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10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
215recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
216 216
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 218
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 220
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
250 } 250 }
251 251
252 ... 252 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 254
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
256 256
257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
276 276
277=back 277=back
278 278
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 280
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
284
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
287not.
284 288
285=over 4 289=over 4
286 290
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 292
359writing 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
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a 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
362readiness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363 367
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).
371
364=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)
365 373
366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
368limit 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
369considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
370i.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
371performance tips. 379performance tips.
372 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
374 385
375For 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,
376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
377like 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),
378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll syscalls are the most misdesigned of the more advanced event
381support for dup. 392mechanisms: problems include silently dropping fds, requiring a system
393call per change per fd (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems
394with dup and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a
395program forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the
396epoll set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per fd) and is of
397course hard to detect.
398
399Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
400of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
401I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
402even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
403on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
404employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
405events to filter out spurious ones.
382 406
383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 407While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 408will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 409(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 410best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
387very well if you register events for both fds. 411very well if you register events for both fds.
388 412
389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
391(or space) is available.
392
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 413Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 414watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 415i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
416starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
417extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
418as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
419take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
396 420
397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 421While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far. 422all kernel versions tested so far.
399 423
424This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
425C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
426
400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 427=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
401 428
402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 429Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 430broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 431anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" 432completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 433you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 434libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
408system like NetBSD.
409 435
410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 436You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
411only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 437only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 438the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
413 439
414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 440It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 441kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 442course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 443cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 444two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 445sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
446cases
420 447
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 448This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422 449
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 450While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 451everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
425almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 452almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
426(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 453(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
427(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 454(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
428sockets. 455using it only for sockets.
456
457This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
458C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
459C<NOTE_EOF>.
429 460
430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 461=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
431 462
432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 463This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 464implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 477While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 478file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 479descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better. 480might perform better.
450 481
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this 482On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 483notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 484in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
485OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
486
487This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
488C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
454 489
455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 490=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
456 491
457Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 492Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 493with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
464 499
465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 500If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 501backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 502specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
468 503
469The most typical usage is like this: 504Example: This is the most typical usage.
470 505
471 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 506 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 507 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
473 508
474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 509Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
475environment settings to be taken into account: 510environment settings to be taken into account:
476 511
477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 512 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 513
479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 514Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 515used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 516private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
517fds):
482 518
483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 519 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
484 520
485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 521=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
486 522
507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 543responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 544calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 545the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
510for example). 546for example).
511 547
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 548Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
513this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 549handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
514would need to be stopped manually. 550as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
515 551
516In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 552In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
517rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 553rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
518pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 554pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
519C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 555C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
544 580
545=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 581=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
546 582
547Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 583Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
548C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 584C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 585after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
586entirely your own problem.
550 587
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 588=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552 589
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 590Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
591otherwise.
554 592
555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 593=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
556 594
557Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 595Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 596the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 611received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
574change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 612change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 613time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 614event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
577 615
616=item ev_now_update (loop)
617
618Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
619returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
620is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
621
622This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
623very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
624the current time is a good idea.
625
626See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
627
578=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 628=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
579 629
580Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 630Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
581after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 631after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
582events. 632events.
584If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 634If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
585either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 635either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
586 636
587Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 637Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
588relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 638relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
589finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 639finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
590automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 640that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
591relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 641of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
642beauty.
592 643
593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 644A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 645those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 646process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
647the loop.
596 648
597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 649A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 650necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 651will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 652be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 653user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
654iteration of the loop.
655
656This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
657with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 658own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
603usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 659usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
604 660
605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 661Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
606 662
607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 663 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 673 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 674 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
619 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 675 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 676 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 677 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
622 - Queue all outstanding timers. 678 - Queue all expired timers.
623 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 679 - Queue all expired periodics.
624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 680 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
625 - Queue all check watchers. 681 - Queue all check watchers.
626 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 682 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
627 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 683 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 684 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
645C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 701C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
646C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 702C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
647 703
648This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 704This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
649 705
706It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
707
650=item ev_ref (loop) 708=item ev_ref (loop)
651 709
652=item ev_unref (loop) 710=item ev_unref (loop)
653 711
654Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 712Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
655loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 713loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
656count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 714count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
715
657a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 716If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
658returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 717from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
718stopping it.
719
659example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 720As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
660visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 721not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
661no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 722if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
662way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 723way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
663libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 724libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
664(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 725(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
665respectively). 726respectively).
666 727
667Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 728Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
668running when nothing else is active. 729running when nothing else is active.
669 730
670 struct ev_signal exitsig; 731 ev_signal exitsig;
671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 732 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 733 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
673 evf_unref (loop); 734 evf_unref (loop);
674 735
675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 736Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
689Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 750Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks 751allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving 752to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities). 753opportunities).
