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Revision 1.205 by root, Mon Oct 27 12:20:32 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
180 216
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
211 } 250 }
212 251
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 276
238=back 277=back
239 278
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
245 284
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 287not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 288
253=over 4 289=over 4
254 290
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 292
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 296flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 297
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 299function.
264 300
301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
303as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
304
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 310C<ev_default_init>.
271 311
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 321The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
283 323
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 325
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 326If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 329override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 331around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 337enabling this flag.
298 338
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 340and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 342GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 345
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 346The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 348flag.
309 349
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 351environment variable.
312 352
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 354
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 357but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 358using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 360
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 361To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 362parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 363writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
327 371
328=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)
329 373
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips. 379performance tips.
336 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338 385
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll syscalls are the most misdesigned of the more advanced
345support for dup. 392event mechanisms: probelsm include silently dropping events in some
393hard-to-detect cases, requiring a system call per fd change, no fork
394support, problems with dup and so on.
395
396Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
397of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
398I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
399even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
400on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
401employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
402events to filter out spurious ones.
346 403
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 404While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 405will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 406(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 407best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 408very well if you register events for both fds.
352 409
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
355(or space) is available.
356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 410Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 411watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 412i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
413starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
414extra overhead.
360 415
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 416While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 417all kernel versions tested so far.
363 418
419This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
420C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
421
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 422=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 423
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 424Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 425broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 426anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 427completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 428you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 429libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
372system like NetBSD.
373 430
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 431You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 432only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 433the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 434
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 435It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 436kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 437course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 438cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 439two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 440drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 441
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 442This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 443
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 444While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 445everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 446almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 447(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 448(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
392sockets. 449using it only for sockets.
450
451This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
452C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
453C<NOTE_EOF>.
393 454
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 455=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 456
396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 457This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 458implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 462=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 463
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 464This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 465it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 466
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 467Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 468notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 469blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 470
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 471While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 472file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 473descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 474might perform better.
414 475
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 476On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 477notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 478in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
479OS-specific backends.
480
481This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
482C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418 483
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 484=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 485
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 486Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 487with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 489
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 490It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 491
427=back 492=back
428 493
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 494If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 495backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 496specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 497
433The most typical usage is like this: 498Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 499
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 500 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 501 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 502
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 503Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 504environment settings to be taken into account:
440 505
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 506 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 507
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 508Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 509used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 510private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
511fds):
446 512
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 513 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 514
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 515=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 516
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 517Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 518always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 519handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 520undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 521
522Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
523libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
524default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
525
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 526Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 527
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 528 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 529 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 530 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 531
462=item ev_default_destroy () 532=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 533
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 534Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 535etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 536sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 537responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 538calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 539the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 540for example).
471 541
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 542Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 543handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
474would need to be stopped manually. 544as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
475 545
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 546In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 547rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 548pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 549C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
504 574
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 575=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 576
507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 577Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 578C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 579after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
580entirely your own problem.
581
582=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
583
584Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
585otherwise.
510 586
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 587=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512 588
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 589Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
514the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 590the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 605received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 606change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
531time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 607time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 608event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
533 609
610=item ev_now_update (loop)
611
612Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
613returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
614is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
615
616This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
617very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
618the current time is a good idea.
619
620See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
621
534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 622=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
535 623
536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 624Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 625after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
538events. 626events.
540If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 628If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
541either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 629either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
542 630
543Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 631Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
544relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 632relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
545finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 633finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
546automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 634that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
547relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 635of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
636beauty.
548 637
549A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 638A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
550those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 639those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
551case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 640process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
641the loop.
552 642
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 643A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
554neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 644necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
555your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 645will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
556one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 646be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
557external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 647user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
648iteration of the loop.
649
650This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
651with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 652own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
559usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 653usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
560 654
561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 655Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
562 656
563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 657 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 658 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 659 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 660 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 661 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
662 as to not disturb the other process.
568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 663 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
569 - Update the "event loop time". 664 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 665 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 666 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 667 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 668 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
574 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 669 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 670 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 671 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
577 - Queue all outstanding timers. 672 - Queue all expired timers.
578 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 673 - Queue all expired periodics.
579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 674 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
580 - Queue all check watchers. 675 - Queue all check watchers.
581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 676 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
582 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 677 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 678 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 679 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
589anymore. 684anymore.
590 685
591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 686 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
592 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 687 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 688 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
594 ... jobs done. yeah! 689 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
595 690
596=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 691=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
597 692
598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 693Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 694has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
600C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 695C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
601C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 696C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602 697
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 698This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
604 699
700It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
701
605=item ev_ref (loop) 702=item ev_ref (loop)
606 703
607=item ev_unref (loop) 704=item ev_unref (loop)
608 705
609Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 706Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
610loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 707loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
611count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 708count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
709
612a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 710If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 711from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
712stopping it.
713
614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 714As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
615visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 715not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
616no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 716if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
617way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 717way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
618libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 718libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
619(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 719(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
620respectively). 720respectively).
621 721
622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 722Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
623running when nothing else is active. 723running when nothing else is active.
624 724
625 struct ev_signal exitsig; 725 ev_signal exitsig;
626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 726 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 727 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
628 evf_unref (loop); 728 evf_unref (loop);
629 729
630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 730Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
631 731
632 ev_ref (loop); 732 ev_ref (loop);
633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 733 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634 734
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 735=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636 736
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 737=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638 738
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 739These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 740for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 741will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
742latency.
642 743
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 744Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
644allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 745allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
645increase efficiency of loop iterations. 746to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
747opportunities).
646 748
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 749The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 750one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 751program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 752events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 753overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652 754
653By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 755By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
654time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 756time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
656C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 758C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
657introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 759introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
658 760
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 761Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 762to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 763latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 764later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
663any overhead in libev. 765value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
664 766
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 767Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
666interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 768interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
667interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 769interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
668usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 770usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
669as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 771as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
772
773Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
774saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
775are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
776times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
777reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
778they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
779
780=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
781
782This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
783compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
784through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
785is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
786error and call C<abort ()>.
787
788This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
789circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
790data structures consistent.
670 791
671=back 792=back
672 793
673 794
674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 795=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
796
797In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
798watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
799watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
675 800
676A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 801A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
677interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 802interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
678become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 803become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
679 804
680 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 805 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
681 { 806 {
682 ev_io_stop (w); 807 ev_io_stop (w);
683 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 808 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
684 } 809 }
685 810
686 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 811 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
812
687 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 813 ev_io stdin_watcher;
814
688 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 815 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
689 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 816 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
690 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 817 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
818
691 ev_loop (loop, 0); 819 ev_loop (loop, 0);
692 820
693As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 821As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
694watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 822watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
695although this can sometimes be quite valid). 823stack).
824
825Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
826or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
696 827
697Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 828Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
698(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 829(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
699callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 830callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
700watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 831watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
701is readable and/or writable). 832is readable and/or writable).
