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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
68 70
69The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
70web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
71time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
72 92
73Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
74file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
75these event sources and provide your program with events. 95these event sources and provide your program with events.
76 96
86=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
87 107
88Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
89BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
90for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
91(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
92with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
93(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
94watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
95C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
96file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
97(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
98 119
99It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
100L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
101for example). 122for example).
102 123
105Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
106configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
107more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
108B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
109for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
110name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
111this argument. 132this argument.
112 133
113=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
114 135
115Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
116(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
117the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
118called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
119to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
120it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
121component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
122throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
123 145
124=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
125 147
126Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
127and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
151 173
152=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
153 175
154Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
155C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
156you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
157 180
158=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
159 182
160Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
161either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
178as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
179compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
180not a problem. 203not a problem.
181 204
182Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
183version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
184 208
185 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
186 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
187 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
188 212
199 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
200 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
201 225
202=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
203 227
204Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
205recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
206returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
207most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
208(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
209libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
210 235
211=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
212 237
213Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
214is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
215might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
216C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
217recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
218 243
219See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
220 245
221=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
222 247
276 ... 301 ...
277 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
278 303
279=back 304=back
280 305
281=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
282 307
283An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
284is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
285I<function>). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
286 311
287The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
288supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
289not. 314do not.
290 315
291=over 4 316=over 4
292 317
293=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
294 319
295This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
296yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
297false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
298flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
299 330
300If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
301function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
302 333
303Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
304from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
305as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
306 338
307The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
308C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
309for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
310create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
311can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
312C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
313 363
314The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
315backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
316 366
317The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
332useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
333around bugs. 383around bugs.
334 384
335=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
336 386
337Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
338a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
339enabling this flag.
340 389
341This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
342and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
343iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
344GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
350flag. 399flag.
351 400
352This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
353environment variable. 402environment variable.
354 403
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them.
419
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
423
355=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
356 425
357This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
358libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
359but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 428but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
383This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 452This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
384C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 453C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
385 454
386=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
387 456
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels).
459
388For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
389but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
390like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
391epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
392 464
393The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
394of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
395dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
396descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
470(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
397so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4710.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
398I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 472forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
399take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 473set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
400hard to detect. 474and is of course hard to detect.
401 475
402Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 476Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
403of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 477of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
404I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 478I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
405even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 479even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
406on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 480on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
407employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 481employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
408events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 482events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
483not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
484perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
485
486Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
409 487
410While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 488While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
411will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 489will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
412incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 490incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
413I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 491I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
506 584
507It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 585It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
508 586
509=back 587=back
510 588
511If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 589If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
512backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 590then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
513specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 591here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
514 592()> will be tried.
515Example: This is the most typical usage.
516
517 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
518 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
519
520Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
521environment settings to be taken into account:
522
523 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
524
525Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
526used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
527private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
528fds):
529
530 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
531
532=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
533
534Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
535always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
536handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
537undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
538
539Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
540libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
541default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
542 593
543Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 594Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
544 595
545 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 596 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
546 if (!epoller) 597 if (!epoller)
547 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 598 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
548 599
600Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
601used if available.
602
603 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
604
549=item ev_default_destroy () 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
550 606
551Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 607Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
552etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 608etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
553sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 609sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
554responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 610responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
555calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 611calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
556the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 612the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
558 614
559Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 615Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
560handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 616handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
561as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 617as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
562 618
563In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 619This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
564rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 620C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
621C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
622
623Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
624except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
565pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 625If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
566C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 626and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
567 627
568=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 628=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
569 629
570Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
571earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
572
573=item ev_default_fork ()
574
575This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 630This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
576to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 631reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
577name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 632name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
578the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 633the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
579sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 634child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
580functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 635
636Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
637a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
638because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
639during fork.
581 640
582On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 641On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
583process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 642process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
584you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 643you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
644call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
645difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
646costly reset of the backend).
585 647
586The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 648The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
587it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 649it just in case after a fork.
588quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
589 650
651Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
652using pthreads.
653
654 static void
655 post_fork_child (void)
656 {
657 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
658 }
659
660 ...
590 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 661 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
591
592=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
593
594Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
595C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
596after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
597entirely your own problem.
598 662
599=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 663=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
600 664
601Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 665Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
602otherwise. 666otherwise.
603 667
604=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 668=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
605 669
606Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 670Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
607the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 671to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
608happily wraps around with enough iterations. 672and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
609 673
610This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 674This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
611"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 675"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
612C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 676C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
677prepare and check phases.
678
679=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
680
681Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
682times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
683
684Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
685C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
686in which case it is higher.
687
688Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
689etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
690ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
613 691
614=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 692=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
615 693
616Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 694Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
617use. 695use.
626 704
627=item ev_now_update (loop) 705=item ev_now_update (loop)
628 706
629Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 707Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
630returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 708returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
631is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 709is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
632 710
633This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 711This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
634very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 712very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
635the current time is a good idea. 713the current time is a good idea.
636 714
637See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 715See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
638 716
717=item ev_suspend (loop)
718
719=item ev_resume (loop)
720
721These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
722loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
723
724A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
725the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
726would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
727the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
728in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
729C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
730
731Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
732between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
733will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
734occurred while suspended).
735
736After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
737given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
738without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
739
740Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
741event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
742
639=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 743=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
640 744
641Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 745Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
642after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 746after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
643events. 747handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
748the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
749is why event loops are called I<loops>.
644 750
645If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 751If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
646either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 752until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
753called.
647 754
648Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 755Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
649relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 756relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
650finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 757finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
651that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 758that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
652of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 759of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
653beauty. 760beauty.
654 761
655A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 762A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
656those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 763those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
657process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 764block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
658the loop. 765iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
766events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
659 767
660A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 768A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
661necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 769necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
662will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 770will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
663be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 771be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
664user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 772user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
665iteration of the loop. 773iteration of the loop.