693 754
694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 755The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
695handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 756one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
696the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 757program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 758events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
698overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 759overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
699 760
700By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 761By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
701time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 762time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
703C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 764C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
704introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 765introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
705 766
706Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 767Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 768to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 769latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 770later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
710any overhead in libev. 771value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
711 772
712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 773Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
713interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 774interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
714interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 775interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
715usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 776usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
723they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 784they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
724 785
725=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 786=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
726 787
727This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 788This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
728compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks 789compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
729them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print 790through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
730an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>. 791is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
792error and call C<abort ()>.
731 793
732This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 794This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
733circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its 795circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
734data structures consistent. 796data structures consistent.
735 797
736=back 798=back
737 799
738 800
739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 801=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
740 802
803In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
804watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
805watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
806
741A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 807A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
742interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 808interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 809become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
744 810
745 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 811 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
746 { 812 {
747 ev_io_stop (w); 813 ev_io_stop (w);
748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
749 } 815 }
750 816
751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 817 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
818
752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 819 ev_io stdin_watcher;
820
753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 821 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 822 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 823 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
824
756 ev_loop (loop, 0); 825 ev_loop (loop, 0);
757 826
758As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 827As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
759watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 828watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
760although this can sometimes be quite valid). 829stack).
830
831Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
832or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
761 833
762Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 834Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 835(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
764callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 836callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 837watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
766is readable and/or writable). 838is readable and/or writable).
767 839
768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 840Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 841macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
770to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 842is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
771(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 843ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
772 844
773To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 845To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
774with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 846with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
775*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 847*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
776corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 848corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
777 849
778As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 850As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
779must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 851must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
780reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 852reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
781 853
782Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 854Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
783registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 855registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
784third argument. 856third argument.
785 857
848=item C<EV_ERROR> 920=item C<EV_ERROR>
849 921
850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 922An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 923happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
852ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 924ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
925problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
926
853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 927You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
854with the watcher being stopped. 928watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
929an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
930bug in your program.
855 931
856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 932Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
857for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 933example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
858your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 934callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 935the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
860programs, though, so beware. 936programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
937thing, so beware.
861 938
862=back 939=back
863 940
864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 941=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
865
866In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
867e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
868 942
869=over 4 943=over 4
870 944
871=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 945=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
872 946
878which rolls both calls into one. 952which rolls both calls into one.
879 953
880You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 954You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
881(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 955(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
882 956
883The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 957The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
884int revents)>. 958int revents)>.
959
960Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
961
962 ev_io w;
963 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
964 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
885 965
886=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 966=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
887 967
888This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 968This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
889call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 969call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
892difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 972difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
893 973
894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 974Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
895(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 975(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
896 976
977See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
978
897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 979=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
898 980
899This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 981This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
900calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise 982calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 983a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
902 984
985Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
986
987 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
988
903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 989=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
904 990
905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 991Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
906events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 992events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
907 993
994Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
995whole section.
996
997 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
998
908=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 999=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
909 1000
910Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1001Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1002the watcher was active or not).
1003
911status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1004It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
912non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1005non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
913C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1006calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
914you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1007pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
915good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1008therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
916 1009
917=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1010=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
918 1011
919Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1012Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
920and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1013and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
962The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1055The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
963always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1056always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
964 1057
965Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1058Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
966fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1059fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
967or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1060or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
968 1061
969=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1062=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
970 1063
971Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1064Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
972C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1065C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
973can deal with that fact. 1066can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1067callback.
974 1068
975=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1069=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
976 1070
977If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1071If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
978and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1072returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
979watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1073watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
980 1074
1075Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1076callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1077
981=back 1078=back
982 1079
983 1080
984=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1081=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
985 1082
986Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1083Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
987and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1084and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
988to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1085to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
989don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1086don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1087member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
991data: 1088data:
992 1089
993 struct my_io 1090 struct my_io
994 { 1091 {
995 struct ev_io io; 1092 ev_io io;
996 int otherfd; 1093 int otherfd;
997 void *somedata; 1094 void *somedata;
998 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1095 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
999 } 1096 };
1097
1098 ...
1099 struct my_io w;
1100 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1000 1101
1001And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1102And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1002can cast it back to your own type: 1103can cast it back to your own type:
1003 1104
1004 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1105 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1005 { 1106 {
1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1107 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1007 ... 1108 ...
1008 } 1109 }
1009 1110
1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1111More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1011instead have been omitted. 1112instead have been omitted.
