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10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
276 276
277=back 277=back
278 278
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 280
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
284
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
287not.
284 288
285=over 4 289=over 4
286 290
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 292
294If 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
295function. 299function.
296 300
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 303as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
300 304
301The 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
302C<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
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create 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
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 385
382For 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,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
384like 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),
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 392of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
393dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
394descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
395so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
396I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
397take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
398hard to detect.
399
400Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
401of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
402I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
403even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
404on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
405employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
406events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
389 407
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 408While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 409will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 410incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 411I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 412file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 413file descriptors.
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 414
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 415Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 416watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 417i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause 418starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead. 419extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
420as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
421take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
405 422
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
407all kernel versions tested so far. 424all kernel versions tested so far.
408 425
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 426This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 427C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411 428
412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 429=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
413 430
414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was 431Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with 432was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's 433with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless 434it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or 435is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD. 436without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
437"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
438C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
439system like NetBSD.
420 440
421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 441You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 442only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 443the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
424 444
425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 445It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 446kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 447course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 448cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 449two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 450sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
451cases
431 452
432This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 453This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
433 454
434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 455While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 456everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
464might perform better. 485might perform better.
465 486
466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 487On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification 488notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 489in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends. 490OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
470 491
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 492This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 493C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
473 494
474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 495=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 548responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 549calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 550the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 551for example).
531 552
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 553Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 554handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 555as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 556
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 557In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 558rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 559pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 560C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
631the loop. 652the loop.
632 653
633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 654A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 655necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 656will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a 657be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 658user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop. 659iteration of the loop.
639 660
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 661This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 662with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 706C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 707C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
687 708
688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 709This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
689 710
711It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
712
690=item ev_ref (loop) 713=item ev_ref (loop)
691 714
692=item ev_unref (loop) 715=item ev_unref (loop)
693 716
694Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 717Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
708respectively). 731respectively).
709 732
710Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 733Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
711running when nothing else is active. 734running when nothing else is active.
712 735
713 struct ev_signal exitsig; 736 ev_signal exitsig;
714 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 737 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
715 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 738 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
716 evf_unref (loop); 739 evf_unref (loop);
717 740
718Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 741Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
766they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 789they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
767 790
768=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 791=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
769 792
770This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 793This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
771compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 794compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
772through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 795through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
773is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 796is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
774error and call C<abort ()>. 797error and call C<abort ()>.
775 798
776This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 799This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
780=back 803=back
781 804
782 805
783=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 806=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
784 807
808In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
809watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
810watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
811
785A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 812A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
786interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 813interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
787become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 814become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
788 815
789 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 816 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
790 { 817 {
791 ev_io_stop (w); 818 ev_io_stop (w);
792 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 819 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
793 } 820 }
794 821
795 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 822 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
823
796 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 824 ev_io stdin_watcher;
825
797 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 826 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
798 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 827 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
799 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 828 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
829
800 ev_loop (loop, 0); 830 ev_loop (loop, 0);
801 831
802As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 832As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
803watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 833watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
804although this can sometimes be quite valid). 834stack).
835
836Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
837or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
805 838
806Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 839Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
807(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 840(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
808callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 841callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
809watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 842watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
810is readable and/or writable). 843is readable and/or writable).
811 844
812Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 845Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
813with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 846macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
814to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 847is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
815(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 848ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
816 849
817To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 850To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
818with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 851with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
819*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 852*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
820corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 853corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
821 854
822As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 855As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
823must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 856must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
824reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 857reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
825 858
826Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 859Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
827registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 860registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
828third argument. 861third argument.
829 862
892=item C<EV_ERROR> 925=item C<EV_ERROR>
893 926
894An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 927An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
895happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 928happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
896ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 929ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
930problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
931
897problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 932You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
898with the watcher being stopped. 933watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
934an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
935bug in your program.
899 936
900Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 937Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
901example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 938example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
902callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 939callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
903the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 940the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
906 943
907=back 944=back
908 945
909=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 946=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
910 947
911In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
912e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
913
914=over 4 948=over 4
915 949
916=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 950=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
917 951
918This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 952This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
923which rolls both calls into one. 957which rolls both calls into one.
924 958
925You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 959You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
926(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 960(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
927 961
928The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 962The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
929int revents)>. 963int revents)>.
930 964
931Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 965Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
932 966
933 ev_io w; 967 ev_io w;
967 1001
968 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1002 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
969 1003
970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1004=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
971 1005
972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1006Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1007the watcher was active or not).
