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Revision 1.134 by root, Sat Mar 8 07:04:56 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.208 by root, Wed Oct 29 10:24:23 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
180 216
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
211 } 250 }
212 251
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 276
238=back 277=back
239 278
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
245 284
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 287not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 288
253=over 4 289=over 4
254 290
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 292
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 296flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 297
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 299function.
264 300
301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
303as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
304
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 310C<ev_default_init>.
271 311
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 321The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
283 323
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 325
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 326If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 329override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 331around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 337enabling this flag.
298 338
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 340and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 342GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 345
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 346The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 348flag.
309 349
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 351environment variable.
312 352
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 354
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 357but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 358using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 360
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 361To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 362parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 363writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
327 371
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 372=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 373
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips. 379performance tips.
336 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338 385
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll syscalls are the most misdesigned of the more advanced event
345support 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.
346 406
347While 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
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 408will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 409(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 410best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 411very well if you register events for both fds.
352 412
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
355(or space) is available.
356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 413Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers 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,
359keep 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.
360 420
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 421While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 422all kernel versions tested so far.
363 423
424This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
425C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
426
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 427=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 428
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 429Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 430broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 431anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 432completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
370unless 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
371C<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.
372system like NetBSD.
373 435
374You 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
375only 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
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 438the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 439
378It 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
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 441kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 442course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 443cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 444two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 445sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
446cases
384 447
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 448This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 449
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 450While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, 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
389almost 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
390(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
391(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,
392sockets. 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>.
393 460
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 461=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 462
396This 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
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 464implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 468=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 469
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 470This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 471it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 472
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 473Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 474notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 475blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 476
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 477While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 478file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 479descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 480might perform better.
414 481
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 482On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 483notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, 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>.
418 489
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 490=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 491
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 492Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 493with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 495
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 496It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 497
427=back 498=back
428 499
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 500If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 501backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 502specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 503
433The most typical usage is like this: 504Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 505
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 506 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 507 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 508
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 509Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 510environment settings to be taken into account:
440 511
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 512 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 513
443Use 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
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 515used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 516private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
517fds):
446 518
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 519 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 520
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 521=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 522
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 523Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 524always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 525handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 526undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 527
528Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
529libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
530default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
531
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 532Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 533
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 534 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 535 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 536 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 537
462=item ev_default_destroy () 538=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 539
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 540Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 541etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 542sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 543responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 544calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 545the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 546for example).
471 547
472Note 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
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 549handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
474would need to be stopped manually. 550as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
475 551
476In 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
477rare 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
478pipe 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
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 555C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
504 580
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 581=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 582
507Like 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
508C<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
509after 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.
510 587
511=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 588=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
512 589
513Returns 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.
514 592
515=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 593=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
516 594
517Returns 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
518the 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
533received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 611received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
534change 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
535time 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
536event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 614event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
537 615
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
538=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 628=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
539 629
540Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 630Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
541after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 631after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
542events. 632events.
544If 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
545either 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.
546 636
547Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 637Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
548relying 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
549finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 639finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
550automatically 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
551relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 641of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
642beauty.
552 643
553A 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
554those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 645those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
555case 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.
556 648
557A 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
558neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 650necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
559your 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
560one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 652be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
561external 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
562libev 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
563usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 659usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
564 660
565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 661Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
566 662
567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 663 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 664 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 665 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 666 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
571 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 667 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
668 as to not disturb the other process.
572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 669 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
573 - Update the "event loop time". 670 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 671 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 672 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 673 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 674 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
578 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 675 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 676 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 677 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
581 - Queue all outstanding timers. 678 - Queue all expired timers.
582 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 679 - Queue all expired periodics.
583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 680 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
584 - Queue all check watchers. 681 - Queue all check watchers.
585 - 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).
586 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
587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 684 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
588 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 685 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
593anymore. 690anymore.
594 691
595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 692 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
596 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 693 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 694 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
598 ... jobs done. yeah! 695 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
599 696
600=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 697=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
601 698
602Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 699Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 700has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
604C<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
605C<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.
606 703
607This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 704This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
608 705
706It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
707
609=item ev_ref (loop) 708=item ev_ref (loop)
610 709
611=item ev_unref (loop) 710=item ev_unref (loop)
612 711
613Ref/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
614loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 713loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
615count 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
616a 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>
617returning, 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
618example, 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
619visible 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
620no 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
621way 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
622libraries. 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>
623(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,
624respectively). 726respectively).
625 727
626Example: 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>
627running when nothing else is active. 729running when nothing else is active.
628 730
629 struct ev_signal exitsig; 731 ev_signal exitsig;
630 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 732 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
631 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 733 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
632 evf_unref (loop); 734 evf_unref (loop);
633 735
634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 736Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
635 737
636 ev_ref (loop); 738 ev_ref (loop);
637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 739 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638 740
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 741=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640 742
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 743=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642 744
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 745These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 746for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 747will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
748latency.
646 749
647Setting 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>)
648allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 751allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
649increase efficiency of loop iterations. 752to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
753opportunities).
650 754
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 755The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
652handle 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
653the 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
654events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 758events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
655overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 759overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
656 760
657By 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
658time 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,
660C<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
661introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 765introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
662 766
663Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 767Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 768to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 769latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
666will 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
667any overhead in libev. 771value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
668 772
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 773Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
670interval 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
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 775interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually 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>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 777as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
778
779Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
780saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
781are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
782times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
783reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
784they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
785
786=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
787
788This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
789compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
790through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
791is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
792error and call C<abort ()>.
793
794This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
795circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
796data structures consistent.
674 797
675=back 798=back
676 799
677 800
678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 801=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
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.
679 806
680A 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
681interest 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
682become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 809become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
683 810
684 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)
685 { 812 {
686 ev_io_stop (w); 813 ev_io_stop (w);
687 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
688 } 815 }
689 816
690 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 817 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
818
691 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 819 ev_io stdin_watcher;
820
692 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 821 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
693 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 822 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
694 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 823 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
824
695 ev_loop (loop, 0); 825 ev_loop (loop, 0);
696 826
697As 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
698watcher 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
699although 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).