666 774
667This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 775This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
668with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 776with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
669own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 777own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
670usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 778usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
671 779
672Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 780Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
673 781
782 - Increment loop depth.
783 - Reset the ev_break status.
674 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 784 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
785 LOOP:
675 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 786 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
676 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 787 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
677 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 788 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
789 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
678 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 790 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
679 as to not disturb the other process. 791 as to not disturb the other process.
680 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 792 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
681 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 793 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
682 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 794 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
683 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 795 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
684 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 796 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
685 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 797 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
798 - Increment loop iteration counter.
686 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 799 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
687 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 800 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
688 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 801 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
689 - Queue all expired timers. 802 - Queue all expired timers.
690 - Queue all expired periodics. 803 - Queue all expired periodics.
691 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 804 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
692 - Queue all check watchers. 805 - Queue all check watchers.
693 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 806 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
694 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 807 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
695 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 808 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
696 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 809 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
697 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 810 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
698 continue with step *. 811 continue with step LOOP.
812 FINISH:
813 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
814 - Decrement the loop depth.
815 - Return.
699 816
700Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 817Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
701anymore. 818anymore.
702 819
703 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 820 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
704 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 821 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
705 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 822 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
706 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 823 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
707 824
708=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 825=item ev_break (loop, how)
709 826
710Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 827Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
711has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 828has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
712C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 829C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
713C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 830C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
714 831
715This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 832This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
716 833
717It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 834It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
718 835
719=item ev_ref (loop) 836=item ev_ref (loop)
720 837
721=item ev_unref (loop) 838=item ev_unref (loop)
722 839
723Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 840Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
724loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 841loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
725count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 842count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
726 843
727If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 844This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
728from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 845unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
846returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
729stopping it. 847before stopping it.
730 848
731As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 849As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
732not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 850is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
733if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 851exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
734way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 852excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
735libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 853third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
736(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 854before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
737respectively). 855before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
856(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
857in the callback).
738 858
739Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 859Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
740running when nothing else is active. 860running when nothing else is active.
741 861
742 ev_signal exitsig; 862 ev_signal exitsig;
743 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 863 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
744 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 864 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
771 891
772By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 892By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
773time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 893time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
774at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 894at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
775C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 895C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
776introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 896introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
897sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
898once per this interval, on average.
777 899
778Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 900Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
779to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 901to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
780latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 902latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
781later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 903later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
783 905
784Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 906Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
785interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 907interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
786interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 908interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
787usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 909usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
788as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 910as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
911you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
912parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
913need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
914then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
789 915
790Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 916Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
791saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 917saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
792are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 918are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
793times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 919times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
794reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 920reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
795they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 921they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
796 922
923Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
924more often than 100 times per second:
925
926 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
927 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
928
929=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
930
931This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
932pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
933but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
934function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
935when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
936event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
937thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
938
939=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
940
941Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
942are pending.
943
944=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
945
946This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
947invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
948this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
949invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
950
951If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
952callback.
953
954=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
955
956Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
957can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
958each call to a libev function.
959
960However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
961to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
962loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
963I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
964
965When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
966suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
967afterwards.
968
969Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
970C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
971
972While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
973C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
974modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
975have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
976waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
977to take note of any changes you made.
978
979In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
980invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
981
982See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
983document.
984
985=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
986
987=item ev_userdata (loop)
988
989Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
990C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
991C<0.>
992
993These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
994and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
995C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
996any other purpose as well.
997
797=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 998=item ev_verify (loop)
798 999
799This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1000This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
800compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1001compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
801through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1002through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
802is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1003is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
813 1014
814In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1015In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
815watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1016watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
816watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1017watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
817 1018
818A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1019A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
819interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1020your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
820become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1021to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1022for that:
821 1023
822 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1024 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
823 { 1025 {
824 ev_io_stop (w); 1026 ev_io_stop (w);
825 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1027 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
826 } 1028 }
827 1029
828 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1030 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
829 1031
830 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1032 ev_io stdin_watcher;
831 1033
832 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1034 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
833 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1035 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
834 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1036 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
835 1037
836 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1038 ev_run (loop, 0);
837 1039
838As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1040As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
839watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1041watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
840stack). 1042stack).
841 1043
842Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1044Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
843or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1045or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
844 1046
845Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1047Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
846(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1048*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
847callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1049invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
848watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1050time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
849is readable and/or writable). 1051and/or writable).
850 1052
851Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1053Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
852macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1054macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
853is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1055is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
854ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1056ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
877=item C<EV_WRITE> 1079=item C<EV_WRITE>
878 1080
879The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1081The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
880writable. 1082writable.
881 1083
882=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1084=item C<EV_TIMER>
883 1085
884The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1086The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
885 1087
886=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1088=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
887 1089
905 1107
906=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1108=item C<EV_PREPARE>
907 1109
908=item C<EV_CHECK> 1110=item C<EV_CHECK>
909 1111
910All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1112All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
911to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1113to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
912C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1114C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
913received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1115received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
914many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1116many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
915(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1117(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
916C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1118C<ev_run> from blocking).
917 1119
918=item C<EV_EMBED> 1120=item C<EV_EMBED>
919 1121
920The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1122The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
921 1123
922=item C<EV_FORK> 1124=item C<EV_FORK>
923 1125
924The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1126The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
925C<ev_fork>). 1127C<ev_fork>).