1012 1113
1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1114Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1014watchers: 1115embedded watchers:
1015 1116
1016 struct my_biggy 1117 struct my_biggy
1017 { 1118 {
1018 int some_data; 1119 int some_data;
1019 ev_timer t1; 1120 ev_timer t1;
1020 ev_timer t2; 1121 ev_timer t2;
1021 } 1122 }
1022 1123
1023In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1124In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1024you need to use C<offsetof>: 1125complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1126in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1127some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1128programmers):
1025 1129
1026 #include <stddef.h> 1130 #include <stddef.h>
1027 1131
1028 static void 1132 static void
1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1133 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1030 { 1134 {
1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1135 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1136 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1033 } 1137 }
1034 1138
1035 static void 1139 static void
1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1140 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1037 { 1141 {
1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1142 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1143 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1040 } 1144 }
1041 1145
1069In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1173In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1070fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1174fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1071descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1175descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1072required if you know what you are doing). 1176required if you know what you are doing).
1073 1177
1074If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1178If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1179known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1180C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1077 1181
1078Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1182Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1183receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1080be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1184be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1081because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1185because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1082lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1186lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1187this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1084it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1188it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1189C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1086 1190
1087If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1191If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1088play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test 1192not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1089whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1193re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1090such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1194interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1091its own, so its quite safe to use). 1195does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1196use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1197indefinitely.
1198
1199But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1092 1200
1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1201=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1094 1202
1095Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1203Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1096descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1204descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1097such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1205such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1098descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1206descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1099this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1207this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1100registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1208registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1101fact, a different file descriptor. 1209fact, a different file descriptor.
1102 1210
1133enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1241enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1242C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1135 1243
1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1244=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1137 1245
1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1246While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1139when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1247when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1140send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs 1248sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1141this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable. 1249this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1142 1250
1143So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1251So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1144ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1252ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1145somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1253somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1152=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1260=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1153 1261
1154=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1262=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1155 1263
1156Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1264Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1157receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1265receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1158C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1266C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1159 1267
1160=item int fd [read-only] 1268=item int fd [read-only]
1161 1269
1162The file descriptor being watched. 1270The file descriptor being watched.
1163 1271
1172Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1280Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1173readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1281readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1174attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1282attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1175 1283
1176 static void 1284 static void
1177 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1285 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1178 { 1286 {
1179 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1287 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1180 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1288 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1181 } 1289 }
1182 1290
1183 ... 1291 ...
1184 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1292 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1185 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1293 ev_io stdin_readable;
1186 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1294 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1187 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1295 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1188 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1189 1297
1190 1298
1193Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1301Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1194given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1302given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1195 1303
1196The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1304The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1197times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last 1305times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1198year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1306year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1199detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1307detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1200monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1308monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1309
1310The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1311passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1312then order of execution is undefined.
1313
1314=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1315
1316Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1317recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1318you want to raise some error after a while.
1319
1320What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1321inefficient to smart and efficient.
1322
1323In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1324gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1325data or other life sign was received).
1326
1327=over 4
1328
1329=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1330
1331This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1332start the watcher:
1333
1334 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1335 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1336
1337Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1338and start it again:
1339
1340 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1341 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1342 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1343
1344This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1345some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1346data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1347still not a constant-time operation.
1348
1349=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1350
1351This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1352C<ev_timer_start>.
1353
1354To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1355of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1356successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1357you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1358the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1359
1360That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1361C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1362member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1363
1364At start:
1365
1366 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1367 timer->repeat = 60.;
1368 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1369
1370Each time there is some activity:
1371
1372 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1373
1374It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1375whether the watcher is active or not:
1376
1377 timer->repeat = 30.;
1378 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1379
1380This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1381you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1382remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1383
1384It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1385
1386=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1387
1388This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1389relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1390our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1391associated activity resets.
1392
1393In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1394but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1395within the callback:
1396
1397 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1398
1399 static void
1400 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1401 {
1402 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1403 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1404
1405 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1406 if (timeout < now)
1407 {
1408 // timeout occured, take action
1409 }
1410 else
1411 {
1412 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1413 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1414 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1415 w->again = timeout - now;
1416 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1417 }
1418 }
1419
1420To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1421as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1422been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1423the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1424re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1425a timeout then.
1426
1427Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1428C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1429
1430This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1431minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1432libev to change the timeout.
1433
1434To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1435to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1436callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1437
1438 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1439 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1440 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1441
1442And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1443C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1444
1445 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1446
1447This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1448time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1449
1450Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1451callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1452fix things for you.
1453
1454=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1455
1456If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1457employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1458do even better:
1459
1460When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1461at the I<end> of the list.
1462
1463Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1464the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1465
1466When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1467the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1468update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1469
1470This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1471starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1472complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1473ensures that the list stays sorted.
1474
1475=back
1476
1477So which method the best?