702 833
703Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 834Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
704with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 835macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
705to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 836is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
706(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 837ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
707 838
708To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 839To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
709with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 840with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
710*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 841*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
711corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 842corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
712 843
713As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 844As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
714must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 845must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
715reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 846reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
716 847
717Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 848Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
718registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 849registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
719third argument. 850third argument.
720 851
774=item C<EV_FORK> 905=item C<EV_FORK>
775 906
776The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 907The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
777C<ev_fork>). 908C<ev_fork>).
778 909
910=item C<EV_ASYNC>
911
912The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
913
779=item C<EV_ERROR> 914=item C<EV_ERROR>
780 915
781An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 916An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
782happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 917happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
783ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 918ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
919problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
920
784problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 921You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
785with the watcher being stopped. 922watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
923an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
924bug in your program.
786 925
787Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 926Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
788for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 927example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
789your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 928callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
790with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 929the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
791programs, though, so beware. 930programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
931thing, so beware.
792 932
793=back 933=back
794 934
795=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 935=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
796
797In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
798e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
799 936
800=over 4 937=over 4
801 938
802=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 939=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
803 940
809which rolls both calls into one. 946which rolls both calls into one.
810 947
811You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 948You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
812(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 949(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
813 950
814The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 951The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
815int revents)>. 952int revents)>.
953
954Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
955
956 ev_io w;
957 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
958 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
816 959
817=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 960=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
818 961
819This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 962This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
820call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 963call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
823difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 966difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
824 967
825Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 968Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
826(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 969(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
827 970
971See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
972
828=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 973=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
829 974
830This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 975This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
831calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 976calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
832a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 977a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
978
979Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
980
981 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
833 982
834=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 983=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
835 984
836Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 985Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
837events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 986events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
838 987
988Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
989whole section.
990
991 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
992
839=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 993=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
840 994
841Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 995Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
996the watcher was active or not).
997
842status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 998It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
843non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 999non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
844C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1000calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
845you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1001pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
846good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1002therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
847 1003
848=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1004=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
849 1005
850Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1006Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
851and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1007and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
893The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1049The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
894always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1050always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
895 1051
896Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1052Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
897fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1053fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
898or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1054or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
899 1055
900=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1056=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
901 1057
902Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1058Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
903C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1059C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
904can deal with that fact. 1060can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1061callback.
905 1062
906=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1063=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
907 1064
908If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1065If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
909and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1066returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
910watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1067watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
911 1068
1069Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1070callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1071
912=back 1072=back
913 1073
914 1074
915=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1075=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
916 1076
917Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1077Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
918and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1078and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
919to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1079to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
920don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1080don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
921member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1081member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
922data: 1082data:
923 1083
924 struct my_io 1084 struct my_io
925 { 1085 {
926 struct ev_io io; 1086 ev_io io;
927 int otherfd; 1087 int otherfd;
928 void *somedata; 1088 void *somedata;
929 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1089 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
930 } 1090 };
1091
1092 ...
1093 struct my_io w;
1094 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
931 1095
932And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1096And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
933can cast it back to your own type: 1097can cast it back to your own type:
934 1098
935 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1099 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
936 { 1100 {
937 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1101 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
938 ... 1102 ...
939 } 1103 }
940 1104
941More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1105More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
942instead have been omitted. 1106instead have been omitted.
943 1107
944Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1108Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
945watchers: 1109embedded watchers:
946 1110
947 struct my_biggy 1111 struct my_biggy
948 { 1112 {
949 int some_data; 1113 int some_data;
950 ev_timer t1; 1114 ev_timer t1;
951 ev_timer t2; 1115 ev_timer t2;
952 } 1116 }
953 1117
954In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1118In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
955you need to use C<offsetof>: 1119complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1120in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1121some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1122programmers):
956 1123
957 #include <stddef.h> 1124 #include <stddef.h>
958 1125
959 static void 1126 static void
960 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1127 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
961 { 1128 {
962 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1129 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
963 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1130 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
964 } 1131 }
965 1132
966 static void 1133 static void
967 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1134 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
968 { 1135 {
969 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1136 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
970 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1137 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
971 } 1138 }
972 1139
973 1140
974=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1141=head1 WATCHER TYPES
975 1142
976This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1143This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1000In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1167In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1001fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1168fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1002descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1169descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1003required if you know what you are doing). 1170required if you know what you are doing).
1004 1171
1005If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1172If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1006(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1173known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1007C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1174C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1008 1175
1009Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1176Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1010receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1177receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1011be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1178be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1012because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1179because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1013lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1180lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1014this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1181this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1015it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1182it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1016C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1183C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1017 1184
1018If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1185If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1019play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1186not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1020whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1187re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1021such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1188interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1022its own, so its quite safe to use). 1189does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1190use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1191indefinitely.
1192
1193But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1023 1194
1024=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1195=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1025 1196
1026Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1197Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1027descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1198descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1028such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1199such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1029descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1200descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1030this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1201this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1031registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1202registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1032fact, a different file descriptor. 1203fact, a different file descriptor.
1033 1204
1062To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1233To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1063C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1234C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1064enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1235enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1065C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1236C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1066 1237
1238=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1239
1240While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1241when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1242sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1243this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1244
1245So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1246ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1247somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1248
1067 1249
1068=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1250=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1069 1251
1070=over 4 1252=over 4
1071 1253
1072=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1254=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1073 1255
1074=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1256=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1075 1257
1076Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1258Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1077rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1259receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1078C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1260C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1079 1261
1080=item int fd [read-only] 1262=item int fd [read-only]
1081 1263
1082The file descriptor being watched. 1264The file descriptor being watched.
1083 1265
1091 1273
1092Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1274Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1093readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1275readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1094attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1276attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1095 1277
1096 static void 1278 static void
1097 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1279 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1098 { 1280 {
1099 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1281 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1100 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1282 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1101 } 1283 }
1102 1284
1103 ... 1285 ...
1104 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1286 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1105 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1287 ev_io stdin_readable;
1106 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1288 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1107 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1289 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1108 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1290 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1109 1291
1110 1292
1111=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1293=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1112 1294
1113Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1295Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1114given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1296given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1115 1297
1116The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1298The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1117times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1299times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1118time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1300year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1119detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1301detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1120monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1302monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1303
1304The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1305passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1306then order of execution is undefined.
1307
1308=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1309
1310Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1311recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1312you want to raise some error after a while.
1313
1314What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1315inefficient to smart and efficient.
1316
1317In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1318gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1319data or other life sign was received).
1320
1321=over 4
1322
1323=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1324
1325This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1326start the watcher:
1327
1328 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1329 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1330
1331Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1332and start it again:
1333
1334 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1335 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1336 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1337
1338This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1339some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1340data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1341still not a constant-time operation.
1342
1343=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1344
1345This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1346C<ev_timer_start>.