700 833
701Each 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
702(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 835(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
703callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 836callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
704watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 837watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
705is readable and/or writable). 838is readable and/or writable).
706 839
707Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 840Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
708with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 841macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
709to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 842is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
710(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 843ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
711 844
712To 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
713with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 846with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
714*) >>), 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
715corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 848corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
716 849
717As 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
718must 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
719reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 852reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
720 853
721Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 854Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
722registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 855registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
723third argument. 856third argument.
724 857
784 917
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 918The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786 919
787=item C<EV_ERROR> 920=item C<EV_ERROR>
788 921
789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 922An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 923happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
791ran 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
792problem. 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
793with 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.
794 931
795Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 932Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
796for 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
797your 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
798with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 935the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
799programs, though, so beware. 936programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
937thing, so beware.
800 938
801=back 939=back
802 940
803=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 941=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
804
805In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
806e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
807 942
808=over 4 943=over 4
809 944
810=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 945=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
811 946
817which rolls both calls into one. 952which rolls both calls into one.
818 953
819You 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
820(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 955(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
821 956
822The 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,
823int 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);
824 965
825=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 966=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
826 967
827This 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
828call 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
831difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 972difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
832 973
833Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 974Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
834(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.
835 976
977See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
978
836=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 979=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
837 980
838This convinience 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
839calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 982calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
840a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 983a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
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);
841 988
842=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 989=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
843 990
844Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 991Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
845events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 992events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
846 993
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
847=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 999=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
848 1000
849Stops 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
850status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1004It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
851non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1005non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
852C<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
853you 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
854good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1008therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
855 1009
856=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1010=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
857 1011
858Returns 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
859and 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
901The 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
902always 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 :).
903 1057
904Setting 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
905fine, 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
906or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1060or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
907 1061
908=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1062=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
909 1063
910Invoke 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
911C<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
912can deal with that fact. 1066can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1067callback.
913 1068
914=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1069=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
915 1070
916If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1071If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
917and 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
918watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1073watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
919 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
920=back 1078=back
921 1079
922 1080
923=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1081=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
924 1082
925Each 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
926and 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
927to 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
928don'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
929member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1087member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
930data: 1088data:
931 1089
932 struct my_io 1090 struct my_io
933 { 1091 {
934 struct ev_io io; 1092 ev_io io;
935 int otherfd; 1093 int otherfd;
936 void *somedata; 1094 void *somedata;
937 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1095 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
938 } 1096 };
1097
1098 ...
1099 struct my_io w;
1100 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
939 1101
940And 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
941can cast it back to your own type: 1103can cast it back to your own type:
942 1104
943 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)
944 { 1106 {
945 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1107 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
946 ... 1108 ...
947 } 1109 }
948 1110
949More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1111More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
950instead have been omitted. 1112instead have been omitted.
951 1113
952Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1114Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
953watchers: 1115embedded watchers:
954 1116
955 struct my_biggy 1117 struct my_biggy
956 { 1118 {
957 int some_data; 1119 int some_data;
958 ev_timer t1; 1120 ev_timer t1;
959 ev_timer t2; 1121 ev_timer t2;
960 } 1122 }
961 1123
962In 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
963you 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):
964 1129
965 #include <stddef.h> 1130 #include <stddef.h>
966 1131
967 static void 1132 static void
968 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1133 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
969 { 1134 {
970 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1135 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
971 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1136 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
972 } 1137 }
973 1138
974 static void 1139 static void
975 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1140 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
976 { 1141 {
977 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1142 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
978 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1143 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
979 } 1144 }
980 1145
981 1146
982=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1147=head1 WATCHER TYPES
983 1148
984This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1149This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1008In 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
1009fd 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
1010descriptors 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
1011required if you know what you are doing). 1176required if you know what you are doing).
1012 1177
1013If 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
1014(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
1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1180C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1016 1181
1017Another 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
1018receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1183receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1019be 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
1020because 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
1021lot 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
1022this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1187this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1023it 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
1024C<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.
1025 1190
1026If 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
1027play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1192not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1028whether 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
1029such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1194interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1030its 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.
1031 1200
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1201=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1033 1202
1034Some 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
1035descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1204descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1036such 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
1037descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1206descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1038this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1207this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1039registered 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
1040fact, a different file descriptor. 1209fact, a different file descriptor.
1041 1210
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1239To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1240C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1241enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1242C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074 1243
1244=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1245
1246While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1247when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1248sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1249this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1250
1251So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1252ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1253somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1254
1075 1255
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1256=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1077 1257
1078=over 4 1258=over 4
1079 1259
1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1260=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1081 1261
1082=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1262=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1083 1263
1084Configures 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
1085rceeive 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
1086C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1266C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1087 1267
1088=item int fd [read-only] 1268=item int fd [read-only]
1089 1269
1090The file descriptor being watched. 1270The file descriptor being watched.
1091 1271
1099 1279
1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1280Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1281readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1282attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1103 1283
1104 static void 1284 static void
1105 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)
1106 { 1286 {
1107 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1287 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1108 .. 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
1109 } 1289 }
1110 1290
1111 ... 1291 ...
1112 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1292 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1113 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1293 ev_io stdin_readable;
1114 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);
1115 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1295 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1116 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1117 1297
1118 1298
1119=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1299=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1120 1300
1121Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1301Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1122given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1302given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1123 1303
1124The 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
1125times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1305times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1126time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1306year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1127detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1307detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1128monotonic 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.
1129 1496
1130The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1497The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1131time. 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
1132of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1499of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1133you 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
1134on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1501timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1135 1502
1136 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1503 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1137 1504
1138The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1505If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1139but 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
1140order of execution is undefined. 1507()>.
1141 1508
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1509=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143 1510
1144=over 4 1511=over 4
1145 1512
1146=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1513=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1147 1514
1148=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1515=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1149 1516
1150Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1517Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1151C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1518is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1152timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1519reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1153later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1520configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1521until stopped manually.
1154 1522
1155The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1523The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1524you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1525trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1526keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1527do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1160 1528
1161=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1529=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1162 1530
1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1531This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1164repeating. The exact semantics are: 1532repeating. The exact semantics are:
1165 1533
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1534If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167 1535
1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1536If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1169 1537
1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1538If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1171C<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.