1478
1479Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1480situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1481better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1482one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1483
1484Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1485rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1486off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1487overkill :)
1488
1489=head3 The special problem of time updates
1490
1491Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1492least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1493time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1494growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1495lots of events in one iteration.
1201 1496
1202The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1497The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1203time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1498time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1204of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1499of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1205you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1500you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1206on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1501timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1207 1502
1208 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1503 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1209 1504
1210The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1505If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1211but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1506update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1212order of execution is undefined. 1507()>.
1213 1508
1214=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1509=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1215 1510
1216=over 4 1511=over 4
1217 1512
1241If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1536If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1242 1537
1243If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1538If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1244C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1539C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1245 1540
1246This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1541This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1247example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1542usage example.
1248timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1249seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1250configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1251C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1252you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1253socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1254automatically restart it if need be.
1255
1256That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1257altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1258
1259 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1260 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1261 ...
1262 timer->again = 17.;
1263 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1264 ...
1265 timer->again = 10.;
1266 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1267
1268This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1269you want to modify its timeout value.
1270 1543
1271=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1544=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1272 1545
1273The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1546The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1274or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1547or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1275which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1548which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1276 1549
1277=back 1550=back
1278 1551
1279=head3 Examples 1552=head3 Examples
1280 1553
1281Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1554Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1282 1555
1283 static void 1556 static void
1284 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1557 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1285 { 1558 {
1286 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1559 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1287 } 1560 }
1288 1561
1289 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1562 ev_timer mytimer;
1290 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1563 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1291 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1564 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1292 1565
1293Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1566Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1294inactivity. 1567inactivity.
1295 1568
1296 static void 1569 static void
1297 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1570 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1298 { 1571 {
1299 .. ten seconds without any activity 1572 .. ten seconds without any activity
1300 } 1573 }
1301 1574
1302 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1575 ev_timer mytimer;
1303 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1576 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1304 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1577 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1305 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1578 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1306 1579
1307 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1580 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1323to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger 1596to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1324roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1597roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1325 1598
1326C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1599C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1327such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1600such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1328complicated, rules. 1601complicated rules.
1329 1602
1330As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 1603As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1331time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1604time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1332during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1605during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1333 1606
1334=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1607=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1335 1608
1336=over 4 1609=over 4
1337 1610
1338=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1611=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1339 1612
1340=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1613=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1341 1614
1342Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1615Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1343operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1616operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1344 1617
1345=over 4 1618=over 4
1346 1619
1347=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1620=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1348 1621
1349In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 1622In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1350time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time 1623time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1351jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1624jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1352run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1625only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1353 1626
1354=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1627=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1355 1628
1356In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1629In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1357C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1630C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1358and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1631and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1359 1632
1360This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1633This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1361time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on 1634system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1362the hour: 1635hour, on the hour:
1363 1636
1364 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1637 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1365 1638
1366This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1639This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1367but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1640but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1393 1666
1394If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1667If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1395it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 1668it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1396only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1669only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1397 1670
1398The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1671The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1399*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1672*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1400 1673
1674 static ev_tstamp
1401 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1675 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1402 { 1676 {
1403 return now + 60.; 1677 return now + 60.;
1404 } 1678 }
1405 1679
1406It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1680It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1443 1717
1444The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1718The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1445take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1719take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1446called. 1720called.
1447 1721
1448=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1722=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1449 1723
1450The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1724The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1451switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1725switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1452the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1726the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1453 1727
1454=back 1728=back
1455 1729
1456=head3 Examples 1730=head3 Examples
1457 1731
1458Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1732Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1459system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1733system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1460potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1734potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1461 1735
1462 static void 1736 static void
1463 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1737 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1464 { 1738 {
1465 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1739 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1466 } 1740 }
1467 1741
1468 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1742 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1469 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1743 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1470 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1744 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1471 1745
1472Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1746Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1473 1747
1474 #include <math.h> 1748 #include <math.h>
1475 1749
1476 static ev_tstamp 1750 static ev_tstamp
1477 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1751 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1478 { 1752 {
1479 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1753 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1480 } 1754 }
1481 1755
1482 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1756 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1483 1757
1484Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1758Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1485 1759
1486 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1760 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1487 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1761 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1488 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1762 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1489 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1763 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1490 1764
1491 1765
1494Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1768Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1495signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1769signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1496will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1770will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1497normal event processing, like any other event. 1771normal event processing, like any other event.