1008
973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1009It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
974non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1010non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
975C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1011calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
976you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1012pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
977good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1013therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
978 1014
979=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1015=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
980 1016
981Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1017Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
982and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1018and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1024The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1060The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1025always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1061always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1026 1062
1027Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1063Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1028fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1064fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1029or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1065or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1030 1066
1031=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1067=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1032 1068
1033Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1069Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1034C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1070C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1056member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1092member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1057data: 1093data:
1058 1094
1059 struct my_io 1095 struct my_io
1060 { 1096 {
1061 struct ev_io io; 1097 ev_io io;
1062 int otherfd; 1098 int otherfd;
1063 void *somedata; 1099 void *somedata;
1064 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1100 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1065 }; 1101 };
1066 1102
1069 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1105 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1070 1106
1071And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1107And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1072can cast it back to your own type: 1108can cast it back to your own type:
1073 1109
1074 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1110 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1075 { 1111 {
1076 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1112 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1077 ... 1113 ...
1078 } 1114 }
1079 1115
1097programmers): 1133programmers):
1098 1134
1099 #include <stddef.h> 1135 #include <stddef.h>
1100 1136
1101 static void 1137 static void
1102 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1138 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1103 { 1139 {
1104 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1140 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1105 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1141 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1106 } 1142 }
1107 1143
1108 static void 1144 static void
1109 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1145 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1110 { 1146 {
1111 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1147 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1112 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1148 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1113 } 1149 }
1114 1150
1249Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1285Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1250readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1286readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1251attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1287attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1252 1288
1253 static void 1289 static void
1254 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1290 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1255 { 1291 {
1256 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1292 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1257 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1293 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1258 } 1294 }
1259 1295
1260 ... 1296 ...
1261 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1297 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1262 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1298 ev_io stdin_readable;
1263 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1299 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1264 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1300 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1265 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1301 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1266 1302
1267 1303
1278 1314
1279The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1315The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1280passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1316passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1281then order of execution is undefined. 1317then order of execution is undefined.
1282 1318
1319=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1320
1321Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1322recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1323you want to raise some error after a while.
1324
1325What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1326inefficient to smart and efficient.
1327
1328In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1329gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1330data or other life sign was received).
1331
1332=over 4
1333
1334=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1335
1336This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1337start the watcher:
1338
1339 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1340 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1341
1342Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1343and start it again:
1344
1345 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1346 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1347 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1348
1349This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1350some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1351data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1352still not a constant-time operation.
1353
1354=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1355
1356This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1357C<ev_timer_start>.
1358
1359To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1360of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1361successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1362you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1363the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1364
1365That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1366C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1367member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1368
1369At start:
1370
1371 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1372 timer->repeat = 60.;
1373 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1374
1375Each time there is some activity:
1376
1377 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1378
1379It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1380whether the watcher is active or not:
1381
1382 timer->repeat = 30.;
1383 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1384
1385This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1386you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1387remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1388
1389It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1390
1391=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1392
1393This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1394relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1395our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1396associated activity resets.
1397
1398In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1399but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1400within the callback:
1401
1402 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1403
1404 static void
1405 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1406 {
1407 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1408 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1409
1410 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1411 if (timeout < now)
1412 {
1413 // timeout occured, take action
1414 }
1415 else
1416 {
1417 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1418 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1419 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1420 w->again = timeout - now;
1421 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1422 }
1423 }
1424
1425To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1426as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1427been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1428the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1429re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1430a timeout then.
1431
1432Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1433C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1434
1435This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1436minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1437libev to change the timeout.
1438
1439To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1440to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1441callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1442
1443 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1444 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1445 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1446
1447And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1448C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1449
1450 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1451
1452This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1453time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1454
1455Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1456callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1457fix things for you.
1458
1459=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1460
1461If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1462employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1463do even better:
1464
1465When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1466at the I<end> of the list.
1467
1468Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1469the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1470
1471When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1472the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1473update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1474
1475This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1476starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1477complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1478ensures that the list stays sorted.
1479
1480=back
1481
1482So which method the best?
1483
1484Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1485situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1486better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1487one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1488
1489Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1490rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1491off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1492overkill :)
1493
1283=head3 The special problem of time updates 1494=head3 The special problem of time updates
1284 1495
1285Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1496Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1286least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1497least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1287time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1498time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1330If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1541If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1331 1542
1332If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1543If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1333C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1544C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1334 1545
1335This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1546This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1336example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1547usage example.