1347
1348To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1349of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1350successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1351you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1352the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1353
1354That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1355C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1356member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1357
1358At start:
1359
1360 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1361 timer->repeat = 60.;
1362 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1363
1364Each time there is some activity:
1365
1366 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1367
1368It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1369whether the watcher is active or not:
1370
1371 timer->repeat = 30.;
1372 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1373
1374This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1375you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1376remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1377
1378It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1379
1380=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1381
1382This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1383relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1384our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1385associated activity resets.
1386
1387In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1388but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1389within the callback:
1390
1391 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1392
1393 static void
1394 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1395 {
1396 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1397 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1398
1399 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1400 if (timeout < now)
1401 {
1402 // timeout occured, take action
1403 }
1404 else
1405 {
1406 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1407 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1408 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1409 w->again = timeout - now;
1410 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1411 }
1412 }
1413
1414To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1415as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1416been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1417the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1418re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1419a timeout then.
1420
1421Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1422C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1423
1424This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1425minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1426libev to change the timeout.
1427
1428To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1429to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1430callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1431
1432 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1433 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1434 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1435
1436And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1437C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1438
1439 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1440
1441This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1442time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1443
1444Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1445callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1446fix things for you.
1447
1448=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1449
1450If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1451employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1452do even better:
1453
1454When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1455at the I<end> of the list.
1456
1457Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1458the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1459
1460When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1461the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1462update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1463
1464This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1465starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1466complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1467ensures that the list stays sorted.
1468
1469=back
1470
1471So which method the best?
1472
1473Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1474situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1475better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1476one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1477
1478Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1479rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1480off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1481overkill :)
1482
1483=head3 The special problem of time updates
1484
1485Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1486least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1487time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1488growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1489lots of events in one iteration.
1121 1490
1122The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1491The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1123time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1492time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1124of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1493of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1125you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1494you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1126on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1495timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1127 1496
1128 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1497 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1129 1498
1130The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1499If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1131but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1500update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1132order of execution is undefined. 1501()>.
1133 1502
1134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1135 1504
1136=over 4 1505=over 4
1137 1506
1138=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1507=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1139 1508
1140=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1509=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1141 1510
1142Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1511Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1143C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1512is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1144timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1513reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1145later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1514configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1515until stopped manually.
1146 1516
1147The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1517The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1148configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1518you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1149exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1519trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1150the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1520keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1151timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1521do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1152 1522
1153=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1523=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1154 1524
1155This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1525This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1156repeating. The exact semantics are: 1526repeating. The exact semantics are:
1157 1527
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1528If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1159 1529
1160If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1530If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1161 1531
1162If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1532If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1163C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1533C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1164 1534
1165This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1535This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1166example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1536usage example.
1167timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1168seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1169configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1170C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1171you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1172socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1173automatically restart it if need be.
1174
1175That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1176altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1177
1178 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1179 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1180 ...
1181 timer->again = 17.;
1182 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1183 ...
1184 timer->again = 10.;
1185 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1186
1187This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1188you want to modify its timeout value.
1189 1537
1190=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1538=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1191 1539
1192The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1540The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1193or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1541or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1194which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1542which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1195 1543
1196=back 1544=back
1197 1545
1198=head3 Examples 1546=head3 Examples
1199 1547
1200Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1548Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1201 1549
1202 static void 1550 static void
1203 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1551 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1204 { 1552 {
1205 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1553 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1206 } 1554 }
1207 1555
1208 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1556 ev_timer mytimer;
1209 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1557 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1210 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1558 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1211 1559
1212Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1560Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1213inactivity. 1561inactivity.
1214 1562
1215 static void 1563 static void
1216 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1564 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1217 { 1565 {
1218 .. ten seconds without any activity 1566 .. ten seconds without any activity
1219 } 1567 }
1220 1568
1221 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1569 ev_timer mytimer;
1222 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1570 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1223 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1571 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1224 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1572 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1225 1573
1226 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1574 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1227 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1575 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1228 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1576 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1229 1577
1230 1578
1231=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1579=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1232 1580
1233Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1581Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1234(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1582(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1235 1583
1236Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1584Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1237but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1585but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1238to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1586to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1239periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1587periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1240+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1588+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1589clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1241take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1590to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1242roughly 10 seconds later). 1591roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1243 1592
1244They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1593C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1245triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1594such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1246rules. 1595complicated rules.
1247 1596
1248As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1597As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1249time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1598time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1250during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1599during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1251 1600
1252=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1601=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1253 1602
1254=over 4 1603=over 4
1255 1604
1256=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1605=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1257 1606
1258=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1607=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1259 1608
1260Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1609Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1261operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1610operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1262 1611
1263=over 4 1612=over 4
1264 1613
1265=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1614=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1266 1615
1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1616In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1268C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1617time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1269that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1618jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1270system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1619only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1271 1620
1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1621=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1273 1622
1274In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1623In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1275C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1624C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1625and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1277 1626
1278This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1627This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1279time: 1628system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1629hour, on the hour:
1280 1630
1281 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1631 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1282 1632
1283This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1633This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1284but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1634but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1285full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1635full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1286by 3600. 1636by 3600.
1287 1637
1288Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1638Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1289C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1639C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1290time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1640time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1291 1641
1292For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1642For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1293C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1643C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1294this value. 1644this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1645
1646Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1647speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1648will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1649millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1295 1650
1296=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1651=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1297 1652
1298In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1653In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1299ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1654ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1300reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1655reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1301current time as second argument. 1656current time as second argument.
1302 1657
1303NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1658NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1304ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1659ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1305return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1306starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1307 1660
1661If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1662it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1663only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1664
1308Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1665The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1309ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1666*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1310 1667
1668 static ev_tstamp
1311 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1669 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1312 { 1670 {
1313 return now + 60.; 1671 return now + 60.;
1314 } 1672 }
1315 1673
1316It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1674It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1317(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1675(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1318will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1676will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1319might be called at other times, too. 1677might be called at other times, too.
1320 1678
1321NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1679NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1322passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1680equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1323 1681
1324This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1682This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1325triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1683triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1326next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1684next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1327you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1685you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1328reason I omitted it as an example). 1686reason I omitted it as an example).
1329 1687
1330=back 1688=back
1334Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1692Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1335when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1693when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1336a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1694a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1337program when the crontabs have changed). 1695program when the crontabs have changed).
1338 1696
1697=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1698
1699When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1700trigger next.
1701
1339=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1702=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1340 1703
1341When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1704When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1342absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1705absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1343 1706
1348 1711
1349The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1712The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1350take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1713take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1351called. 1714called.
1352 1715
1353=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1716=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1354 1717
1355The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1718The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1356switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1719switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1357the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1720the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1358 1721
1359=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1360
1361When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1362trigger next.