1498 1772
1773If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1774do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1775C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1776
1499You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1777You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1500first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1778first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1501with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1779with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1502as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1780you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1503watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1781the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1504SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1782signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1505 1783
1506If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1784If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1507C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 1785C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1508interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 1786interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1509signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1787signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1526 1804
1527=back 1805=back
1528 1806
1529=head3 Examples 1807=head3 Examples
1530 1808
1531Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1809Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1532 1810
1533 static void 1811 static void
1534 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1812 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1535 { 1813 {
1536 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1537 } 1815 }
1538 1816
1539 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1817 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1540 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1818 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1541 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1819 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1542 1820
1543 1821
1544=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1822=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1545 1823
1546Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1824Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1547some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1825some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1548is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1826exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1549forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1827has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1550loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1828as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1829forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1830but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1831not.
1551 1832
1552Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1833Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1553you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 1834you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1554 1835
1555=head3 Process Interaction 1836=head3 Process Interaction
1616its completion. 1897its completion.
1617 1898
1618 ev_child cw; 1899 ev_child cw;
1619 1900
1620 static void 1901 static void
1621 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1902 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1622 { 1903 {
1623 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1904 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1624 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1905 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1625 } 1906 }
1626 1907
1641 1922
1642 1923
1643=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1924=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1644 1925
1645This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1926This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1646C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1927C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1647compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1928and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1929it did.
1648 1930
1649The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1931The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1650not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1932not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1651not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1933not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1652otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1934otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1653the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1935the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1654 1936
1655The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1937The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
1938C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1656relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1939your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1657 1940
1658Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1941Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1659calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1942portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1660can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1943to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1661a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1944interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1662unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1945recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1663five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1946(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1664impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1947change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1665usually overkill. 1948currently around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1666 1949
1667This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1950This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1668as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1951as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1669resource-intensive. 1952resource-intensive.
1670 1953
1671At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1954At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1672implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1955is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1673reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat 1956an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1674semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should 1957of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1675not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1676sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1677but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1678will be no polling.
1679 1958
1680=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1959=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1681 1960
1682Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1961Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1683compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 1962compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1684support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1963support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1685structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1964structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1686use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1965use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1687compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1966compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1688obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1967obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1689most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 1968most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1690 1969
1691The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 1970The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1692file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 1971file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1693optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 1972optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1694to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 1973to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1695default compilation environment. 1974default compilation environment.
1696 1975
1697=head3 Inotify 1976=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1698 1977
1699When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1978When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1979only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1700available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1980implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1701change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1981change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1702when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1982lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1703 1983
1704Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1984Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1705except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1985except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1706making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1986making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1707there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1987there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1988but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1708 1989
1709(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1990There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1710implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1991implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1711descriptor open on the object at all times). 1992descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1993etc. is difficult.
1712 1994
1713=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1995=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1714 1996
1715The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1997The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1716even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still 1998and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1717only support whole seconds. 1999still only support whole seconds.
1718 2000
1719That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2001That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1720easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2002easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1721calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2003calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1722within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat 2004within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1723data does not change. 2005stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1724 2006
1725The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more 2007The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1726than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using 2008than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1727a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02); 2009a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1728ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). 2010ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1748C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2030C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1749be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2031be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1750a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2032a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1751path for as long as the watcher is active. 2033path for as long as the watcher is active.
1752 2034
1753The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative 2035The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1754to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change 2036relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1755was detected). 2037last change was detected).
1756 2038
1757=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2039=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1758 2040
1759Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2041Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1760watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid 2042watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1843 2125
1844 2126
1845=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2127=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1846 2128
1847Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2129Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1848priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2130priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1849count). 2131as receiving "events").
1850 2132
1851That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2133That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1852(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2134(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1853triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2135triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1854are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2136are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1879 2161
1880Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2162Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1881callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2163callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1882 2164
1883 static void 2165 static void
1884 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2166 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1885 { 2167 {
1886 free (w); 2168 free (w);
1887 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2169 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1888 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2170 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1889 } 2171 }
1890 2172
1891 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2173 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1892 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2174 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1893 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2175 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1894 2176
1895 2177
1896=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2178=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1897 2179
1898Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2180Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1899prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2181prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1900afterwards. 2182afterwards.
1901 2183
1902You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2184You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1903the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2185the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1906those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2188those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1907C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2189C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1908called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2190called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1909 2191
1910Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2192Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1911their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2193their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1912variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2194variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1913coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2195coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1914you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2196you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1915in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2197in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1916watcher). 2198watcher).
1917 2199
1918This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2200This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1919to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2201need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1920them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2202for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1921provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2203libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1922any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2204you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1923and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2205of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1924callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2206I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1925because you never know, you know?). 2207nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1926 2208
1927As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2209As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1928coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2210coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1929during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2211during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1930are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2212are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1933loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2215loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1934low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2216low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1935 2217
1936It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2218It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1937priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2219priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2220after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2221
1938after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2222Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1939too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2223activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1940supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers 2224might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1941did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2225C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1942(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2226loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1943state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2227C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1944coexist peacefully with others). 2228others).