1337timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1338seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1339configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1340C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1341you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1342socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1343automatically restart it if need be.
1344
1345That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1346altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1347
1348 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1349 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1350 ...
1351 timer->again = 17.;
1352 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1353 ...
1354 timer->again = 10.;
1355 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1356
1357This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1358you want to modify its timeout value.
1359
1360Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1361time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1362callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1363some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1364timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1365 1548
1366=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1549=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1367 1550
1368The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1551The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1369or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1552or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1374=head3 Examples 1557=head3 Examples
1375 1558
1376Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1559Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1377 1560
1378 static void 1561 static void
1379 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1562 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1380 { 1563 {
1381 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1564 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1382 } 1565 }
1383 1566
1384 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1567 ev_timer mytimer;
1385 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1568 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1386 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1569 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1387 1570
1388Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1571Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1389inactivity. 1572inactivity.
1390 1573
1391 static void 1574 static void
1392 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1575 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1393 { 1576 {
1394 .. ten seconds without any activity 1577 .. ten seconds without any activity
1395 } 1578 }
1396 1579
1397 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1580 ev_timer mytimer;
1398 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1581 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1399 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1582 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1400 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1583 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1401 1584
1402 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1585 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1488 1671
1489If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1672If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1490it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 1673it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1491only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1674only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1492 1675
1493The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1676The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1494*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1677*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1495 1678
1679 static ev_tstamp
1496 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1680 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1497 { 1681 {
1498 return now + 60.; 1682 return now + 60.;
1499 } 1683 }
1500 1684
1501It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1685It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1538 1722
1539The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1723The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1540take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1724take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1541called. 1725called.
1542 1726
1543=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1727=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1544 1728
1545The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1729The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1546switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1730switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1547the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1731the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1548 1732
1553Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1737Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1554system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1738system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1555potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1739potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1556 1740
1557 static void 1741 static void
1558 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1742 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1559 { 1743 {
1560 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1744 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1561 } 1745 }
1562 1746
1563 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1747 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1564 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1748 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1565 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1749 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1566 1750
1567Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1751Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1568 1752
1569 #include <math.h> 1753 #include <math.h>
1570 1754
1571 static ev_tstamp 1755 static ev_tstamp
1572 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1756 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1573 { 1757 {
1574 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 1758 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1575 } 1759 }
1576 1760
1577 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1761 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1578 1762
1579Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1763Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1580 1764
1581 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1765 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1582 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1766 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1583 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1767 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1584 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1768 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1585 1769
1586 1770
1628=head3 Examples 1812=head3 Examples
1629 1813
1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 1814Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1631 1815
1632 static void 1816 static void
1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1817 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1634 { 1818 {
1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1819 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1636 } 1820 }
1637 1821
1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1822 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1823 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 1824 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1641 1825
1642 1826
1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1827=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1718its completion. 1902its completion.
1719 1903
1720 ev_child cw; 1904 ev_child cw;
1721 1905
1722 static void 1906 static void
1723 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1907 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1724 { 1908 {
1725 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1909 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1726 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1910 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1727 } 1911 }
1728 1912
1743 1927
1744 1928
1745=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1929=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1746 1930
1747This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1931This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1748C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1932C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1749compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1933and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1934it did.
1750 1935
1751The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1936The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1752not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1937not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1753not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1938not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1754otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1939otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1755the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1940the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1756 1941
1757The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1942The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
1943C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1758relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1944your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1759 1945
1760Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable 1946Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1761implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if 1947portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1762it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for 1948to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1763this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) 1949interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1764then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which 1950recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1765you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change 1951(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1766dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently 1952change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1767around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill. 1953currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1768 1954
1769This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1955This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1770as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1956as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1771resource-intensive. 1957resource-intensive.
1772 1958
1782support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1968support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1783structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1969structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1784use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1970use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1785compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1971compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1786obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1972obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1787most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 1973most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1788 1974
1789The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 1975The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1790file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 1976file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1791optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 1977optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1792to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 1978to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1793default compilation environment. 1979default compilation environment.
1794 1980
1795=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 1981=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1796 1982
1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1983When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1984only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1798available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1985implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1986change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1987lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1801 1988
1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1989Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1803except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1990except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1991making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1805there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling, 1992there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1810descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 1997descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1811etc. is difficult. 1998etc. is difficult.