1172 1540
1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1541This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1174example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1542usage example.
1175timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1176seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1177configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1178C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1179you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1180socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1181automatically restart it if need be.
1182
1183That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1184altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1185
1186 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1187 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1188 ...
1189 timer->again = 17.;
1190 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1191 ...
1192 timer->again = 10.;
1193 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1194
1195This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1196you want to modify its timeout value.
1197 1543
1198=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1544=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1199 1545
1200The 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
1201or 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),
1202which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1548which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1203 1549
1204=back 1550=back
1205 1551
1206=head3 Examples 1552=head3 Examples
1207 1553
1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1554Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1209 1555
1210 static void 1556 static void
1211 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)
1212 { 1558 {
1213 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1559 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1214 } 1560 }
1215 1561
1216 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1562 ev_timer mytimer;
1217 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1563 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1218 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1564 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1219 1565
1220Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1566Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1221inactivity. 1567inactivity.
1222 1568
1223 static void 1569 static void
1224 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1570 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1225 { 1571 {
1226 .. ten seconds without any activity 1572 .. ten seconds without any activity
1227 } 1573 }
1228 1574
1229 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1575 ev_timer mytimer;
1230 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 */
1231 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1577 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1232 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1578 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1233 1579
1234 // 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":
1235 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1581 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1236 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1582 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1237 1583
1238 1584
1239=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1585=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1240 1586
1241Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1587Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1242(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1588(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1243 1589
1244Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1590Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1245but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1591but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1246to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1592to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1247periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1593periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1248+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1594+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1595clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1249take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1596to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1250roughly 10 seconds later). 1597roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1251 1598
1252They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1599C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1600such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1254rules. 1601complicated rules.
1255 1602
1256As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1603As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1604time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1605during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1259 1606
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1607=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261 1608
1262=over 4 1609=over 4
1263 1610
1264=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)
1265 1612
1266=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)
1267 1614
1268Lots 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
1269operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1616operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1270 1617
1271=over 4 1618=over 4
1272 1619
1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1620=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1274 1621
1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1622In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1623time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1624jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1278system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1625only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1279 1626
1280=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1627=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1281 1628
1282In 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
1283C<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)
1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1631and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1285 1632
1286This 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
1287time: 1634system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1635hour, on the hour:
1288 1636
1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1637 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1290 1638
1291This 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,
1292but only that the 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
1293full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1641full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1294by 3600. 1642by 3600.
1295 1643
1296Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1644Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1297C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1645C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1646time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1299 1647
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1648For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1649C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value. 1650this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1651
1652Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1653speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1654will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1655millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1303 1656
1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1657=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1305 1658
1306In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1659In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1660ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1661reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1309current time as second argument. 1662current time as second argument.
1310 1663
1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1664NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1312ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1665ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1315 1666
1667If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1668it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1669only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1670
1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1671The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1672*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1318 1673
1674 static ev_tstamp
1319 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1675 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1320 { 1676 {
1321 return now + 60.; 1677 return now + 60.;
1322 } 1678 }
1323 1679
1324It 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
1325(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1681(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1326will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1682will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1327might be called at other times, too. 1683might be called at other times, too.
1328 1684
1329NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1685NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1330passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1686equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1331 1687
1332This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1688This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1333triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1689triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1334next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1690next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1335you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1691you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1336reason I omitted it as an example). 1692reason I omitted it as an example).
1337 1693
1338=back 1694=back
1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1698Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1343when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1699when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1700a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1345program when the crontabs have changed). 1701program when the crontabs have changed).
1346 1702
1703=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1704
1705When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1706trigger next.
1707
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1708=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348 1709
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1710When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1711absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351 1712
1356 1717
1357The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1718The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1358take 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
1359called. 1720called.
1360 1721
1361=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]
1362 1723
1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1724The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1364switched 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
1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1726the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1366 1727
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1372=back 1728=back
1373 1729
1374=head3 Examples 1730=head3 Examples
1375 1731
1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1732Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1733system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1734potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1379 1735
1380 static void 1736 static void
1381 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1737 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1738 {
1383 ... 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)
1384 } 1740 }
1385 1741
1386 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1742 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1387 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1743 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1388 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1744 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1389 1745
1390Example: 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:
1391 1747
1392 #include <math.h> 1748 #include <math.h>
1393 1749
1394 static ev_tstamp 1750 static ev_tstamp
1395 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1751 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1396 { 1752 {
1397 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1753 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1398 } 1754 }
1399 1755
1400 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);
1401 1757
1402Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1758Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1403 1759
1404 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1760 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1405 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1761 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1406 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1762 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1407 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1763 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1408 1764
1409 1765
1410=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1766=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1411 1767
1412Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1768Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1413signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1769signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1414will 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
1415normal event processing, like any other event. 1771normal event processing, like any other event.
1416 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
1417You 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
1418first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1778first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1419with 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
1420as 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
1421watcher 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
1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1782signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1783
1784If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1785C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1786interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1787signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1788them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1423 1789
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1790=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425 1791
1426=over 4 1792=over 4
1427 1793
1438 1804
1439=back 1805=back
1440 1806
1441=head3 Examples 1807=head3 Examples
1442 1808
1443Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1809Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1444 1810
1445 static void 1811 static void
1446 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1812 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447 { 1813 {
1448 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449 } 1815 }
1450 1816
1451 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1817 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1818 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1819 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1454 1820
1455 1821
1456=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1822=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1457 1823
1458Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1824Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1459some 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
1460is 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
1461forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1827has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1462loop 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.
1463 1832
1464Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1833Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1465you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1834you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1466 1835
1467=head3 Process Interaction 1836=head3 Process Interaction
1468 1837
1469Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1838Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1470initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1839initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1471the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1840the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1472of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1841of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1473synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1842synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1474children, even ones not watched. 1843children, even ones not watched.
1475 1844
1476=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1845=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1480handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1849handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1481C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1850C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1482default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1851default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1483event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1852event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1484that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1853that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1854
1855=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1856
1857Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1858child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1859callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1860when a child exit is detected.