1945 2229
1946=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2230=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1947 2231
1948=over 4 2232=over 4
1949 2233
1951 2235
1952=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2236=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1953 2237
1954Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2238Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1955parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2239parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1956macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2240macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2241pointless.
1957 2242
1958=back 2243=back
1959 2244
1960=head3 Examples 2245=head3 Examples
1961 2246
1974 2259
1975 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2260 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1976 static ev_timer tw; 2261 static ev_timer tw;
1977 2262
1978 static void 2263 static void
1979 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2264 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1980 { 2265 {
1981 } 2266 }
1982 2267
1983 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2268 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1984 static void 2269 static void
1985 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2270 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1986 { 2271 {
1987 int timeout = 3600000; 2272 int timeout = 3600000;
1988 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2273 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1989 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2274 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1990 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2275 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2005 } 2290 }
2006 } 2291 }
2007 2292
2008 // stop all watchers after blocking 2293 // stop all watchers after blocking
2009 static void 2294 static void
2010 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2295 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2011 { 2296 {
2012 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2297 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2013 2298
2014 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2299 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2015 { 2300 {
2054 } 2339 }
2055 2340
2056 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2341 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2057 2342
2058Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2343Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2059want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override 2344want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
2060their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2345override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
2061loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2346main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
2062this. 2347this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2348libglib event loop.
2063 2349
2064 static gint 2350 static gint
2065 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2351 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2066 { 2352 {
2067 int got_events = 0; 2353 int got_events = 0;
2098prioritise I/O. 2384prioritise I/O.
2099 2385
2100As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2386As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2101sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2387sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2102still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2388still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2103so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2389so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2104into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2390it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2105be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2391will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2106at least you can use both at what they are best. 2392C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2393best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2107 2394
2108As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2395As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2109to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2396some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2110priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2397and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2111you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2398this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2112a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2399the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2113 2400
2114As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2401As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2115there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2402there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2116call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2403call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2117their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2404their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2125interested in that. 2412interested in that.
2126 2413
2127Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2414Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2128when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2415when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2129but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2416but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2130yourself. 2417yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2418and future versions of libev might do just that.
2131 2419
2132Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2420Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2133C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2421C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2134portable one. 2422portable one.
2135 2423
2136So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2424So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2137that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2425that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2138this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2426this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2139create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2427create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2428
2429=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2430
2431While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2432automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2433fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2434however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2435as applicable.
2140 2436
2141=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2437=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2142 2438
2143=over 4 2439=over 4
2144 2440
2172C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2468C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2173used). 2469used).
2174 2470
2175 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2471 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2176 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2472 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2177 struct ev_embed embed; 2473 ev_embed embed;
2178 2474
2179 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2475 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2180 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2476 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2181 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2477 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2182 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2478 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2196kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2492kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2197C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2493C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2198 2494
2199 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2495 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2200 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2496 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2201 struct ev_embed embed; 2497 ev_embed embed;
2202 2498
2203 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2499 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2204 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2500 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2205 { 2501 {
2206 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2502 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2262is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2558is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2263multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2559multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2264need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2560need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2265 2561
2266That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2562That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2267queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2563queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2268queue: 2564queue:
2269 2565
2270=over 4 2566=over 4
2271 2567
2272=item queueing from a signal handler context 2568=item queueing from a signal handler context
2273 2569
2274To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2570To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2275handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2571handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2276some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler: 2572an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2277 2573
2278 static ev_async mysig; 2574 static ev_async mysig;
2279 2575
2280 static void 2576 static void
2281 sigusr1_handler (void) 2577 sigusr1_handler (void)
2348 2644
2349=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2645=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2350 2646
2351Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2647Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2352kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2648kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2353believe me. 2649trust me.
2354 2650
2355=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2651=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2356 2652
2357Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2653Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2358an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2654an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2359C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2655C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2360similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2656similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2361section below on what exactly this means). 2657section below on what exactly this means).
2362 2658
2363This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 2659This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2364so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2660so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2388=over 4 2684=over 4
2389 2685
2390=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2686=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2391 2687
2392This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2688This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2393callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2689callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2394watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2690watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2395or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2691or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2396more watchers yourself. 2692more watchers yourself.
2397 2693
2398If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2694If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2399is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2695C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2400C<events> set will be created and started. 2696the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2401 2697
2402If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2698If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2403started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2699started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2404repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2700repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2405dubious value.
2406 2701
2407The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2702The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2408passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2703passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2409C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2704C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2410value passed to C<ev_once>: 2705value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2706a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2707events precedence.