926 1128
1129=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1130
1131The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1132
927=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1133=item C<EV_ASYNC>
928 1134
929The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1135The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1136
1137=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1138
1139Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1140by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
930 1141
931=item C<EV_ERROR> 1142=item C<EV_ERROR>
932 1143
933An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1144An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
934happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1145happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
972 1183
973 ev_io w; 1184 ev_io w;
974 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1185 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
975 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1186 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
976 1187
977=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1188=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
978 1189
979This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1190This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
980call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1191call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
981call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1192call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
982macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1193macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
995 1206
996Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1207Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
997 1208
998 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1209 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
999 1210
1000=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1211=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1001 1212
1002Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1213Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1003events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1214events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1004 1215
1005Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1216Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1006whole section. 1217whole section.
1007 1218
1008 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1219 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1009 1220
1010=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1221=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1011 1222
1012Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1223Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1013the watcher was active or not). 1224the watcher was active or not).
1014 1225
1015It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1226It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1040=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1251=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1041 1252
1042Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1253Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1043(modulo threads). 1254(modulo threads).
1044 1255
1045=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1256=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1046 1257
1047=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1258=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1048 1259
1049Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1260Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1050integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1261integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1051(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1262(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1052before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1263before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1053from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1264from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1054 1265
1055This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1056invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1057example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1058watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1059
1060If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1266If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1061you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1267you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1062 1268
1063You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1269You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1064pending. 1270pending.
1065
1066The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1067always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1068 1271
1069Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1272Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1070fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1273fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1071or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1274or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1275
1276The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1277always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1278
1279See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1280priorities.
1072 1281
1073=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1282=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1074 1283
1075Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1284Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1076C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1285C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1084watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1293watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1085 1294
1086Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1295Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1087callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1296callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1088 1297
1298=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1299
1300Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1301had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1302initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1303not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1304
1305Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1306C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1307not started in the first place.
1308
1309See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1310functions that do not need a watcher.
1311
1089=back 1312=back
1090
1091 1313
1092=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1314=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1093 1315
1094Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1316Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1095and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1317and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1141 #include <stddef.h> 1363 #include <stddef.h>
1142 1364
1143 static void 1365 static void
1144 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1366 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1145 { 1367 {
1146 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1368 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1147 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1369 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1148 } 1370 }
1149 1371
1150 static void 1372 static void
1151 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1373 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1152 { 1374 {
1153 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1375 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1154 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1376 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1155 } 1377 }
1378
1379=head2 WATCHER STATES
1380
1381There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1382active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1383transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1384rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1385
1386=over 4
1387
1388=item initialiased
1389
1390Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1391initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1392C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1393
1394In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1395in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1396
1397=item started/running/active
1398
1399Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1400property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1401this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1402freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1403and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1404
1405=item pending
1406
1407If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1408in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1409stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1410about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1411callback.
1412
1413The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1414an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1415is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1416but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1417moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1418previous item still apply.
1419
1420It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1421via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1422active.
1423
1424=item stopped
1425
1426A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1427be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1428latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1429of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1430freeing it is often a good idea.
1431
1432While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1433initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1434you wish.
1435
1436=back
1437
1438=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1439
1440Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1441integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1442between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1443
1444In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1445description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1446range.
1447
1448There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1449by event loops:
1450
1451In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1452of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1453watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1454
1455The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1456callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1457watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1458before polling for new events.
1459
1460Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1461except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1462
1463The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1464watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1465libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1466their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1467common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1468priority ones.
1469
1470Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1471watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1472C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1473timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1474other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1475handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1476the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1477handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1478always, what you want).
1479
1480Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1481will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1482received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1483required.
1484
1485For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1486you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1487the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1488processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1489continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1490the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1491workable.
1492
1493Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1494miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1495it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1496idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1497the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1498
1499Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1500priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1501other events are pending:
1502
1503 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1504 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1505
1506 static void
1507 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1508 {
1509 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1510 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1511 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1512
1513 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1514 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1515 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1516 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1517 }
1518
1519 static void
1520 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1521 {
1522 // actual processing
1523 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1524
1525 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1526 // we have handled the event
1527 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1528 }
1529
1530 // initialisation
1531 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1532 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1533 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1534
1535In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1536low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1537enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1538during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1539important ones.
1156 1540
1157 1541
1158=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1542=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1159 1543
1160This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1544This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1186descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1570descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1187required if you know what you are doing). 1571required if you know what you are doing).
1188 1572
1189If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1573If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1190known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1574known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1191C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1575C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1576descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1577files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1192 1578
1193Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1579Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1194receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1580receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1195be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1581be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1196because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1582because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1261 1647
1262So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1648So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1263ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1649ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1264somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1650somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1265 1651
1652=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1653
1654Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1655found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1656connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1657
1658For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1659of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1660rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1661the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1662typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1663
1664Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1665operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1666situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1667cope with overload is known (to me).
1668
1669One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1670- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1671situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1672event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1673
1674A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1675C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1676messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1677what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1678the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1679usage.
1680
1681If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1682descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1683when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1684close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1685clients under typical overload conditions.
1686
1687The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1688is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1689opportunity for a DoS attack.
1266 1690
1267=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1691=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1268 1692
1269=over 4 1693=over 4
1270 1694
1302 ... 1726 ...