1485 1861
1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1862=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1487 1863
1488=over 4 1864=over 4
1489 1865
1518=head3 Examples 1894=head3 Examples
1519 1895
1520Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1896Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1521its completion. 1897its completion.
1522 1898
1523 ev_child cw; 1899 ev_child cw;
1524 1900
1525 static void 1901 static void
1526 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1902 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1527 { 1903 {
1528 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1904 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1529 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);
1530 } 1906 }
1531 1907
1532 pid_t pid = fork (); 1908 pid_t pid = fork ();
1533 1909
1534 if (pid < 0) 1910 if (pid < 0)
1535 // error 1911 // error
1536 else if (pid == 0) 1912 else if (pid == 0)
1537 { 1913 {
1538 // the forked child executes here 1914 // the forked child executes here
1539 exit (1); 1915 exit (1);
1540 } 1916 }
1541 else 1917 else
1542 { 1918 {
1543 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1919 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1544 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1920 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1545 } 1921 }
1546 1922
1547 1923
1548=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1924=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1549 1925
1550This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1926This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1551C<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)
1552compared 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.
1553 1930
1554The 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
1555not 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
1556not 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
1557otherwise 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
1558the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1935the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1559 1936
1560The 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
1561relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1939your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1562 1940
1563Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1941Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1564calls 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
1565can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1943to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1566a 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
1567unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1945recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1568five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1946(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1569impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1947change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1570usually overkill. 1948currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1571 1949
1572This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1950This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1573as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1951as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1574resource-intensive. 1952resource-intensive.
1575 1953
1576At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1954At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1577implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1955is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1578reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1956an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1579semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1957of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1580to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1581usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1582polling.
1583 1958
1584=head3 Inotify 1959=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1585 1960
1961Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1962compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1963support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1964structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1965use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1966compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1967obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1968most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1969
1970The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1971file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1972optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1973to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1974default compilation environment.
1975
1976=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1977
1586When 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
1587available 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
1588change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1981change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1589when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1982lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1590 1983
1591Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1984Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1592except 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
1593making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1986making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1594there 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.
1595 1989
1596(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
1597implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1991implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1598descriptor open on the object at all times). 1992descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1993etc. is difficult.
1599 1994
1600=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1995=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1601 1996
1602The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1997The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1603even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1998and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1604only support whole seconds. 1999still only support whole seconds.
1605 2000
1606That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2001That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1607miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 2002easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1608your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2003calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1609the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2004within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2005stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1610 2006
1611The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2007The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1612the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 2008than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1613(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 2009a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1614is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 2010ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1615systems. 2011
2012The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2013of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2014might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2015C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2016a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2017update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2018the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2019the timer callback).
1616 2020
1617=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2021=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1618 2022
1619=over 4 2023=over 4
1620 2024
1626C<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
1627be 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
1628a 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
1629path for as long as the watcher is active. 2033path for as long as the watcher is active.
1630 2034
1631The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2035The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1632relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2036relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1633last change was detected). 2037last change was detected).
1634 2038
1635=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2039=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1636 2040
1637Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2041Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1638watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2042watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1639detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2043detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1640useful simply to find out the new values. 2044the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2045new values.
1641 2046
1642=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2047=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1643 2048
1644The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2049The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1645C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2050C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1646suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2051suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2052members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1647was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2053some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1648 2054
1649=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2055=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1650 2056
1651The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2057The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1652C<prev> != C<attr>. 2058C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2059differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2060C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1653 2061
1654=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2062=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1655 2063
1656The specified interval. 2064The specified interval.
1657 2065
1658=item const char *path [read-only] 2066=item const char *path [read-only]
1659 2067
1660The filesystem path that is being watched. 2068The file system path that is being watched.
1661 2069
1662=back 2070=back
1663 2071
1664=head3 Examples 2072=head3 Examples
1665 2073
1666Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2074Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1667 2075
1668 static void 2076 static void
1669 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2077 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1670 { 2078 {
1671 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2079 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1672 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2080 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1673 { 2081 {
1674 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2082 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1675 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2083 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1676 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2084 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1677 } 2085 }
1678 else 2086 else
1679 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2087 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1680 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2088 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1681 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2089 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1682 } 2090 }
1683 2091
1684 ... 2092 ...
1685 ev_stat passwd; 2093 ev_stat passwd;
1686 2094
1687 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2095 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1688 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2096 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1689 2097
1690Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2098Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1691miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2099miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1692one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2100one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1693C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2101C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1694 2102
1695 static ev_stat passwd; 2103 static ev_stat passwd;
1696 static ev_timer timer; 2104 static ev_timer timer;
1697 2105
1698 static void 2106 static void
1699 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2107 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1700 { 2108 {
1701 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2109 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1702 2110
1703 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2111 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1704 } 2112 }
1705 2113
1706 static void 2114 static void
1707 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2115 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1708 { 2116 {
1709 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2117 /* reset the one-second timer */
1710 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2118 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1711 } 2119 }
1712 2120
1713 ... 2121 ...
1714 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2122 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1715 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2123 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1716 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2124 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1717 2125
1718 2126
1719=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...
1720 2128
1721Idle 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
1722priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2130priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1723count). 2131as receiving "events").
1724 2132
1725That 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
1726(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
1727triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2135triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1728are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2136are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1752=head3 Examples 2160=head3 Examples
1753 2161
1754Example: 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
1755callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2163callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1756 2164
1757 static void 2165 static void
1758 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2166 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1759 { 2167 {
1760 free (w); 2168 free (w);
1761 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2169 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1762 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2170 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1763 } 2171 }
1764 2172
1765 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2173 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1766 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2174 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1767 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2175 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1768 2176
1769 2177
1770=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!
1771 2179
1772Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2180Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1773prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2181prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1774afterwards. 2182afterwards.
1775 2183
1776You 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
1777the 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>
1780those 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,
1781C<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
1782called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2190called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1783 2191
1784Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2192Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1785their 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
1786variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2194variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1787coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2195coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1788you 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,
1789in 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>
1790watcher). 2198watcher).