2708
2709Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2411 2710
2412 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2711 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2413 { 2712 {
2713 if (revents & EV_READ)
2714 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2414 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2715 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2415 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2716 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2416 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2417 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2418 } 2717 }
2419 2718
2420 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2719 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2421 2720
2422=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2721=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2423 2722
2424Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2723Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2425had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2724had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2426initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2725initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2427 2726
2428=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2727=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2429 2728
2430Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2729Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2431the given events it. 2730the given events it.
2432 2731
2433=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2732=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2434 2733
2435Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2734Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2436loop!). 2735loop!).
2437 2736
2438=back 2737=back
2570 2869
2571The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2870The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2572 2871
2573See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2872See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2574 2873
2575Example: 2874Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2576 2875
2577 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2876 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2578 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2877 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2579 2878
2580=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2879=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2618Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2917Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2619the constructor. 2918the constructor.
2620 2919
2621 class myclass 2920 class myclass
2622 { 2921 {
2623 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2922 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2624 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2923 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2625 2924
2626 myclass (int fd) 2925 myclass (int fd)
2627 { 2926 {
2628 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2927 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2629 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2928 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2645=item Perl 2944=item Perl
2646 2945
2647The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2946The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2648libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2947libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2649there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2948there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2650to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2949to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2651C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2950C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2951and C<EV::Glib>).
2652 2952
2653It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at 2953It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2654L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2954L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2655 2955
2656=item Python 2956=item Python
2672=item D 2972=item D
2673 2973
2674Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2974Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2675be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 2975be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2676 2976
2977=item Ocaml
2978
2979Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2980L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2981
2677=back 2982=back
2678 2983
2679 2984
2680=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2985=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2681 2986
2835 3140
2836=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3141=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2837 3142
2838Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3143Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2839define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3144define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2840autoconf is noted for every option. 3145autoconf is documented for every option.
2841 3146
2842=over 4 3147=over 4
2843 3148
2844=item EV_STANDALONE 3149=item EV_STANDALONE
2845 3150
3015When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3320When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3016all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3321all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
3017and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3322and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3018fine. 3323fine.
3019 3324
3020If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3325If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3021C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 3326both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3022 3327
3023=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3328=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
3024 3329
3025If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3330If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
3026defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3331defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3033code. 3338code.
3034 3339
3035=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3340=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3036 3341
3037If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3038defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3344watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3039 3345
3040=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3346=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3041 3347
3042If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3348If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3043defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3349defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3075two). 3381two).
3076 3382
3077=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3383=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3078 3384
3079Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3385Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3080timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 3386timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3081to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3387to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3082noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3388faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3083 3389
3084The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3390The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3085(disabled). 3391(disabled).
3086 3392
3087=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3393=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3088 3394
3089Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3395Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3090timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3396timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3091the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3397the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3092which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 3398which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3093but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 3399but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3094noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3400noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3095 3401
3096The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3402The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3097(disabled). 3403(disabled).
3098 3404
3099=item EV_VERIFY 3405=item EV_VERIFY
3105called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 3411called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3106verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 3412verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3107libev considerably. 3413libev considerably.
3108 3414
3109The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 3415The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3110C<0.> 3416C<0>.
3111 3417
3112=item EV_COMMON 3418=item EV_COMMON
3113 3419
3114By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3420By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3115this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3421this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3132and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3438and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
3133definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3439definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3134their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3440their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3135avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3441avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3136method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3442method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3443
3444=back
3137 3445
3138=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3446=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3139 3447
3140If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of 3448If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3141exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3449exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3188And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3496And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3189 3497
3190 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3498 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3191 #include "ev.c" 3499 #include "ev.c"
3192 3500
3501=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3193 3502
3194=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3503=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3195 3504
3196=head2 THREADS 3505=head3 THREADS
3197 3506
3198Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This 3507All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3508documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3199means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3509that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3200only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3510are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3201parameter. 3511parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3512of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3513structures that need any locking.
3202 3514
3203Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3515Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3204parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3516concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3205done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3517must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3206thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3518only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3207per loop). 3519a mutex per loop).
3520
3521Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3522so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3523concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3524outside".
3208 3525
3209If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops 3526If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3210without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot 3527without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3211help you. I can give some generic advice however: 3528help you, but here is some generic advice:
3212 3529
3213=over 4 3530=over 4
3214 3531
3215=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3532=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3216in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop. 3533in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3228 3545
3229Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do 3546Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3230better than you currently do :-) 3547better than you currently do :-)
3231 3548
3232=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3549=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3550event loop.
3551
3233event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3552C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3234threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3553(or from signal contexts...).
3554
3555An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3556work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3557default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3558watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3235 3559
3236=back 3560=back
3237 3561
3238=head2 COROUTINES 3562=head3 COROUTINES
3239 3563
3240Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3564Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3241libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3565libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3242coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3566coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3243different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3567different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3244loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3568loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3245you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3569you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3246 3570
3247Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 3571Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3248state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 3572C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3249switches. 3573they do not clal any callbacks.