1303 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1727 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1304 ev_io stdin_readable; 1728 ev_io stdin_readable;
1305 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1729 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1306 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1730 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1307 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1731 ev_run (loop, 0);
1308 1732
1309 1733
1310=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1734=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1311 1735
1312Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1736Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1317year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1741year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1318detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1742detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1319monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1743monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1320 1744
1321The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1745The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1322passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1746passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1323then order of execution is undefined. 1747might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1748same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1749before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1750no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1324 1751
1325=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1752=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1326 1753
1327Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1754Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1328recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1755recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1372C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat> 1799C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1373member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1800member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1374 1801
1375At start: 1802At start:
1376 1803
1377 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1804 ev_init (timer, callback);
1378 timer->repeat = 60.; 1805 timer->repeat = 60.;
1379 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1806 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1380 1807
1381Each time there is some activity: 1808Each time there is some activity:
1382 1809
1414 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1841 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1415 1842
1416 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1843 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1417 if (timeout < now) 1844 if (timeout < now)
1418 { 1845 {
1419 // timeout occured, take action 1846 // timeout occurred, take action
1420 } 1847 }
1421 else 1848 else
1422 { 1849 {
1423 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1850 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1424 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1851 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1444 1871
1445To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1872To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1446to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1873to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1447callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1874callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1448 1875
1449 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1876 ev_init (timer, callback);
1450 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1877 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1451 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1878 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1452 1879
1453And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1880And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1454C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1881C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1455 1882
1456 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1883 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1457 1884
1458This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1885This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1459time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1886time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1460 1887
1461Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1888Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1499 1926
1500=head3 The special problem of time updates 1927=head3 The special problem of time updates
1501 1928
1502Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1929Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1503least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1930least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1504time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1931time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1505growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1932growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1506lots of events in one iteration. 1933lots of events in one iteration.
1507 1934
1508The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1935The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1509time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1936time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1515 1942
1516If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1943If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1517update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1944update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1518()>. 1945()>.
1519 1946
1947=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1948
1949When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1950can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1951
1952Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1953all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1954to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1955system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1956was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1957towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1958clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1959long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1960be adjusted accordingly.
1961
1962I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1963operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1964
1965The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1966time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1967is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1968then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1969will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1970use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1971
1972It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1973and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1974deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1975C<SIGSTOP>).
1976
1520=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1977=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1521 1978
1522=over 4 1979=over 4
1523 1980
1524=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1981=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1547If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2004If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1548 2005
1549If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2006If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1550C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2007C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1551 2008
1552This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a 2009This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1553usage example. 2010usage example.
2011
2012=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2013
2014Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2015then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2016the timeout value currently configured.
2017
2018That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2019C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2020will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2021roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2022too), and so on.
1554 2023
1555=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2024=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1556 2025
1557The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2026The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1558or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2027or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1584 } 2053 }
1585 2054
1586 ev_timer mytimer; 2055 ev_timer mytimer;
1587 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2056 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1588 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2057 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1589 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2058 ev_run (loop, 0);
1590 2059
1591 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2060 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1592 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2061 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1593 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2062 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1594 2063
1596=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 2065=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1597 2066
1598Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2067Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1599(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2068(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1600 2069
1601Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 2070Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1602but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 2071relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1603to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 2072(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1604periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 2073difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1605+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 2074time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1606clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 2075wrist-watch).
1607to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1608roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1609 2076
2077You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2078in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
2079seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
2080not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
2081year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
2082C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2083it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2084
1610C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 2085C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1611such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 2086timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1612complicated rules. 2087other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
2088those cannot react to time jumps.
1613 2089
1614As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2090As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1615time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 2091point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1616during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 2092timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2093earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2094(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1617 2095
1618=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2096=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1619 2097
1620=over 4 2098=over 4
1621 2099
1622=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2100=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1623 2101
1624=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 2102=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1625 2103
1626Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 2104Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1627operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 2105operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1628 2106
1629=over 4 2107=over 4
1630 2108
1631=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2109=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1632 2110
1633In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 2111In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1634time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 2112time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1635jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 2113time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1636only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 2114will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2115this point in time.
1637 2116
1638=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2117=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1639 2118
1640In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2119In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1641C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2120C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1642and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2121negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2122argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1643 2123
1644This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 2124This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1645system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 2125system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1646hour, on the hour: 2126hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1647 2127
1648 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2128 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1649 2129
1650This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2130This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1651but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 2131but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1652full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 2132full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1653by 3600. 2133by 3600.
1654 2134
1655Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2135Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1656C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2136C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1657time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2137time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1658 2138
1659For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2139For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1660C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2140C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1661this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2141this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1662 2142
1663Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2143Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1664speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2144speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1665will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2145will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1666millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2146millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1667 2147
1668=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2148=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1669 2149
1670In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2150In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1671ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2151ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1672reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2152reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1673current time as second argument. 2153current time as second argument.
1674 2154
1675NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2155NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1676ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2156or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2157allowed by documentation here>.
1677 2158
1678If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2159If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1679it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 2160it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1680only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2161only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1681 2162
1711a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2192a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1712program when the crontabs have changed). 2193program when the crontabs have changed).
1713 2194
1714=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2195=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1715 2196
1716When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2197When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1717trigger next. 2198to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2199C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2200rescheduling modes.
1718 2201
1719=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2202=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1720 2203
1721When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2204When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1722absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2205absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2206although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1723 2207
1724Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2208Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1725timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2209timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1726 2210
1727=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2211=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1743Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2227Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1744system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2228system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1745potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2229potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1746 2230
1747 static void 2231 static void
1748 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2232 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1749 { 2233 {
1750 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2234 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1751 } 2235 }
1752 2236
1753 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2237 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1779Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2263Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1780signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2264signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1781will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2265will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1782normal event processing, like any other event. 2266normal event processing, like any other event.
1783 2267
1784If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2268If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1785do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2269C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1786C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2270the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2271synchronously wake up an event loop.
1787 2272
1788You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2273You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2274only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2275default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2276C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2277the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2278
1789first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2279When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1790with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2280with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1791you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2281you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1792the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1793signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1794 2282
1795If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2283If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1796C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2284C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1797interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2285not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1798signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2286interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1799them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2287and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2288
2289=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2290
2291Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2292(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2293stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2294and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2295
2296While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2297sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2298C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2299certain signals to be blocked.