1363
1364=back 1722=back
1365 1723
1366=head3 Examples 1724=head3 Examples
1367 1725
1368Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1726Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1369system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1727system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1370potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1728potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1371 1729
1372 static void 1730 static void
1373 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1731 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1374 { 1732 {
1375 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1733 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1376 } 1734 }
1377 1735
1378 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1736 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1379 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1737 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1380 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1738 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1381 1739
1382Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1740Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1383 1741
1384 #include <math.h> 1742 #include <math.h>
1385 1743
1386 static ev_tstamp 1744 static ev_tstamp
1387 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1745 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1388 { 1746 {
1389 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1747 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1390 } 1748 }
1391 1749
1392 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1750 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1393 1751
1394Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1752Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1395 1753
1396 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1754 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1397 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1755 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1398 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1756 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1399 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1757 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1400 1758
1401 1759
1402=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1760=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1403 1761
1404Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1762Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1405signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1763signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1406will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1764will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1407normal event processing, like any other event. 1765normal event processing, like any other event.
1408 1766
1767If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1768do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1769C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1770
1409You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1771You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1410first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1772first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1411with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1773with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1412as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1774you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1413watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1775the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1776signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1777
1778If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1779C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1780interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1781signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1782them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1415 1783
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1784=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417 1785
1418=over 4 1786=over 4
1419 1787
1428 1796
1429The signal the watcher watches out for. 1797The signal the watcher watches out for.
1430 1798
1431=back 1799=back
1432 1800
1801=head3 Examples
1802
1803Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1804
1805 static void
1806 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1807 {
1808 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1809 }
1810
1811 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1812 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1813 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1814
1433 1815
1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1816=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1435 1817
1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1818Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1437some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1819some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1820exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1821has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1822as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1823forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1824but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1825not.
1826
1827Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1828you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1829
1830=head3 Process Interaction
1831
1832Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1833initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1834the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1835of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1836synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1837children, even ones not watched.
1838
1839=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1840
1841Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1842processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1843handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1844C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1845default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1846event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1847that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1848
1849=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1850
1851Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1852child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1853callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1854when a child exit is detected.
1438 1855
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1856=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440 1857
1441=over 4 1858=over 4
1442 1859
1468 1885
1469=back 1886=back
1470 1887
1471=head3 Examples 1888=head3 Examples
1472 1889
1473Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1890Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1891its completion.
1474 1892
1893 ev_child cw;
1894
1475 static void 1895 static void
1476 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1896 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1477 { 1897 {
1478 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1898 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1899 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1479 } 1900 }
1480 1901
1481 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1902 pid_t pid = fork ();
1482 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1903
1483 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1904 if (pid < 0)
1905 // error
1906 else if (pid == 0)
1907 {
1908 // the forked child executes here
1909 exit (1);
1910 }
1911 else
1912 {
1913 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1914 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1915 }
1484 1916
1485 1917
1486=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1918=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1487 1919
1488This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1920This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1489C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1921C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1490compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1922compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1491 1923
1492The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1924The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1493not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1925not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1496the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1928the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1497 1929
1498The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1930The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1499relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1931relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1500 1932
1501Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1933Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1502calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1934implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1503can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1935it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1504a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1936this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1505unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1937then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1506five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1938you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1507impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1939dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1508usually overkill. 1940around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1509 1941
1510This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1942This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1511as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1943as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1512resource-intensive. 1944resource-intensive.
1513 1945
1514At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1946At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1515implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1947is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1516reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1948an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1517semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1949of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1518to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1519usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1520polling.
1521 1950
1522=head3 Inotify 1951=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1523 1952
1953Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1954compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1955support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1956structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1957use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1958compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1959obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1960most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1961
1962The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1963file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1964optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1965to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1966default compilation environment.
1967
1968=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1969
1524When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1970When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1971only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1525available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1972implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1526change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1973change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1527when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1974lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1528 1975
1529Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1976Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1530except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1977except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1531making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1978making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1532there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1979there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1980but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1533 1981
1534(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1982There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1535implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1983implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1536descriptor open on the object at all times). 1984descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1985etc. is difficult.
1537 1986
1538=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1987=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1539 1988
1540The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1989The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1541even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1990even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1542only support whole seconds. 1991only support whole seconds.
1543 1992
1544That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1993That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1545miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1994easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1546your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1995calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1547the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1996within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1997stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1548 1998
1549The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1999The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1550the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 2000than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1551(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 2001a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1552is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 2002ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1553systems. 2003
2004The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2005of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2006might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2007C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2008a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2009update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2010the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2011the timer callback).
1554 2012
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2013=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 2014
1557=over 4 2015=over 4
1558 2016
1564C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2022C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1565be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2023be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1566a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2024a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1567path for as long as the watcher is active. 2025path for as long as the watcher is active.
1568 2026
1569The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2027The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1570relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2028relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1571last change was detected). 2029last change was detected).
1572 2030
1573=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2031=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1574 2032
1575Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2033Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1576watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2034watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1577detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2035detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1578useful simply to find out the new values. 2036the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2037new values.
1579 2038
1580=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2039=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1581 2040
1582The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2041The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1583C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2042C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1584suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2043suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2044members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1585was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2045some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1586 2046
1587=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2047=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1588 2048
1589The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2049The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1590C<prev> != C<attr>. 2050C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2051differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2052C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1591 2053
1592=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2054=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1593 2055
1594The specified interval. 2056The specified interval.
1595 2057
1596=item const char *path [read-only] 2058=item const char *path [read-only]
1597 2059
1598The filesystem path that is being watched. 2060The file system path that is being watched.
1599 2061
1600=back 2062=back
1601 2063
1602=head3 Examples 2064=head3 Examples
1603 2065
1604Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2066Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1605 2067
1606 static void 2068 static void
1607 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2069 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1608 { 2070 {
1609 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2071 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1610 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2072 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1611 { 2073 {
1612 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2074 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1613 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2075 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1614 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2076 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1615 } 2077 }
1616 else 2078 else
1617 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2079 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1618 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2080 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1619 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2081 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1620 } 2082 }
1621 2083
1622 ... 2084 ...
1623 ev_stat passwd; 2085 ev_stat passwd;
1624 2086
1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2087 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2088 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1627 2089
1628Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2090Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1629miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2091miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1630one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2092one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1631C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2093C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1632 2094
1633 static ev_stat passwd; 2095 static ev_stat passwd;
1634 static ev_timer timer; 2096 static ev_timer timer;
1635 2097
1636 static void 2098 static void
1637 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2099 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1638 { 2100 {
1639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2101 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1640 2102
1641 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2103 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1642 } 2104 }
1643 2105
1644 static void 2106 static void
1645 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2107 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1646 { 2108 {
1647 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2109 /* reset the one-second timer */
1648 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2110 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1649 } 2111 }
1650 2112
1651 ... 2113 ...
1652 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2114 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1653 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2115 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1654 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2116 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1655 2117
1656 2118
1657=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2119=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1658 2120
1659Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2121Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1660priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2122priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1661count). 2123as receiving "events").