3250 3574
3575=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3251 3576
3252=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3577Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3578lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3579scared by this.
3253 3580
3254In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3581However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3255libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3582has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3256documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3583warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3584targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3257 3585
3258All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3586Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3259extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3587workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3260happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3588maintainable.
3261mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3262it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3263 3589
3264=over 4 3590And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3591wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3592seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3593warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3594been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3595such buggy versions.
3265 3596
3266=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3597While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3598"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3599with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3600them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3601warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3267 3602
3268This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3269there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3270have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3271 3603
3272=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3604=head2 VALGRIND
3273 3605
3274That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3606Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3275as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3607highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3276 3608
3277=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3609If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3610in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3278 3611
3279These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3612 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3613 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3614 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3280 3615
3281=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3616Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3617is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3282 3618
3283=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3619Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3620as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3621although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3622confused.
3284 3623
3285These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3624Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3286correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3625make it into some kind of religion.
3287have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3288 3626
3289=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3627If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3628with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3629is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3630annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3631of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3290 3632
3291By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3633If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3292fixed position in the storage array. 3634I suggest using suppression lists.
3293 3635
3294=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3295 3636
3296A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3637=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3297libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3298on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3299 3638
3300=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3301
3302=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3303
3304Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3305priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3306linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3307watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3308
3309=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3310
3311=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3312
3313=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3314
3315Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3316calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3317involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3318
3319=back
3320
3321
3322=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 3639=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3323 3640
3324Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3641Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3325requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3642requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3326model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3643model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3327the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3644the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3338 3655
3339Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 3656Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3340accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 3657accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3341either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 3658either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3342so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 3659so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3343megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory 3660megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3344available). 3661available).
3345 3662
3346Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3663Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3347the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3664the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3348is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3665is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3359 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */ 3676 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3360 3677
3361 #include "ev.h" 3678 #include "ev.h"
3362 3679
3363And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure 3680And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3364you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!): 3681you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3365 3682
3366 #include "evwrap.h" 3683 #include "evwrap.h"
3367 #include "ev.c" 3684 #include "ev.c"
3368 3685
3369=over 4 3686=over 4
3414wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3731wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3415calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3732calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3416 3733
3417=back 3734=back
3418 3735
3419
3420=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3736=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3421 3737
3422In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3738In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3423additional extensions: 3739backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3424 3740
3425=over 4 3741=over 4
3426 3742
3427=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible 3743=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3428calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>. 3744calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3434calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 3750calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3435 3751
3436=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3752=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3437 3753
3438The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3754The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3439C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3755C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3440threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3756threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3441believed to be sufficiently portable. 3757believed to be sufficiently portable.
3442 3758
3443=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3759=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3444 3760
3453except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3769except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3454well. 3770well.
3455 3771
3456=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3772=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3457 3773
3458To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3774To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3459internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3775instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3460non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3776systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3461is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3777least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3462millions of watchers. 3778watchers.
3463 3779
3464=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3780=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3465 3781
3466The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3782The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3467have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 3783have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3471=back 3787=back
3472 3788
3473If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3789If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3474 3790
3475 3791
3476=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 3792=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3477 3793
3478Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3794In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3479lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3795libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3480scared by this. 3796the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3481 3797
3482However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 3798All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3483has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 3799extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3484warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 3800happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3485targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 3801mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3802average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3486 3803
3487Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 3804=over 4
3488workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3489maintainable.
3490 3805
3491And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 3806=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3492wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3493seems to warn about).
3494 3807
3495While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 3808This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3496"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 3809there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3497with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 3810have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3498them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3499warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3500 3811
3812=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3501 3813
3502=head1 VALGRIND 3814That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3815as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3503 3816
3504Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3817=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3505highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3506 3818
3507If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3819These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3508in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3509 3820
3510 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3821=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3511 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3512 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3513 3822
3514Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3823=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3515valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3516might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3517 3824
3518If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3825These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3519with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3826correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3520a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3827have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3521no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind 3828is rare).
3522properly.
3523 3829
3524If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3830=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3525I suggest using suppression lists. 3831
3832By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3833fixed position in the storage array.
3834
3835=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3836
3837A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3838libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3839on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3840
3841=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3842
3843=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3844
3845Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3846priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3847linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3848watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3849
3850=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3851
3852=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3853
3854=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3855
3856Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3857calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3858involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3859
3860=back
3526 3861
3527 3862
3528=head1 AUTHOR 3863=head1 AUTHOR
3529 3864
3530Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3865Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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