2300
2301This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2302the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2303choice usually).
2304
2305The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2306to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2307catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2308
2309In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2310unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2311the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2312I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2313
2314So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2315you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2316is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1800 2317
1801=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2318=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1802 2319
1803=over 4 2320=over 4
1804 2321
1820Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2337Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1821 2338
1822 static void 2339 static void
1823 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2340 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1824 { 2341 {
1825 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2342 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1826 } 2343 }
1827 2344
1828 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2345 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1829 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2346 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1830 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2347 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1836some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2353some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1837exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child 2354exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1838has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2355has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1839as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e., 2356as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1840forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2357forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1841but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2358but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1842not. 2359in the next callback invocation is not.
1843 2360
1844Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2361Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1845you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2362you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1846 2363
2364Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2365handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2366libev)
2367
1847=head3 Process Interaction 2368=head3 Process Interaction
1848 2369
1849Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2370Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1850initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2371initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1851the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2372first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1852of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2373of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1853synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2374synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1854children, even ones not watched. 2375children, even ones not watched.
1855 2376
1856=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2377=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1866=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2387=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1867 2388
1868Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2389Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1869child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2390child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1870callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2391callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1871when a child exit is detected. 2392when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2393problem).
1872 2394
1873=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2395=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1874 2396
1875=over 4 2397=over 4
1876 2398
2179 2701
2180=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2702=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2181 2703
2182=over 4 2704=over 4
2183 2705
2184=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2706=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2185 2707
2186Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2708Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
2187kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2709kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2188believe me. 2710believe me.
2189 2711
2202 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2724 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2203 } 2725 }
2204 2726
2205 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2727 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2206 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2728 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2207 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2729 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2208 2730
2209 2731
2210=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2732=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2211 2733
2212Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2734Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2213prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2735prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2214afterwards. 2736afterwards.
2215 2737
2216You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2738You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2217the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2739the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2218watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2740watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2219rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2741rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2220those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2742those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2221C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2743C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2305 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2827 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2306 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2828 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2307 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2829 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2308 2830
2309 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2831 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2310 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2832 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2311 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2833 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2312 2834
2313 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2835 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2314 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2836 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2315 { 2837 {
2389 2911
2390 if (timeout >= 0) 2912 if (timeout >= 0)
2391 // create/start timer 2913 // create/start timer
2392 2914
2393 // poll 2915 // poll
2394 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2916 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2395 2917
2396 // stop timer again 2918 // stop timer again
2397 if (timeout >= 0) 2919 if (timeout >= 0)
2398 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2920 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2399 2921
2477if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2999if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2478 3000
2479=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3001=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2480 3002
2481Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3003Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2482similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3004similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2483appropriate way for embedded loops. 3005appropriate way for embedded loops.
2484 3006
2485=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3007=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2486 3008
2487The embedded event loop. 3009The embedded event loop.
2545event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3067event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2546and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3068and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2547C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3069C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2548handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3070handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2549 3071
3072=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3073
3074Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3075up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3076sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3077
3078This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3079in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3080fork.
3081
3082The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3083forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3084when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3085
3086When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3087wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3088supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3089process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3090
3091The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3092simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3093use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3094memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3095disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3096signal watchers).
3097
3098When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3099other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3100C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3101Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3102watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3103those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3104signal watchers.
3105
2550=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3106=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2551 3107
2552=over 4 3108=over 4
2553 3109
2554=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3110=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2555 3111
2556Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3112Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2557kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3113kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2558believe me. 3114really.
2559 3115
2560=back 3116=back
2561 3117
2562 3118
3119=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3120
3121Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3122by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3123
3124While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3125watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3126program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3127loop when you want them to be invoked.
3128
3129Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3130all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3131makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3132can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3133
3134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3135
3136=over 4
3137
3138=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3139
3140Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3141any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3142pointless, I assure you.
3143
3144=back
3145
3146Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3147cleanup functions are called.
3148
3149 static void
3150 program_exits (void)
3151 {
3152 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3153 }
3154
3155 ...
3156 atexit (program_exits);
3157
3158
2563=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3159=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2564 3160
2565In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3161In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2566asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3162asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2567loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3163loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2568 3164
2569Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3165Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2570control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3166for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2571C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3167watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2572can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3168it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2573safe.
2574 3169
2575This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3170This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2576too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3171too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2577(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3172(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2578C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3173C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2583=head3 Queueing 3178=head3 Queueing
2584 3179
2585C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3180C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2586is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3181is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2587multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3182multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2588need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3183need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3184semantics.
2589 3185
2590That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3186That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2591queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3187queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2592queue: 3188queue:
2593 3189
2682an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3278an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2683C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3279C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2684similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3280similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2685section below on what exactly this means). 3281section below on what exactly this means).
2686 3282
3283Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3284compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3285is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3286reset when the event loop detects that).
3287
2687This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3288This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2688so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3289iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2689calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3290repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2690 3291
2691=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3292=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2692 3293
2693Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3294Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2694watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3295watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2697C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3298C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2698the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 3299the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2699it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 3300it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2700quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 3301quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2701 3302
2702Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3303Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2703whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3304only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3305is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3306notification, and the callback being invoked.
2704 3307
2705=back 3308=back
2706 3309
2707 3310
2708=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3311=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2725 3328
2726If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3329If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2727started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3330started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2728repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3331repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2729 3332
2730The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3333The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2731passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3334passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2732C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3335C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2733value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3336value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2734a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3337a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2735events precedence. 3338events precedence.