1791 2199
1792This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2200This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1793to 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
1794them 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
1795provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2203libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1796any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2204you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1797and 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
1798callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2206I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1799because you never know, you know?). 2207nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1800 2208
1801As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2209As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1802coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2210coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1803during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2211during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1804are 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
1807loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2215loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1808low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2216low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1809 2217
1810It 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>)
1811priority, 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
1812after 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
1813too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2223activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1814supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2224might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1815did 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
1816(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
1817state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2227C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1818coexist peacefully with others). 2228others).
1819 2229
1820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2230=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1821 2231
1822=over 4 2232=over 4
1823 2233
1825 2235
1826=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2236=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1827 2237
1828Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2238Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1829parameters 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>
1830macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2240macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2241pointless.
1831 2242
1832=back 2243=back
1833 2244
1834=head3 Examples 2245=head3 Examples
1835 2246
1836There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2247There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1837into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2248into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1838(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2249(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1839use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2250use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1840embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2251Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1841into the Glib event loop). 2252Glib event loop).
1842 2253
1843Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2254Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1844and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2255and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1845is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2256is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1846priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2257priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1847the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2258the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1848 2259
1849 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2260 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1850 static ev_timer tw; 2261 static ev_timer tw;
1851 2262
1852 static void 2263 static void
1853 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2264 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1854 { 2265 {
1855 } 2266 }
1856 2267
1857 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2268 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1858 static void 2269 static void
1859 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2270 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1860 { 2271 {
1861 int timeout = 3600000; 2272 int timeout = 3600000;
1862 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2273 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1863 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2274 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1864 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2275 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1865 2276
1866 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2277 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1867 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2278 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1868 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2279 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1869 2280
1870 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2281 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1871 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2282 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1872 { 2283 {
1873 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2284 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1874 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2285 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1875 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2286 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1876 2287
1877 fds [i].revents = 0; 2288 fds [i].revents = 0;
1878 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2289 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1879 } 2290 }
1880 } 2291 }
1881 2292
1882 // stop all watchers after blocking 2293 // stop all watchers after blocking
1883 static void 2294 static void
1884 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2295 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1885 { 2296 {
1886 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2297 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1887 2298
1888 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2299 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1889 { 2300 {
1890 // set the relevant poll flags 2301 // set the relevant poll flags
1891 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2302 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1892 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2303 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1893 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2304 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1894 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2305 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1895 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2306 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1896 2307
1897 // now stop the watcher 2308 // now stop the watcher
1898 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2309 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1899 } 2310 }
1900 2311
1901 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2312 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1902 } 2313 }
1903 2314
1904Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2315Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1905in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2316in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1906 2317
1907Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2318Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1908notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2319notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1909callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2320callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1910 2321
1911 static void 2322 static void
1912 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2323 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1913 { 2324 {
1914 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2325 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1915 update_now (EV_A); 2326 update_now (EV_A);
1916 2327
1917 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2328 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1918 } 2329 }
1919 2330
1920 static void 2331 static void
1921 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2332 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1922 { 2333 {
1923 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2334 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1924 update_now (EV_A); 2335 update_now (EV_A);
1925 2336
1926 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2337 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1927 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2338 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1928 } 2339 }
1929 2340
1930 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2341 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1931 2342
1932Method 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
1933want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2344want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1934their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2345override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1935loop 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
1936this. 2347this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2348libglib event loop.
1937 2349
1938 static gint 2350 static gint
1939 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2351 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1940 { 2352 {
1941 int got_events = 0; 2353 int got_events = 0;
1942 2354
1943 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2355 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1944 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2356 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1945 2357
1946 if (timeout >= 0) 2358 if (timeout >= 0)
1947 // create/start timer 2359 // create/start timer
1948 2360
1949 // poll 2361 // poll
1950 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2362 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1951 2363
1952 // stop timer again 2364 // stop timer again
1953 if (timeout >= 0) 2365 if (timeout >= 0)
1954 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2366 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1955 2367
1956 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2368 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1957 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2369 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1958 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2370 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1959 2371
1960 return got_events; 2372 return got_events;
1961 } 2373 }
1962 2374
1963 2375
1964=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2376=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1965 2377
1966This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2378This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1972prioritise I/O. 2384prioritise I/O.
1973 2385
1974As 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
1975sockets 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
1976still 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
1977so 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
1978into 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
1979be 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
1980at 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 :)
1981 2394
1982As 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
1983to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2396some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1984priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2397and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1985you 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
1986a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2399the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1987 2400
1988As 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
1989there 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
1990call 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
1991their 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
1999interested in that. 2412interested in that.
2000 2413
2001Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2414Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2002when 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,
2003but 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
2004yourself. 2417yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2418and future versions of libev might do just that.
2005 2419
2006Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2420Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2007C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2421C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2008portable one. 2422portable one.
2009 2423
2010So 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
2011that 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
2012this 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
2013create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2427create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2014 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.
2436
2015=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2437=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2016 2438
2017=over 4 2439=over 4
2018 2440
2019=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2441=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2022 2444
2023Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2445Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2024embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2446embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2025invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2447invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2026to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2448to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2027if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2449if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2028 2450
2029=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2451=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2030 2452
2031Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2453Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2032similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2454similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2033apropriate way for embedded loops. 2455appropriate way for embedded loops.
2034 2456
2035=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2457=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2036 2458
2037The embedded event loop. 2459The embedded event loop.
2038 2460
2040 2462
2041=head3 Examples 2463=head3 Examples
2042 2464
2043Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2465Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2044event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2466event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2045loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2467loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2046C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2468C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2047used). 2469used).