1662 2124
1663That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2125That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1664(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2126(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1665triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2127triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1666are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2128are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1690=head3 Examples 2152=head3 Examples
1691 2153
1692Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2154Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1693callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2155callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1694 2156
1695 static void 2157 static void
1696 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2158 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1697 { 2159 {
1698 free (w); 2160 free (w);
1699 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2161 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1700 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2162 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1701 } 2163 }
1702 2164
1703 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2165 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1704 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2166 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1705 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2167 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1706 2168
1707 2169
1708=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2170=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1709 2171
1710Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2172Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1711prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2173prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1712afterwards. 2174afterwards.
1713 2175
1714You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2176You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1715the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2177the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1718those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2180those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1719C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2181C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1720called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2182called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1721 2183
1722Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2184Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1723their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2185their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1724variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2186variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1725coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2187coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1726you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2188you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1727in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2189in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1728watcher). 2190watcher).
1729 2191
1730This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2192This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1731to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2193need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1732them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2194for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1733provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2195libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1734any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2196you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1735and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2197of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1736callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2198I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1737because you never know, you know?). 2199nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1738 2200
1739As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2201As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1740coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2202coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1741during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2203during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1742are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2204are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1745loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2207loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1746low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2208low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1747 2209
1748It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2210It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1749priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2211priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2212after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2213
1750after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2214Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1751too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2215activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1752supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2216might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1753did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2217C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1754(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2218loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1755state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2219C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1756coexist peacefully with others). 2220others).
1757 2221
1758=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2222=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1759 2223
1760=over 4 2224=over 4
1761 2225
1763 2227
1764=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2228=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1765 2229
1766Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2230Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1767parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2231parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1768macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2232macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2233pointless.
1769 2234
1770=back 2235=back
1771 2236
1772=head3 Examples 2237=head3 Examples
1773 2238
1774There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2239There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1775into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2240into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1776(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2241(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1777use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2242use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1778embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2243Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1779into the Glib event loop). 2244Glib event loop).
1780 2245
1781Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2246Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1782and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2247and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1783is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2248is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1784priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2249priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1785the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2250the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1786 2251
1787 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2252 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1788 static ev_timer tw; 2253 static ev_timer tw;
1789 2254
1790 static void 2255 static void
1791 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2256 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1792 { 2257 {
1793 } 2258 }
1794 2259
1795 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2260 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1796 static void 2261 static void
1797 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2262 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1798 { 2263 {
1799 int timeout = 3600000; 2264 int timeout = 3600000;
1800 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2265 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1801 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2266 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1802 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2267 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1803 2268
1804 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2269 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1805 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2270 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1806 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2271 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1807 2272
1808 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2273 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1809 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2274 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1810 { 2275 {
1811 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2276 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1812 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2277 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1813 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2278 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1814 2279
1815 fds [i].revents = 0; 2280 fds [i].revents = 0;
1816 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2281 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1817 } 2282 }
1818 } 2283 }
1819 2284
1820 // stop all watchers after blocking 2285 // stop all watchers after blocking
1821 static void 2286 static void
1822 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2287 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1823 { 2288 {
1824 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2289 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1825 2290
1826 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2291 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1827 { 2292 {
1828 // set the relevant poll flags 2293 // set the relevant poll flags
1829 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2294 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1830 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2295 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1831 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2296 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1832 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2297 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1833 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2298 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1834 2299
1835 // now stop the watcher 2300 // now stop the watcher
1836 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2301 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1837 } 2302 }
1838 2303
1839 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2304 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1840 } 2305 }
1841 2306
1842Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2307Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1843in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2308in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1844 2309
1845Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2310Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1846notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2311notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1847callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2312callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1848 2313
1849 static void 2314 static void
1850 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2315 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1851 { 2316 {
1852 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2317 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1853 update_now (EV_A); 2318 update_now (EV_A);
1854 2319
1855 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2320 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1856 } 2321 }
1857 2322
1858 static void 2323 static void
1859 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2324 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1860 { 2325 {
1861 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2326 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1862 update_now (EV_A); 2327 update_now (EV_A);
1863 2328
1864 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2329 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1865 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2330 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1866 } 2331 }
1867 2332
1868 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2333 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1869 2334
1870Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2335Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1871want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2336want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1872their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2337override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1873loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2338main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1874this. 2339this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2340libglib event loop.
1875 2341
1876 static gint 2342 static gint
1877 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2343 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1878 { 2344 {
1879 int got_events = 0; 2345 int got_events = 0;
1880 2346
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2347 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2348 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1883 2349
1884 if (timeout >= 0) 2350 if (timeout >= 0)
1885 // create/start timer 2351 // create/start timer
1886 2352
1887 // poll 2353 // poll
1888 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2354 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1889 2355
1890 // stop timer again 2356 // stop timer again
1891 if (timeout >= 0) 2357 if (timeout >= 0)
1892 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2358 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1893 2359
1894 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2360 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1895 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2361 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1896 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2362 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1897 2363
1898 return got_events; 2364 return got_events;
1899 } 2365 }
1900 2366
1901 2367
1902=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2368=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1903 2369
1904This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2370This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1910prioritise I/O. 2376prioritise I/O.
1911 2377
1912As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2378As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1913sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2379sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1914still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2380still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1915so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2381so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1916into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2382it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1917be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2383will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1918at least you can use both at what they are best. 2384C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2385best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1919 2386
1920As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2387As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1921to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2388some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1922priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2389and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1923you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2390this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1924a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2391the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1925 2392
1926As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2393As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1927there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2394there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1928call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2395call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1929their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2396their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1937interested in that. 2404interested in that.
1938 2405
1939Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2406Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1940when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2407when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1941but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2408but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1942yourself. 2409yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2410and future versions of libev might do just that.
1943 2411
1944Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2412Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1945C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2413C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1946portable one. 2414portable one.
1947 2415
1948So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2416So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1949that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2417that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1950this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2418this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1951create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2419create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1952 2420
2421=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2422
2423While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2424automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2425fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2426however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2427as applicable.
2428
1953=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1954 2430
1955=over 4 2431=over 4
1956 2432
1957=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2433=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1960 2436
1961Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2437Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1962embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2438embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1963invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2439invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1964to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2440to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1965if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2441if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1966 2442
1967=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2443=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1968 2444
1969Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2445Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1970similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2446similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1971apropriate way for embedded loops. 2447appropriate way for embedded loops.
1972 2448
1973=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2449=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1974 2450
1975The embedded event loop. 2451The embedded event loop.
1976 2452
1978 2454
1979=head3 Examples 2455=head3 Examples
1980 2456
1981Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2457Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1982event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2458event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1983loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2459loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1984C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2460C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1985used). 2461used).