2736 3339
2737Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3340Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2738 3341
2739 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3342 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2740 { 3343 {
2741 if (revents & EV_READ) 3344 if (revents & EV_READ)
2742 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3345 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2743 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3346 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2744 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3347 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2745 } 3348 }
2746 3349
2747 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3350 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2748 3351
2749=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2750
2751Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2752had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2753initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2754
2755=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3352=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2756 3353
2757Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3354Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2758the given events it. 3355the given events it.
2759 3356
2760=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3357=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2761 3358
2762Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3359Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2763loop!). 3360loop!).
2764 3361
2765=back 3362=back
2845 3442
2846=over 4 3443=over 4
2847 3444
2848=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3445=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2849 3446
2850=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3447=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2851 3448
2852=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3449=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2853 3450
2854The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3451The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2855with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3452with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2888 myclass obj; 3485 myclass obj;
2889 ev::io iow; 3486 ev::io iow;
2890 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3487 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2891 3488
2892=item w->set (object *) 3489=item w->set (object *)
2893
2894This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
2895 3490
2896This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3491This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
2897will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3492will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
2898functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3493functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
2899the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3494the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
2932Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3527Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2933 3528
2934 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3529 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2935 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3530 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2936 3531
2937=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3532=item w->set (loop)
2938 3533
2939Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3534Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2940do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3535do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2941 3536
2942=item w->set ([arguments]) 3537=item w->set ([arguments])
2943 3538
2944Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3539Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
2945called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3540method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
2946automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3541C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
2947method. 3542when reconfiguring it with this method.
2948 3543
2949=item w->start () 3544=item w->start ()
2950 3545
2951Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3546Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2952constructor already stores the event loop. 3547constructor already stores the event loop.
2953 3548
3549=item w->start ([arguments])
3550
3551Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3552convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3553the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3554
2954=item w->stop () 3555=item w->stop ()
2955 3556
2956Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3557Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2957 3558
2958=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3559=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
2970 3571
2971=back 3572=back
2972 3573
2973=back 3574=back
2974 3575
2975Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3576Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
2976the constructor. 3577watchers in the constructor.
2977 3578
2978 class myclass 3579 class myclass
2979 { 3580 {
2980 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3581 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3582 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2981 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3583 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2982 3584
2983 myclass (int fd) 3585 myclass (int fd)
2984 { 3586 {
2985 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3587 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3588 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
2986 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3589 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2987 3590
2988 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3591 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3592 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3593
3594 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
2989 } 3595 }
2990 }; 3596 };
2991 3597
2992 3598
2993=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3599=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3012L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3618L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3013 3619
3014=item Python 3620=item Python
3015 3621
3016Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3622Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3017seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the 3623seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3018patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
3019for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
3020libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
3021libev).
3022 3624
3023=item Ruby 3625=item Ruby
3024 3626
3025Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3627Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3026of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3628of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3028L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3630L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3029 3631
3030Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190> 3632Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3031makes rev work even on mingw. 3633makes rev work even on mingw.
3032 3634
3635=item Haskell
3636
3637A haskell binding to libev is available at
3638L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3639
3033=item D 3640=item D
3034 3641
3035Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3642Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3036be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3643be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3037 3644
3038=item Ocaml 3645=item Ocaml
3039 3646
3040Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3647Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3041L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3648L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3649
3650=item Lua
3651
3652Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3653time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3654L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3042 3655
3043=back 3656=back
3044 3657
3045 3658
3046=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3659=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3060loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3673loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3061C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3674C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3062 3675
3063 ev_unref (EV_A); 3676 ev_unref (EV_A);
3064 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3677 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3065 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3678 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3066 3679
3067It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3680It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3068which is often provided by the following macro. 3681which is often provided by the following macro.
3069 3682
3070=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3683=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3110 } 3723 }
3111 3724
3112 ev_check check; 3725 ev_check check;
3113 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3726 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3114 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3727 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3115 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3728 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3116 3729
3117=head1 EMBEDDING 3730=head1 EMBEDDING
3118 3731
3119Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3732Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3120applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3733applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3200 libev.m4 3813 libev.m4
3201 3814
3202=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3815=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3203 3816
3204Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3817Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3205define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3818define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3206autoconf is documented for every option. 3819the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3820
3821Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3822values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3823to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3824to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3825users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3826settings.
3207 3827
3208=over 4 3828=over 4
3209 3829
3830=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3831
3832Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3833release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3834have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3835
3836You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3837versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3838sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3839from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3840typedef in that case.
3841
3842In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3843and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3844removed completely.
3845
3210=item EV_STANDALONE 3846=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3211 3847
3212Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3848Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3213keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3849keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3214implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3850implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3215supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3851supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3216F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3852F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3217 3853
3218In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3854In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3219configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3855configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3220 3856
3221=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3857=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3222 3858
3223If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3859If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3288be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3924be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3289C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3925C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3290it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3926it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3291on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3927on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3292 3928
3293=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3929=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3294 3930
3295If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3931If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3296file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3932file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3297default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3933default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3298correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3934correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3299in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3935in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3936
3937=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3938
3939If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3940using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3941their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3942to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3943
3944=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3945
3946If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3947macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3948file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3949the underlying OS handle.
3300 3950
3301=item EV_USE_POLL 3951=item EV_USE_POLL
3302 3952
3303If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3953If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3304backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3954backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3351as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4001as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3352 4002
3353In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4003In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3354(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4004(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3355 4005
3356=item EV_H 4006=item EV_H (h)
3357 4007
3358The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4008The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3359undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4009undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3360used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4010used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3361 4011
3362=item EV_CONFIG_H 4012=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3363 4013
3364If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4014If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3365F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4015F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3366C<EV_H>, above. 4016C<EV_H>, above.
3367 4017
3368=item EV_EVENT_H 4018=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3369 4019
3370Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4020Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3371of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4021of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3372 4022
3373=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4023=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3374 4024
3375If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4025If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3376prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4026prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3377occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4027occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3378around libev functions. 4028around libev functions.