2048 2470
2049 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2471 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2050 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2472 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2051 struct ev_embed embed; 2473 ev_embed embed;
2052 2474
2053 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2475 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2054 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2476 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2055 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2477 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2056 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2478 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2057 : 0; 2479 : 0;
2058 2480
2059 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2481 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2060 if (loop_lo) 2482 if (loop_lo)
2061 { 2483 {
2062 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2484 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2063 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2485 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2064 } 2486 }
2065 else 2487 else
2066 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2488 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2067 2489
2068Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2490Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2069a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2491a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2070kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2492kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2071C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2493C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2072 2494
2073 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2495 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2074 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2496 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2075 struct ev_embed embed; 2497 ev_embed embed;
2076 2498
2077 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2499 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2078 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2500 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2079 { 2501 {
2080 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2502 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2081 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2503 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2082 } 2504 }
2083 2505
2084 if (!loop_socket) 2506 if (!loop_socket)
2085 loop_socket = loop; 2507 loop_socket = loop;
2086 2508
2087 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2509 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2088 2510
2089 2511
2090=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2512=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2091 2513
2092Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2514Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2136is 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
2137multiple-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
2138need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2560need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2139 2561
2140That 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
2141queue. 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
2142queue: 2564queue:
2143 2565
2144=over 4 2566=over 4
2145 2567
2146=item queueing from a signal handler context 2568=item queueing from a signal handler context
2147 2569
2148To 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
2149handler 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
2150some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2572an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2151 2573
2152 static ev_async mysig; 2574 static ev_async mysig;
2153 2575
2154 static void 2576 static void
2155 sigusr1_handler (void) 2577 sigusr1_handler (void)
2221=over 4 2643=over 4
2222 2644
2223=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2645=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2224 2646
2225Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2647Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2226kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2648kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2227believe me. 2649trust me.
2228 2650
2229=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2651=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2230 2652
2231Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2653Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2232an 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
2233C<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
2234similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2656similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2235section below on what exactly this means). 2657section below on what exactly this means).
2236 2658
2237This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2659This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2238so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2660so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2239calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2661calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2240 2662
2663=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2664
2665Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2666watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2667event loop.
2668
2669C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2670the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2671it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2672quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2673
2674Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2675whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2676
2241=back 2677=back
2242 2678
2243 2679
2244=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2680=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2245 2681
2248=over 4 2684=over 4
2249 2685
2250=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)
2251 2687
2252This 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
2253callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2689callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2254watchers. 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
2255or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2691or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2256more watchers yourself. 2692more watchers yourself.
2257 2693
2258If 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
2259is 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
2260C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2696the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2261 2697
2262If 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
2263started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2699started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2264repeat = 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.
2265dubious value.
2266 2701
2267The 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
2268passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2703passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2269C<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>
2270value 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.
2271 2708
2709Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2710
2272 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2711 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2273 { 2712 {
2274 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2275 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2276 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2713 if (revents & EV_READ)
2277 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2714 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2715 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2716 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2278 } 2717 }
2279 2718
2280 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2719 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2281 2720
2282=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2721=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2283 2722
2284Feeds 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
2285had 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
2286initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2725initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2287 2726
2288=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2727=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2289 2728
2290Feed 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
2291the given events it. 2730the given events it.
2292 2731
2293=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2732=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2294 2733
2295Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2734Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2296loop!). 2735loop!).
2297 2736
2298=back 2737=back
2299 2738
2300 2739
2316 2755
2317=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2756=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2318will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2757will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2319is an ev_pri field. 2758is an ev_pri field.
2320 2759
2760=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2761first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2762
2321=item * Other members are not supported. 2763=item * Other members are not supported.
2322 2764
2323=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2765=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2324to use the libev header file and library. 2766to use the libev header file and library.
2325 2767
2326=back 2768=back
2327 2769
2328=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2770=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2329 2771
2330Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2772Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2331you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2773you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2332the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2774the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2333 2775
2334To use it, 2776To use it,
2335 2777
2336 #include <ev++.h> 2778 #include <ev++.h>
2337 2779
2338This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2780This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2339of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2781of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2340put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2782put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2341options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2783options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2408your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2850your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2409thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2851thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2410 2852
2411Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2853Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2412 2854
2413 struct myclass 2855 struct myclass
2414 { 2856 {
2415 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2857 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2416 } 2858 }
2417 2859
2418 myclass obj; 2860 myclass obj;
2419 ev::io iow; 2861 ev::io iow;
2420 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2862 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2421 2863
2422=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2864=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2423 2865
2424Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2866Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2425callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2867callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2427 2869
2428The 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)>.
2429 2871
2430See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2872See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2431 2873
2432Example: 2874Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2433 2875
2434 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2876 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2435 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2877 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2436 2878
2437=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2879=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2438 2880
2439Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2881Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2440do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2882do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2441 2883
2442=item w->set ([args]) 2884=item w->set ([arguments])
2443 2885
2444Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2886Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2445called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2887called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2446automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2888automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2447method. 2889method.
2448 2890
2449=item w->start () 2891=item w->start ()
2473=back 2915=back
2474 2916
2475Example: 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
2476the constructor. 2918the constructor.
2477 2919
2478 class myclass 2920 class myclass
2479 { 2921 {
2480 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2922 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2481 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2923 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2482 2924
2483 myclass (int fd) 2925 myclass (int fd)
2484 { 2926 {
2485 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2927 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2486 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2928 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2487 2929
2488 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2930 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2489 } 2931 }
2490 }; 2932 };
2933
2934
2935=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2936
2937Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2938number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2939any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2940me a note.
2941
2942=over 4
2943
2944=item Perl
2945
2946The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2947libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2948there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2949to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2950C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2951and C<EV::Glib>).
2952
2953It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2954L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2955
2956=item Python
2957
2958Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2959seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2960patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2961for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2962libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2963libev).
2964
2965=item Ruby
2966
2967Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2968of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2969more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2970L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2971
2972=item D
2973
2974Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2975be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
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
2982=back
2491 2983
2492 2984
2493=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2985=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2494 2986
2495Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2987Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2496of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2988of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2497functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2989functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2498 2990
2499To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2991To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2500following macros are defined: 2992following macros are defined:
2505 2997
2506This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2998This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2507loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2999loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2508C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3000C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2509 3001
2510 ev_unref (EV_A); 3002 ev_unref (EV_A);
2511 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3003 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2512 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3004 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2513 3005
2514It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3006It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2515which is often provided by the following macro. 3007which is often provided by the following macro.
2516 3008
2517=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3009=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2518 3010
2519This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3011This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2520loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3012loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2521C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3013C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2522 3014
2523 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3015 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2524 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3016 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2525 3017
2526 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3018 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2527 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3019 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2528 3020
2529It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3021It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2530suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3022suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2531 3023
2532=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3024=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2533 3025
2534Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3026Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2535loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3027loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3028
3029=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3030
3031Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3032default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3033is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3034execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3035
3036It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3037watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2536 3038
2537=back 3039=back
2538 3040
2539Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3041Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2540macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3042macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2541or not. 3043or not.