1986 2462
1987 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2463 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1988 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2464 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1989 struct ev_embed embed; 2465 ev_embed embed;
1990 2466
1991 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2467 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1992 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2468 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1993 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2469 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1994 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2470 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1995 : 0; 2471 : 0;
1996 2472
1997 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2473 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1998 if (loop_lo) 2474 if (loop_lo)
1999 { 2475 {
2000 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2476 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2001 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2477 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2002 } 2478 }
2003 else 2479 else
2004 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2480 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2005 2481
2006Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2482Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2007a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2483a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2008kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2484kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2009C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2485C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2010 2486
2011 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2487 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2012 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2488 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2013 struct ev_embed embed; 2489 ev_embed embed;
2014 2490
2015 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2491 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2016 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2492 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2017 { 2493 {
2018 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2494 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2019 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2495 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2020 } 2496 }
2021 2497
2022 if (!loop_socket) 2498 if (!loop_socket)
2023 loop_socket = loop; 2499 loop_socket = loop;
2024 2500
2025 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2501 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2026 2502
2027 2503
2028=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2504=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2029 2505
2030Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2506Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2046believe me. 2522believe me.
2047 2523
2048=back 2524=back
2049 2525
2050 2526
2527=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2528
2529In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2530asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2531loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2532
2533Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2534control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2535C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2536can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2537safe.
2538
2539This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2540too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2541(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2542C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2543
2544Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2545just the default loop.
2546
2547=head3 Queueing
2548
2549C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2550is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2551multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2552need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2553
2554That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2555queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2556queue:
2557
2558=over 4
2559
2560=item queueing from a signal handler context
2561
2562To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2563handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2564an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2565
2566 static ev_async mysig;
2567
2568 static void
2569 sigusr1_handler (void)
2570 {
2571 sometype data;
2572
2573 // no locking etc.
2574 queue_put (data);
2575 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2576 }
2577
2578 static void
2579 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2580 {
2581 sometype data;
2582 sigset_t block, prev;
2583
2584 sigemptyset (&block);
2585 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2586 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2587
2588 while (queue_get (&data))
2589 process (data);
2590
2591 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2592 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2593 }
2594
2595(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2596instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2597either...).
2598
2599=item queueing from a thread context
2600
2601The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2602threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2603employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2604
2605 static ev_async mysig;
2606 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2607
2608 static void
2609 otherthread (void)
2610 {
2611 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2612 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2613 queue_put (data);
2614 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2615
2616 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2617 }
2618
2619 static void
2620 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2621 {
2622 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2623
2624 while (queue_get (&data))
2625 process (data);
2626
2627 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2628 }
2629
2630=back
2631
2632
2633=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2634
2635=over 4
2636
2637=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2638
2639Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2640kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2641trust me.
2642
2643=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2644
2645Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2646an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2647C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2648similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2649section below on what exactly this means).
2650
2651This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2652so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2653calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2654
2655=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2656
2657Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2658watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2659event loop.
2660
2661C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2662the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2663it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2664quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2665
2666Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2667whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2668
2669=back
2670
2671
2051=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2672=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2052 2673
2053There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2674There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2054 2675
2055=over 4 2676=over 4
2056 2677
2057=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2678=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2058 2679
2059This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2680This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2060callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2681callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2061watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2682watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2062or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2683or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2063more watchers yourself. 2684more watchers yourself.
2064 2685
2065If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2686If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2066is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2687C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2067C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2688the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2068 2689
2069If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2690If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2070started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2691started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2071repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2692repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2072dubious value.
2073 2693
2074The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2694The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2075passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2695passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2076C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2696C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2077value passed to C<ev_once>: 2697value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2698a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2699events precedence.
2078 2700
2701Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2702
2079 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2703 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2080 { 2704 {
2081 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2082 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2083 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2705 if (revents & EV_READ)
2084 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2706 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2707 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2708 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2085 } 2709 }
2086 2710
2087 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2711 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2088 2712
2089=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2713=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2090 2714
2091Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2715Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2092had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2716had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2093initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2717initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2094 2718
2095=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2719=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2096 2720
2097Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2721Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2098the given events it. 2722the given events it.
2099 2723
2100=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2724=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2101 2725
2102Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2726Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2103loop!). 2727loop!).
2104 2728
2105=back 2729=back
2106 2730
2107 2731
2123 2747
2124=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2748=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2125will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2749will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2126is an ev_pri field. 2750is an ev_pri field.
2127 2751
2752=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2753first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2754
2128=item * Other members are not supported. 2755=item * Other members are not supported.
2129 2756
2130=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2757=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2131to use the libev header file and library. 2758to use the libev header file and library.
2132 2759
2133=back 2760=back
2134 2761
2135=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2762=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2136 2763
2137Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2764Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2138you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2765you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2139the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2766the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2140 2767
2141To use it, 2768To use it,
2142 2769
2143 #include <ev++.h> 2770 #include <ev++.h>
2144 2771
2145This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2772This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2146of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2773of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2147put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2774put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2148options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2775options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2215your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2842your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2216thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2843thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2217 2844
2218Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2845Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2219 2846
2220 struct myclass 2847 struct myclass
2221 { 2848 {
2222 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2849 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2223 } 2850 }
2224 2851
2225 myclass obj; 2852 myclass obj;
2226 ev::io iow; 2853 ev::io iow;
2227 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2854 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2228 2855
2229=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2856=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2230 2857
2231Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2858Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2232callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2859callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2234 2861
2235The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2862The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2236 2863
2237See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2864See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2238 2865
2239Example: 2866Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2240 2867
2241 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2868 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2242 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2869 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2243 2870
2244=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2871=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2245 2872
2246Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2873Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2247do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2874do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2248 2875
2249=item w->set ([args]) 2876=item w->set ([arguments])
2250 2877
2251Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2878Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2252called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2879called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2253automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2880automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2254method. 2881method.
2255 2882
2256=item w->start () 2883=item w->start ()
2280=back 2907=back
2281 2908
2282Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2909Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2283the constructor. 2910the constructor.
2284 2911
2285 class myclass 2912 class myclass
2286 { 2913 {
2287 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2914 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2288 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2915 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2289 2916
2290 myclass (int fd) 2917 myclass (int fd)
2291 { 2918 {
2292 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2919 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2293 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2920 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2294 2921
2295 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2922 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2296 } 2923 }
2297 }; 2924 };
2925
2926
2927=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2928
2929Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2930number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2931any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2932me a note.
2933
2934=over 4
2935
2936=item Perl
2937
2938The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2939libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2940there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2941to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2942C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2943and C<EV::Glib>).
2944
2945It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2946L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2947
2948=item Python
2949
2950Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2951seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2952patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2953for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2954libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2955libev).
