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1568 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1734 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1569 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1735 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1570 1736
1571Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1737Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1572 1738
1573 #include <math.h> 1739 #include <math.h>
1574 1740
1575 static ev_tstamp 1741 static ev_tstamp
1576 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1742 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1577 { 1743 {
1578 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 1744 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1579 } 1745 }
1580 1746
1581 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1747 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1582 1748
1583Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1749Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1584 1750
1585 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1751 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1586 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1752 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1587 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1753 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1588 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1754 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1589 1755
1590 1756
1632=head3 Examples 1798=head3 Examples
1633 1799
1634Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 1800Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1635 1801
1636 static void 1802 static void
1637 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1803 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1638 { 1804 {
1639 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1805 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1640 } 1806 }
1641 1807
1642 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1808 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1643 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1809 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1644 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 1810 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1645 1811
1646 1812
1647=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1813=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1722its completion. 1888its completion.
1723 1889
1724 ev_child cw; 1890 ev_child cw;
1725 1891
1726 static void 1892 static void
1727 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1893 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1728 { 1894 {
1729 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1895 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1730 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1896 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1731 } 1897 }
1732 1898
1984 2150
1985Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2151Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1986callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2152callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1987 2153
1988 static void 2154 static void
1989 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2155 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1990 { 2156 {
1991 free (w); 2157 free (w);
1992 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2158 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1993 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2159 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1994 } 2160 }
1995 2161
1996 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2162 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1997 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2163 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1998 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2164 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1999 2165
2000 2166
2001=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2167=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2082 2248
2083 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2249 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2084 static ev_timer tw; 2250 static ev_timer tw;
2085 2251
2086 static void 2252 static void
2087 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2253 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2088 { 2254 {
2089 } 2255 }
2090 2256
2091 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2257 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2092 static void 2258 static void
2093 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2259 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2094 { 2260 {
2095 int timeout = 3600000; 2261 int timeout = 3600000;
2096 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2262 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2097 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2263 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2098 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2264 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2113 } 2279 }
2114 } 2280 }
2115 2281
2116 // stop all watchers after blocking 2282 // stop all watchers after blocking
2117 static void 2283 static void
2118 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2284 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2119 { 2285 {
2120 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2286 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2121 2287
2122 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2288 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2123 { 2289 {
2291C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2457C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2292used). 2458used).
2293 2459
2294 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2460 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2295 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2461 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2296 struct ev_embed embed; 2462 ev_embed embed;
2297 2463
2298 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2464 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2299 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2465 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2300 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2466 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2301 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2467 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2315kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2481kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2316C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2482C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2317 2483
2318 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2484 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2319 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2485 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2320 struct ev_embed embed; 2486 ev_embed embed;
2321 2487
2322 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2488 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2323 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2489 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2324 { 2490 {
2325 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2491 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2539 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2705 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2540 } 2706 }
2541 2707
2542 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2708 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2543 2709
2544=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2710=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2545 2711
2546Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2712Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2547had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2713had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2548initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2714initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2549 2715
2550=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2716=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2551 2717
2552Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2718Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2553the given events it. 2719the given events it.
2554 2720
2555=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2721=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2556 2722
2557Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2723Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2558loop!). 2724loop!).
2559 2725
2560=back 2726=back
2794 2960
2795=item D 2961=item D
2796 2962
2797Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2963Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2798be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 2964be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2965
2966=item Ocaml
2967
2968Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2969L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2799 2970
2800=back 2971=back
2801 2972
2802 2973
2803=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2974=head1 MACRO MAGIC

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