2542 3044
2543 static void 3045 static void
2544 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3046 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2545 { 3047 {
2546 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3048 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2547 } 3049 }
2548 3050
2549 ev_check check; 3051 ev_check check;
2550 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3052 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2551 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3053 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2552 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3054 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2553 3055
2554=head1 EMBEDDING 3056=head1 EMBEDDING
2555 3057
2556Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3058Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2557applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3059applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2564libev somewhere in your source tree). 3066libev somewhere in your source tree).
2565 3067
2566=head2 FILESETS 3068=head2 FILESETS
2567 3069
2568Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3070Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2569in your app. 3071in your application.
2570 3072
2571=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3073=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2572 3074
2573To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3075To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2574configuration (no autoconf): 3076configuration (no autoconf):
2575 3077
2576 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3078 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2577 #include "ev.c" 3079 #include "ev.c"
2578 3080
2579This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3081This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2580single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3082single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2581it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3083it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2582done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3084done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2583where you can put other configuration options): 3085where you can put other configuration options):
2584 3086
2585 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3087 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2586 #include "ev.h" 3088 #include "ev.h"
2587 3089
2588Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3090Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2589compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3091compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2590as a bug). 3092as a bug).
2591 3093
2592You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3094You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2593in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3095in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2594 3096
2595 ev.h 3097 ev.h
2596 ev.c 3098 ev.c
2597 ev_vars.h 3099 ev_vars.h
2598 ev_wrap.h 3100 ev_wrap.h
2599 3101
2600 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3102 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2601 3103
2602 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3104 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2603 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3105 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2604 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3106 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2605 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3107 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2606 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3108 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2607 3109
2608F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3110F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2609to compile this single file. 3111to compile this single file.
2610 3112
2611=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3113=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2612 3114
2613To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3115To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2614 3116
2615 #include "event.c" 3117 #include "event.c"
2616 3118
2617in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3119in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2618 3120
2619 #include "event.h" 3121 #include "event.h"
2620 3122
2621in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3123in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2622 3124
2623You need the following additional files for this: 3125You need the following additional files for this:
2624 3126
2625 event.h 3127 event.h
2626 event.c 3128 event.c
2627 3129
2628=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3130=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2629 3131
2630Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3132Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2631whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3133whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2632F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3134F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2633include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3135include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2634 3136
2635For this of course you need the m4 file: 3137For this of course you need the m4 file:
2636 3138
2637 libev.m4 3139 libev.m4
2638 3140
2639=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3141=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2640 3142
2641Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3143Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2642before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3144define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2643and only include the select backend. 3145autoconf is documented for every option.
2644 3146
2645=over 4 3147=over 4
2646 3148
2647=item EV_STANDALONE 3149=item EV_STANDALONE
2648 3150
2653F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3155F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2654 3156
2655=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3157=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2656 3158
2657If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3159If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2658monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3160monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2659of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3161of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2660usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3162usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2661the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3163the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2662to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3164to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2663function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3165function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2664 3166
2665=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3167=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2666 3168
2667If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3169If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2668realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3170real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2669runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3171runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2670be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3172be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2671(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3173(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2672note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3174note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2673 3175
2674=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3176=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2675 3177
2676If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3178If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2677and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3179and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2678 3180
3181=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3182
3183If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3184available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3185C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3186If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31872.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3188
2679=item EV_USE_SELECT 3189=item EV_USE_SELECT
2680 3190
2681If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3191If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2682C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3192C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2683other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3193other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2684will not be compiled in. 3194will not be compiled in.
2685 3195
2686=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3196=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2687 3197
2688If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3198If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2689structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3199structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2690C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3200C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2691exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3201exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2692low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3202low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2693allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3203allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2694influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3204influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2695 3205
2719 3229
2720=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3230=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2721 3231
2722If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3232If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2723C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3233C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2724otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3234otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2725preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3235backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3236headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2726 3237
2727=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3238=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2728 3239
2729If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3240If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2730C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3241C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2743otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3254otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2744backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3255backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2745 3256
2746=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3257=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2747 3258
2748reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3259Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2749 3260
2750=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3261=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2751 3262
2752If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3263If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2753interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3264interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2754be detected at runtime. 3265be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3266indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2755 3267
2756=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3268=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2757 3269
2758Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 3270Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2759access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3271access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2760type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3272type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2761that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3273that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2762as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3274as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2763 3275
2764In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3276In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2765(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3277(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2766 3278
2767=item EV_H 3279=item EV_H
2768 3280
2769The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3281The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2808When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3320When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2809all 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
2810and 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
2811fine. 3323fine.
2812 3324
2813If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3325If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2814C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3326both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2815 3327
2816=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3328=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2817 3329
2818If 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
2819defined 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
2826code. 3338code.
2827 3339
2828=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3340=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2829 3341
2830If 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
2831defined 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.
2832 3345
2833=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3346=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2834 3347
2835If 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
2836defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3349defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2846defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3359defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2847 3360
2848=item EV_MINIMAL 3361=item EV_MINIMAL
2849 3362
2850If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3363If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2851speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3364speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2852some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3365inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3366much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2853 3367
2854=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3368=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2855 3369
2856C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3370C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2857pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3371pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2864inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3378inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2865usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3379usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2866watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3380watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2867two). 3381two).
2868 3382
3383=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3384
3385Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3386timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3387to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3388faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3389
3390The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3391(disabled).
3392
3393=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3394
3395Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3396timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3397the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3398which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3399but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3400noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3401
3402The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3403(disabled).
3404
3405=item EV_VERIFY
3406
3407Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3408be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3409in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3410called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3411called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3412verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3413libev considerably.
3414
3415The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3416C<0>.
3417
2869=item EV_COMMON 3418=item EV_COMMON
2870 3419
2871By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3420By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2872this 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
2873members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3422members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2874though, and it must be identical each time. 3423though, and it must be identical each time.