2956
2957=item Ruby
2958
2959Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2960of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2961more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2962L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2963
2964=item D
2965
2966Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2967be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2968
2969=item Ocaml
2970
2971Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2972L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2973
2974=back
2298 2975
2299 2976
2300=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2977=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2301 2978
2302Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2979Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2303of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2980of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2304functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2981functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2305 2982
2306To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2983To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2307following macros are defined: 2984following macros are defined:
2312 2989
2313This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2990This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2314loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2991loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2315C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2992C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2316 2993
2317 ev_unref (EV_A); 2994 ev_unref (EV_A);
2318 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2995 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2319 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2996 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2320 2997
2321It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2998It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2322which is often provided by the following macro. 2999which is often provided by the following macro.
2323 3000
2324=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3001=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2325 3002
2326This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3003This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2327loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3004loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2328C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3005C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2329 3006
2330 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3007 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2331 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3008 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2332 3009
2333 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3010 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2334 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3011 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2335 3012
2336It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3013It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2337suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3014suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2338 3015
2339=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3016=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2340 3017
2341Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3018Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2342loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3019loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3020
3021=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3022
3023Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3024default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3025is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3026execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3027
3028It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3029watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2343 3030
2344=back 3031=back
2345 3032
2346Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3033Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2347macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3034macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2348or not. 3035or not.
2349 3036
2350 static void 3037 static void
2351 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3038 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2352 { 3039 {
2353 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3040 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2354 } 3041 }
2355 3042
2356 ev_check check; 3043 ev_check check;
2357 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3044 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2358 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3045 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2359 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3046 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2360 3047
2361=head1 EMBEDDING 3048=head1 EMBEDDING
2362 3049
2363Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3050Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2364applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3051applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2371libev somewhere in your source tree). 3058libev somewhere in your source tree).
2372 3059
2373=head2 FILESETS 3060=head2 FILESETS
2374 3061
2375Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3062Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2376in your app. 3063in your application.
2377 3064
2378=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3065=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2379 3066
2380To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3067To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2381configuration (no autoconf): 3068configuration (no autoconf):
2382 3069
2383 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3070 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2384 #include "ev.c" 3071 #include "ev.c"
2385 3072
2386This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3073This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2387single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3074single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2388it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3075it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2389done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3076done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2390where you can put other configuration options): 3077where you can put other configuration options):
2391 3078
2392 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3079 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2393 #include "ev.h" 3080 #include "ev.h"
2394 3081
2395Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3082Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2396compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3083compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2397as a bug). 3084as a bug).
2398 3085
2399You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3086You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2400in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3087in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2401 3088
2402 ev.h 3089 ev.h
2403 ev.c 3090 ev.c
2404 ev_vars.h 3091 ev_vars.h
2405 ev_wrap.h 3092 ev_wrap.h
2406 3093
2407 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3094 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2408 3095
2409 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3096 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2410 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3097 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2411 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3098 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2412 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3099 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2413 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3100 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2414 3101
2415F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3102F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2416to compile this single file. 3103to compile this single file.
2417 3104
2418=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3105=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2419 3106
2420To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3107To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2421 3108
2422 #include "event.c" 3109 #include "event.c"
2423 3110
2424in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3111in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2425 3112
2426 #include "event.h" 3113 #include "event.h"
2427 3114
2428in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3115in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2429 3116
2430You need the following additional files for this: 3117You need the following additional files for this:
2431 3118
2432 event.h 3119 event.h
2433 event.c 3120 event.c
2434 3121
2435=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3122=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2436 3123
2437Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3124Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2438whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3125whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2439F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3126F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2440include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3127include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2441 3128
2442For this of course you need the m4 file: 3129For this of course you need the m4 file:
2443 3130
2444 libev.m4 3131 libev.m4
2445 3132
2446=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3133=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2447 3134
2448Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3135Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2449before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3136define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2450and only include the select backend. 3137autoconf is documented for every option.
2451 3138
2452=over 4 3139=over 4
2453 3140
2454=item EV_STANDALONE 3141=item EV_STANDALONE
2455 3142
2460F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3147F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2461 3148
2462=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3149=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2463 3150
2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3151If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2465monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3152monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2466of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3153of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2467usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3154usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2468the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3155the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2469to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3156to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2470function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3157function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2471 3158
2472=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3159=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2473 3160
2474If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3161If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2475realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3162real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2476runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3163runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2477be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3164be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2478(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3165(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2479note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3166note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2480 3167
2481=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3168=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2482 3169
2483If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3170If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2484and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3171and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2485 3172
3173=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3174
3175If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3176available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3177C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3178If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31792.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3180
2486=item EV_USE_SELECT 3181=item EV_USE_SELECT
2487 3182
2488If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3183If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2489C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3184C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2490other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3185other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2491will not be compiled in. 3186will not be compiled in.
2492 3187
2493=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3188=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2494 3189
2495If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3190If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2496structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3191structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2497C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3192C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2498exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3193exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2499low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3194low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2500allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3195allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2501influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3196influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2502 3197
2526 3221
2527=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3222=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2528 3223
2529If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3224If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2530C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3225C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2531otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3226otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2532preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3227backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3228headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2533 3229
2534=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3230=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2535 3231
2536If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3232If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2537C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3233C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2550otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3246otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2551backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3247backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2552 3248
2553=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3249=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2554 3250
2555reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3251Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2556 3252
2557=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3253=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2558 3254
2559If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3255If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2560interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3256interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2561be detected at runtime. 3257be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3258indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3259
3260=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3261
3262Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3263access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3264type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3265that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3266as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3267
3268In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3269(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2562 3270
2563=item EV_H 3271=item EV_H
2564 3272
2565The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3273The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2566undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3274undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2604When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3312When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2605all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3313all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2606and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3314and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2607fine. 3315fine.
2608 3316
2609If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3317If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2610C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3318both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2611 3319
2612=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3320=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2613 3321
2614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3322If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2615defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3323defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2622code. 3330code.
2623 3331
2624=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3332=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2625 3333
2626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3334If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2627defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3335defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3336watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2628 3337
2629=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3338=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2630 3339
2631If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3340If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2632defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3341defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2634=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3343=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2635 3344
2636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3345If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2637defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3346defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2638 3347
3348=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3349
3350If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3351defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3352
2639=item EV_MINIMAL 3353=item EV_MINIMAL
2640 3354
2641If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3355If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2642speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3356speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2643some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3357inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3358much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2644 3359
2645=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3360=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2646 3361
2647C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3362C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2648pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3363pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2655inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3370inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2656usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3371usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2657watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3372watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2658two). 3373two).
2659 3374
3375=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3376
3377Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3378timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3379to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3380faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3381
3382The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3383(disabled).
3384
3385=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3386
3387Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3388timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3389the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3390which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3391but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3392noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3393
3394The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3395(disabled).
3396
3397=item EV_VERIFY
3398
3399Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3400be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3401in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3402called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3403called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3404verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3405libev considerably.
3406
3407The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3408C<0>.
3409
2660=item EV_COMMON 3410=item EV_COMMON
2661 3411
2662By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3412By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2663this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3413this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2664members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3414members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2665though, and it must be identical each time. 3415though, and it must be identical each time.