1812 1999
1813=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2000=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1814 2001
1815The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2002The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1816even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still 2003and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1817only support whole seconds. 2004still only support whole seconds.
1818 2005
1819That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2006That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1820easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2007easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1821calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2008calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1822within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the 2009within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1979 2166
1980Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2167Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1981callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2168callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1982 2169
1983 static void 2170 static void
1984 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2171 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1985 { 2172 {
1986 free (w); 2173 free (w);
1987 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2174 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1988 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2175 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1989 } 2176 }
1990 2177
1991 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2178 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1992 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2179 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1993 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2180 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1994 2181
1995 2182
1996=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2183=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2077 2264
2078 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2265 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2079 static ev_timer tw; 2266 static ev_timer tw;
2080 2267
2081 static void 2268 static void
2082 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2269 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2083 { 2270 {
2084 } 2271 }
2085 2272
2086 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2273 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2087 static void 2274 static void
2088 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2275 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2089 { 2276 {
2090 int timeout = 3600000; 2277 int timeout = 3600000;
2091 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2278 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2092 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2279 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2093 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2280 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2108 } 2295 }
2109 } 2296 }
2110 2297
2111 // stop all watchers after blocking 2298 // stop all watchers after blocking
2112 static void 2299 static void
2113 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2300 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2114 { 2301 {
2115 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2302 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2116 2303
2117 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2304 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2118 { 2305 {
2286C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2473C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2287used). 2474used).
2288 2475
2289 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2476 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2290 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2477 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2291 struct ev_embed embed; 2478 ev_embed embed;
2292 2479
2293 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2480 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2294 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2481 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2295 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2482 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2296 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2483 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2310kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2497kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2311C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2498C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2312 2499
2313 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2500 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2314 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2501 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2315 struct ev_embed embed; 2502 ev_embed embed;
2316 2503
2317 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2504 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2318 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2505 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2319 { 2506 {
2320 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2507 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2461=over 4 2648=over 4
2462 2649
2463=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2650=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2464 2651
2465Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2652Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2466kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2653kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2467trust me. 2654trust me.
2468 2655
2469=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2656=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2470 2657
2471Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2658Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2502=over 4 2689=over 4
2503 2690
2504=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2691=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2505 2692
2506This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2693This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2507callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2694callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2508watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2695watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2509or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2696or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2510more watchers yourself. 2697more watchers yourself.
2511 2698
2512If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2699If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2513is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2700C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2514C<events> set will be created and started. 2701the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2515 2702
2516If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2703If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2517started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2704started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2518repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2705repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2519dubious value.
2520 2706
2521The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2707The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2522passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2708passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2523C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2709C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2524value passed to C<ev_once>: 2710value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2711a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2712events precedence.
2713
2714Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2525 2715
2526 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2716 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2527 { 2717 {
2718 if (revents & EV_READ)
2719 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2528 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2720 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2529 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2721 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2530 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2531 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2532 } 2722 }
2533 2723
2534 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2724 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2535 2725
2536=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2726=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2537 2727
2538Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2728Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2539had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2729had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2540initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2730initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2541 2731
2542=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2732=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2543 2733
2544Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2734Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2545the given events it. 2735the given events it.
2546 2736
2547=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2737=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2548 2738
2549Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2739Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2550loop!). 2740loop!).
2551 2741
2552=back 2742=back
2787=item D 2977=item D
2788 2978
2789Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2979Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2790be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 2980be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2791 2981
2982=item Ocaml
2983
2984Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2985L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2986
2792=back 2987=back
2793 2988
2794 2989
2795=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2990=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2796 2991
2896 3091
2897 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3092 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2898 #include "ev.h" 3093 #include "ev.h"
2899 3094
2900Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3095Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2901compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3096compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2902as a bug). 3097as a bug).
2903 3098
2904You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3099You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2905in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3100in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2906 3101
3378loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3573loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3379you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3574you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3380 3575
3381Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 3576Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3382C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 3577C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3383they do not clal any callbacks. 3578they do not call any callbacks.
3384 3579
3385=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 3580=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3386 3581
3387Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3582Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3388lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3583lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3422 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3617 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3423 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3618 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3424 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks. 3619 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3425 3620
3426Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables 3621Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3427is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak. 3622is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3428 3623
3429Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs 3624Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3430as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend, 3625as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3431although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be 3626although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3432confused. 3627confused.
3670=back 3865=back
3671 3866
3672 3867
3673=head1 AUTHOR 3868=head1 AUTHOR
3674 3869
3675Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3870Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3676 3871

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