2875 3424
2876For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3425For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2877 3426
2878 #define EV_COMMON \ 3427 #define EV_COMMON \
2879 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3428 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2880 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3429 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2881 3430
2882=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3431=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2883 3432
2884=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3433=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2885 3434
2890definition 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
2891their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3440their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2892avoid 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
2893method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3442method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2894 3443
3444=back
3445
2895=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3446=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2896 3447
2897If 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
2898exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3449exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2899all public symbols, one per line: 3450all public symbols, one per line:
2900 3451
2901 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3452 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2902 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3453 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2903 3454
2904This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3455This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2905multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3456multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2906itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3457itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2907 3458
2908A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3459A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2909include before including F<ev.h>: 3460include before including F<ev.h>:
2910 3461
2911 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3462 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2928file. 3479file.
2929 3480
2930The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3481The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2931that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3482that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2932 3483
2933 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3484 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2934 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3485 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2935 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3486 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2936 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3487 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2937 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3488 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2938 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3489 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2939 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3490 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2940 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3491 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2941 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3492 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2942 3493
2943 #include "ev++.h" 3494 #include "ev++.h"
2944 3495
2945And 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:
2946 3497
2947 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3498 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2948 #include "ev.c" 3499 #include "ev.c"
2949 3500
3501=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2950 3502
2951=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3503=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2952 3504
2953In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3505=head3 THREADS
2954libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2955documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2956 3506
2957All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3507All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2958extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3508documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2959happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3509that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2960mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3510are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2961it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 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.
3514
3515Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3516concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3517must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3518only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
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".
3525
3526If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3527without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3528help you, but here is some generic advice:
2962 3529
2963=over 4 3530=over 4
2964 3531
2965=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3532=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3533in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2966 3534
2967This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3535This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2968there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3536themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2969have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2970 3537
2971=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3538=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2972 3539
2973That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3540Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2974as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3541exists, but it is always a good start.
2975 3542
2976=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3543=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3544loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2977 3545
2978These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3546Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3547better than you currently do :-)
2979 3548
2980=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3549=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3550event loop.
2981 3551
2982=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3552C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3553(or from signal contexts...).
2983 3554
2984These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3555An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2985correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3556work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2986have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3557default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2987 3558watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2988=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2989
2990By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2991beginning of the storage array.
2992
2993=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2994
2995A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2996libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2997on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2998
2999=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3000
3001=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3002
3003Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3004priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3005linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3006watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3007
3008=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3009
3010=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3011
3012=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3013
3014Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3015calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3016involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3017 3559
3018=back 3560=back
3019 3561
3562=head3 COROUTINES
3020 3563
3021=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3564Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3565libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3566coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3567different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3568loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3569you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3570
3571Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3572C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3573they do not call any callbacks.
3574
3575=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3576
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.
3580
3581However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3582has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3583warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3584targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3585
3586Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3587workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3588maintainable.
3589
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.
3596
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.
3602
3603
3604=head2 VALGRIND
3605
3606Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3607highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3608
3609If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3610in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3611
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.
3615
3616Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3617is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3618
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.
3623
3624Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3625make it into some kind of religion.
3626
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.
3632
3633If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3634I suggest using suppression lists.
3635
3636
3637=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3638
3639=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3022 3640
3023Win32 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
3024requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3642requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3025model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3643model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3026the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3644the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3027descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3645descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3028e.g. cygwin. 3646e.g. cygwin.
3029 3647
3648Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3649re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3650things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3651way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3652
3030There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3653There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3031embedding it into other applications. 3654embedding it into other applications.
3032 3655
3656Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3657accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3658either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3659so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3660megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3661available).
3662
3033Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3663Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3034abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3664the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3035recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3665is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3036a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3666more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3037implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3667different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3038be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3668notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3669(Microsoft monopoly games).
3670
3671A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3672section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3673of F<ev.h>:
3674
3675 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3676 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3677
3678 #include "ev.h"
3679
3680And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3681you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3682
3683 #include "evwrap.h"
3684 #include "ev.c"
3039 3685
3040=over 4 3686=over 4
3041 3687
3042=item The winsocket select function 3688=item The winsocket select function
3043 3689
3044The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3690The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3045socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3691requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3046very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3692also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3047to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3693requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3048C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3694C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3049symbols for more info. 3695discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3696C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3050 3697
3051The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3698The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3052libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3699libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3053 3700
3054 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3701 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3055 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3702 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3056 3703
3057Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3704Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3058complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3705complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3059 3706
3060=item Limited number of file descriptors 3707=item Limited number of file descriptors
3061 3708
3062Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3709Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3063of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3710
3711Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3064(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3712of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3065C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3713can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3066chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3714recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3715previous thread in each. Great).
3067 3716
3068Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3717Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3069to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3718to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3070call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3719call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3071select emulation on windows). 3720select emulation on windows).
3072 3721
3073Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3722Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3074libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3723libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3075or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3724or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3076C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3725C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3077arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3726arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3078libraries. 3727libraries.
3079 3728
3080This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3729This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3081windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3730windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3082wrap 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
3083calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3732calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3084 3733
3085=back 3734=back
3086 3735
3736=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3737
3738In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3739backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3740
3741=over 4
3742
3743=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3744calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3745
3746Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3747structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3748assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3749callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3750calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3751
3752=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3753
3754The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3755C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3756threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3757believed to be sufficiently portable.
3758
3759=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3760
3761Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3762allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3763pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3764thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3765be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3766C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3767
3768The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3769except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3770well.
3771
3772=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3773
3774To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3775instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3776systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3777least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3778watchers.
3779
3780=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3781
3782The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3783have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3784enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3785implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3786
3787=back
3788
3789If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3790
3791
3792=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3793
3794In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3795libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3796the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3797
3798All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3799extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3800happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3801mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3802average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3803
3804=over 4
3805
3806=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3807
3808This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3809there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3810have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3811
3812=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3813
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.
3816
3817=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3818
3819These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3820
3821=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3822
3823=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3824
3825These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3826correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3827have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3828is rare).
3829
3830=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
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
3861
3087 3862
3088=head1 AUTHOR 3863=head1 AUTHOR
3089 3864
3090Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3865Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3091 3866

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