3400fine. 4050fine.
3401 4051
3402If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4052If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3403both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4053both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3404 4054
3405=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4055=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4056EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4057EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3406 4058
3407If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4059If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3408defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4060the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3409code. 4061is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3410 4062
3411=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4063=item EV_FEATURES
3412
3413If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3414defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3415code.
3416
3417=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3418
3419If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3420defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3421watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3422
3423=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3424
3425If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3426defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3427
3428=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3429
3430If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3431defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3432
3433=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3434
3435If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3436defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3437
3438=item EV_MINIMAL
3439 4064
3440If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4065If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3441speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4066speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3442inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4067certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3443much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4068that can be enabled on the platform.
4069
4070A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4071with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4072additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4073but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4074backend, use this:
4075
4076 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4077 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4078 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4079 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4080 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4081
4082The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4083values:
4084
4085=over 4
4086
4087=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4088
4089Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4090
4091Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4092code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4093
4094When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4095gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4096assertions.
4097
4098=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4099
4100Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4101hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4102and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4103runtime.
4104
4105=item C<4> - full API configuration
4106
4107This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4108enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4109
4110=item C<8> - full API
4111
4112This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4113details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4114feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4115
4116=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4117
4118Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4119only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4120embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4121C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4122
4123=item C<32> - enable all backends
4124
4125This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4126least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4127
4128=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4129
4130Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4131default.
4132
4133=back
4134
4135Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4136reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4137code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4138watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4139
4140With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4141when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4142your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4143I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4144
4145=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4146
4147If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4148functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4149somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4150libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4151big.
4152
4153Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4154enabled.
4155
4156=item EV_NSIG
4157
4158The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4159signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4160automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4161specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4162good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4163statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3444 4164
3445=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4165=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3446 4166
3447C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4167C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3448pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4168pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3449than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4169usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3450increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4170might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3451 4171
3452=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4172=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3453 4173
3454C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4174C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3455inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4175inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3456usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4176disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3457watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4177C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3458two). 4178power of two).
3459 4179
3460=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4180=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3461 4181
3462Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4182Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3463timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4183timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3464to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4184to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3465faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4185faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3466 4186
3467The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4187The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3468(disabled). 4188will be C<0>.
3469 4189
3470=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4190=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3471 4191
3472Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4192Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3473timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4193timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3474the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4194the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3475which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4195which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3476but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4196but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3477noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4197noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3478 4198
3479The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4199The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3480(disabled). 4200will be C<0>.
3481 4201
3482=item EV_VERIFY 4202=item EV_VERIFY
3483 4203
3484Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4204Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3485be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4205be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3486in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4206in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3487called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4207called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3488called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4208called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3489verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4209verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3490libev considerably. 4210libev considerably.
3491 4211
3492The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4212The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3493C<0>. 4213will be C<0>.
3494 4214
3495=item EV_COMMON 4215=item EV_COMMON
3496 4216
3497By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4217By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3498this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4218this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3499members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4219members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3500though, and it must be identical each time. 4220though, and it must be identical each time.
3501 4221
3502For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4222For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3503 4223
3556file. 4276file.
3557 4277
3558The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4278The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3559that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4279that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3560 4280
3561 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4281 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3562 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4282 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3563 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3564 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4283 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4284 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3565 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4285 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3566 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4286 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4287 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3567 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4288 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3568 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3569 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3570 4289
3571 #include "ev++.h" 4290 #include "ev++.h"
3572 4291
3573And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4292And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3574 4293
3634default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4353default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3635watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4354watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3636 4355
3637=back 4356=back
3638 4357
4358=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4359
4360Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4361thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4362created/added/removed.
4363
4364For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4365which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4366languages).
4367
4368The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4369variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4370event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4371
4372First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4373
4374 typedef struct {
4375 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4376 ev_async async_w;
4377 thread_t tid;
4378 cond_t invoke_cv;
4379 } userdata;
4380
4381 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4382 {
4383 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4384 static userdata u;
4385
4386 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4387 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4388
4389 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4390 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4391
4392 // now associate this with the loop
4393 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4394 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4395 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4396
4397 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4398 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4399 }
4400
4401The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4402solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4403that might have been added:
4404
4405 static void
4406 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4407 {
4408 // just used for the side effects
4409 }
4410
4411The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4412protecting the loop data, respectively.
4413
4414 static void
4415 l_release (EV_P)
4416 {
4417 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4418 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4419 }
4420
4421 static void
4422 l_acquire (EV_P)
4423 {
4424 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4425 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4426 }
4427
4428The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4429into C<ev_run>:
4430
4431 void *
4432 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4433 {
4434 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4435
4436 l_acquire (EV_A);
4437 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4438 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4439 l_release (EV_A);
4440
4441 return 0;
4442 }
4443
4444Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4445signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4446writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4447have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4448and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4449watchers is very beneficial):
4450
4451 static void
4452 l_invoke (EV_P)
4453 {
4454 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4455
4456 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4457 {
4458 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4459 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4460 }
4461 }
4462
4463Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4464will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4465thread to continue:
4466
4467 static void
4468 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4469 {
4470 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4471
4472 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4473 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4474 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4475 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4476 }
4477
4478Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4479event loop, you will now have to lock:
4480
4481 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4482 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4483
4484 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4485
4486 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4487 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4488 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4489 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4490
4491Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4492an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4493about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4494watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4495
3639=head3 COROUTINES 4496=head3 COROUTINES
3640 4497
3641Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4498Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3642libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4499libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3643coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4500coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3644different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4501different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3645loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4502the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3646you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4503that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3647 4504
3648Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4505Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3649C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4506C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3650they do not call any callbacks. 4507they do not call any callbacks.