2666 3416
2667For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3417For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2668 3418
2669 #define EV_COMMON \ 3419 #define EV_COMMON \
2670 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3420 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2671 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3421 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2672 3422
2673=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3423=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2674 3424
2675=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3425=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2676 3426
2681definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3431definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2682their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3432their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2683avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3433avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2684method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3434method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2685 3435
3436=back
3437
2686=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3438=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2687 3439
2688If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3440If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2689exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3441exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2690all public symbols, one per line: 3442all public symbols, one per line:
2691 3443
2692 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3444 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2693 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3445 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2694 3446
2695This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3447This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2696multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3448multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2697itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3449itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2698 3450
2699A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3451A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2700include before including F<ev.h>: 3452include before including F<ev.h>:
2701 3453
2702 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3454 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2719file. 3471file.
2720 3472
2721The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3473The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2722that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3474that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2723 3475
2724 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3476 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2725 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3477 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2726 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3478 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2727 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3479 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2728 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3480 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2729 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3481 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2730 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3482 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2731 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3483 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2732 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3484 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2733 3485
2734 #include "ev++.h" 3486 #include "ev++.h"
2735 3487
2736And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3488And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2737 3489
2738 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3490 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2739 #include "ev.c" 3491 #include "ev.c"
2740 3492
3493=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2741 3494
2742=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3495=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2743 3496
2744In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3497=head3 THREADS
2745libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2746documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2747 3498
2748All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3499All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2749extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3500documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2750happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3501that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2751mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3502are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2752it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3503parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3504of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3505structures that need any locking.
3506
3507Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3508concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3509must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3510only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3511a mutex per loop).
3512
3513Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3514so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3515concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3516outside".
3517
3518If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3519without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3520help you, but here is some generic advice:
2753 3521
2754=over 4 3522=over 4
2755 3523
2756=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3524=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3525in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2757 3526
2758This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3527This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2759there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3528themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2760have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2761 3529
2762=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3530=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2763 3531
2764That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3532Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2765as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3533exists, but it is always a good start.
2766 3534
2767=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3535=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3536loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2768 3537
2769These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3538Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3539better than you currently do :-)
2770 3540
2771=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3541=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3542event loop.
2772 3543
2773=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3544C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3545(or from signal contexts...).
2774 3546
2775These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3547An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2776correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3548work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2777have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3549default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2778 3550watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2779=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2780
2781By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2782beginning of the storage array.
2783
2784=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2785
2786A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2787libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2788on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2789
2790=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2791
2792=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2793
2794Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2795priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2796linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2797watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2798 3551
2799=back 3552=back
2800 3553
3554=head3 COROUTINES
2801 3555
2802=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3556Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3557libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3558coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3559different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3560loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3561you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3562
3563Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3564C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3565they do not clal any callbacks.
3566
3567=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3568
3569Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3570lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3571scared by this.
3572
3573However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3574has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3575warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3576targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3577
3578Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3579workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3580maintainable.
3581
3582And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3583wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3584seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3585warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3586been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3587such buggy versions.
3588
3589While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3590"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3591with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3592them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3593warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3594
3595
3596=head2 VALGRIND
3597
3598Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3599highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3600
3601If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3602in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3603
3604 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3605 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3606 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3607
3608Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3609is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3610
3611Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3612as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3613although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3614confused.
3615
3616Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3617make it into some kind of religion.
3618
3619If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3620with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3621is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3622annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3623of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3624
3625If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3626I suggest using suppression lists.
3627
3628
3629=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3630
3631=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2803 3632
2804Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3633Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2805requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3634requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2806model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3635model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2807the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3636the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2808descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3637descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2809e.g. cygwin. 3638e.g. cygwin.
2810 3639
3640Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3641re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3642things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3643way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3644
2811There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3645There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2812embedding it into other applications. 3646embedding it into other applications.
2813 3647
3648Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3649accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3650either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3651so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3652megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3653available).
3654
2814Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3655Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2815abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3656the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2816recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3657is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2817a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3658more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2818implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3659different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2819be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3660notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3661(Microsoft monopoly games).
3662
3663A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3664section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3665of F<ev.h>:
3666
3667 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3668 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3669
3670 #include "ev.h"
3671
3672And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3673you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3674
3675 #include "evwrap.h"
3676 #include "ev.c"
2820 3677
2821=over 4 3678=over 4
2822 3679
2823=item The winsocket select function 3680=item The winsocket select function
2824 3681
2825The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3682The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2826socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3683requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2827very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3684also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2828to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3685requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2829C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3686C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2830symbols for more info. 3687discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3688C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2831 3689
2832The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3690The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2833libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3691libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2834 3692
2835 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3693 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2836 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3694 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2837 3695
2838Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3696Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2839complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3697complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2840 3698
2841=item Limited number of file descriptors 3699=item Limited number of file descriptors
2842 3700
2843Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3701Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2844of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3702
3703Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2845(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3704of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2846C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3705can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2847chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3706recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3707previous thread in each. Great).
2848 3708
2849Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3709Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2850to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3710to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2851call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3711call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2852select emulation on windows). 3712select emulation on windows).
2853 3713
2854Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3714Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2855libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3715libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2856or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3716or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2857C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3717C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2858arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3718arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
2859libraries. 3719libraries.
2860 3720
2861This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3721This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2862windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3722windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2863wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3723wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2864calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3724calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2865 3725
2866=back 3726=back
2867 3727
3728=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3729
3730In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3731backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3732
3733=over 4
3734
3735=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3736calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3737
3738Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3739structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3740assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3741callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3742calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3743
3744=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3745
3746The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3747C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3748threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3749believed to be sufficiently portable.
3750
3751=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3752
3753Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3754allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3755pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3756thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3757be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3758C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3759
3760The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3761except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3762well.
3763
3764=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3765
3766To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3767instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3768systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3769least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3770watchers.
3771
3772=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3773
3774The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3775have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3776enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3777implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3778
3779=back
3780
3781If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3782
3783
3784=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3785
3786In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3787libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3788the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3789
3790All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3791extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3792happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3793mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3794average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3795
3796=over 4
3797
3798=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3799
3800This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3801there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3802have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3803
3804=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3805
3806That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3807as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3808
3809=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3810
3811These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3812
3813=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3814
3815=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3816
3817These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3818correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3819have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3820is rare).
3821
3822=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3823
3824By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3825fixed position in the storage array.
3826
3827=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3828
3829A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3830libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3831on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3832
3833=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3834
3835=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3836
3837Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3838priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3839linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3840watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3841
3842=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3843
3844=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3845
3846=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3847
3848Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3849calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3850involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3851
3852=back
3853
2868 3854
2869=head1 AUTHOR 3855=head1 AUTHOR
2870 3856
2871Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3857Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2872 3858

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