3651 4508
3652=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4509=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3653 4510
3654Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4511Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3665maintainable. 4522maintainable.
3666 4523
3667And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4524And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3668wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4525wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3669seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4526seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3670warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4527warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3671been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4528been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3672such buggy versions. 4529such buggy versions.
3673 4530
3674While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4531While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3675"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4532"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3711I suggest using suppression lists. 4568I suggest using suppression lists.
3712 4569
3713 4570
3714=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4571=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3715 4572
4573=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4574
4575GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4576interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4577
4578That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4579files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4580
4581Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4582by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4583standard libev compiled for their system.
4584
4585Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4586suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4587i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4588
4589=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4590
4591The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4592you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4593OpenGL drivers.
4594
4595=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4596
4597The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4598only sockets, many support pipes.
4599
4600Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4601rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4602loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4603probably going to work well.
4604
4605=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4606
4607Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4608implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4609release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4610
4611Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4612this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4613a loop.
4614
4615=head3 C<select> is buggy
4616
4617All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4618one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4619descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4620you use more.
4621
4622There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4623C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4624work on OS/X.
4625
4626=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4627
4628=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4629
4630The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4631thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4632without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4633defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4634
4635If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4636it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4637
4638=head3 Event port backend
4639
4640The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4641ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4642releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4643a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4644and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4645are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4646great.
4647
4648If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4649the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4650C<select> backends.
4651
4652=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4653
4654AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4655this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4656compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4657with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4658
3716=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4659=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4660
4661=head3 General issues
3717 4662
3718Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4663Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3719requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4664requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3720model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4665model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3721the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4666the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3722descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4667descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3723e.g. cygwin. 4668e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4669as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4670environment.
3724 4671
3725Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4672Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3726re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4673re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3727things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4674then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3728way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4675also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3729 4676
3730There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4677There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3731embedding it into other applications. 4678embedding it into other applications.
4679
4680Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4681tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3732 4682
3733Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4683Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3734accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4684accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3735either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4685either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3736so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 4686so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3741the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4691the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3742is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4692is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3743more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4693more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3744different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4694different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3745notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4695notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3746(Microsoft monopoly games). 4696(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3747 4697
3748A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4698A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3749section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead 4699section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3750of F<ev.h>: 4700of F<ev.h>:
3751 4701
3758you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4708you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3759 4709
3760 #include "evwrap.h" 4710 #include "evwrap.h"
3761 #include "ev.c" 4711 #include "ev.c"
3762 4712
3763=over 4
3764
3765=item The winsocket select function 4713=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3766 4714
3767The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4715The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3768requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4716requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3769also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4717also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3770requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4718requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3779 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4727 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3780 4728
3781Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4729Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3782complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4730complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3783 4731
3784=item Limited number of file descriptors 4732=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3785 4733
3786Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4734Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3787 4735
3788Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4736Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3789of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4737of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3790can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4738can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3791recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4739recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3792previous thread in each. Great). 4740previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3793 4741
3794Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4742Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3795to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4743to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3796call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4744call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3797select emulation on windows). 4745other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3798 4746
3799Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4747Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3800libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4748libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3801or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4749fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3802C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4750by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3803arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4751(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3804libraries.
3805
3806This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4752runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3807windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4753(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3808wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4754you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3809calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4755the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3810
3811=back
3812 4756
3813=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4757=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3814 4758
3815In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4759In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3816backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4760backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3823Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4767Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3824structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4768structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3825assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4769assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3826callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4770callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3827calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4771calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4772
4773=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4774
4775Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4776writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
3828 4777
3829=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4778=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3830 4779
3831The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4780The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3832C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4781C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3855watchers. 4804watchers.
3856 4805
3857=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4806=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3858 4807
3859The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4808The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3860have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4809have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
3861enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4810good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4811(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3862implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4812implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4813IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3863 4814
3864=back 4815=back
3865 4816
3866If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4817If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3867 4818
3935involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4886involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3936 4887
3937=back 4888=back
3938 4889
3939 4890
4891=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4892
4893The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4894
4895At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4896for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4897layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4898new API early than late.
4899
4900=over 4
4901
4902=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4903
4904The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4905C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4906section.
4907
4908=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4909
4910These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4911
4912 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4913 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4914
4915=item function/symbol renames
4916
4917A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4918
4919 ev_loop => ev_run
4920 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4921 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4922
4923 ev_unloop => ev_break
4924 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4925 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4926 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4927
4928 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4929
4930 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4931 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4932 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4933
4934Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4935C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4936associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4937ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4938as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4939C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4940typedef.
4941
4942=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4943
4944The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4945mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4946and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4947
4948=back
4949
4950
4951=head1 GLOSSARY
4952
4953=over 4
4954
4955=item active
4956
4957A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4958See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4959
4960=item application
4961
4962In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4963
4964=item backend
4965
4966The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4967
4968=item callback
4969
4970The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4971detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4972received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4973
4974=item callback/watcher invocation
4975
4976The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4977
4978=item event
4979
4980A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4981for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4982any other events happening anymore.
4983
4984In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4985C<EV_TIMER>).
4986
4987=item event library
4988
4989A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4990
4991=item event loop
4992
4993An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4994into callback invocations.
4995
4996=item event model
4997
4998The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4999watchers and events.
5000
5001=item pending
5002
5003A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5004detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5005
5006=item real time
5007
5008The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5009
5010=item wall-clock time
5011
5012The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5013be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5014clock.
5015
5016=item watcher
5017
5018A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5019to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5020
5021=back
5022
3940=head1 AUTHOR 5023=head1 AUTHOR
3941 5024
3942Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5025Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5026Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
3943 5027

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