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9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 20
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 23 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 25 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 42 }
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 105Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 106configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 107more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 108B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 109for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 110name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 111this argument.
110 112
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 113=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 114
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 115Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
276 278
277=back 279=back
278 280
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 281=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 282
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 283An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 284is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 285I<function>).
286
287The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
288supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
289not.
284 290
285=over 4 291=over 4
286 292
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 293=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 294
294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 300If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
295function. 301function.
296 302
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 303Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 304from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 305as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
300 306
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 307The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 308C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 309for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 310create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 386=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 387
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 388For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 389but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 390like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 391epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 392
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 393The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 394of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
395dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
396descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
397so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
398I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
399take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
400hard to detect.
401
402Epoll 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
404I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
405even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
406on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
407employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
408events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
389 409
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 410While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 411will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 412incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 413I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 414file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 415file descriptors.
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 416
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 417Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 418watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 419i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause 420starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead. 421extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
422as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
423take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
424
425All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
426faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
427the usage. So sad.
405 428
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 429While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
407all kernel versions tested so far. 430all kernel versions tested so far.
408 431
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 432This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 433C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411 434
412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 435=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
413 436
414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was 437Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with 438was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's 439with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless 440it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or 441is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD. 442without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
443"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
444C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
445system like NetBSD.
420 446
421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 447You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 448only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 449the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
424 450
425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 451It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 452kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 453course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 454cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 455two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 456sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
457cases
431 458
432This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 459This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
433 460
434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 461While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 462everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 463almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 464(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it, 465(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
439using it only for sockets. 466also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
440 467
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 468This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with 469C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>. 470C<NOTE_EOF>.
444 471
464might perform better. 491might perform better.
465 492
466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 493On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification 494notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 495in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends. 496OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
470 497
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 498This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 499C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
473 500
474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 501=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 554responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 555calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 556the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 557for example).
531 558
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 559Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 560handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 561as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 562
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 563In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 564rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 565pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 566C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
631the loop. 658the loop.
632 659
633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 660A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 661necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 662will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a 663be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 664user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop. 665iteration of the loop.
639 666
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 667This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 668with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 712C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 713C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
687 714
688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 715This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
689 716
717It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
718
690=item ev_ref (loop) 719=item ev_ref (loop)
691 720
692=item ev_unref (loop) 721=item ev_unref (loop)
693 722
694Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 723Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
708respectively). 737respectively).
709 738
710Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 739Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
711running when nothing else is active. 740running when nothing else is active.
712 741
713 struct ev_signal exitsig; 742 ev_signal exitsig;
714 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 743 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
715 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 744 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
716 evf_unref (loop); 745 evf_unref (loop);
717 746
718Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 747Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
766they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 795they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
767 796
768=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 797=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
769 798
770This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 799This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
771compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 800compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
772through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 801through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
773is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 802is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
774error and call C<abort ()>. 803error and call C<abort ()>.
775 804
776This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 805This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
780=back 809=back
781 810
782 811
783=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 812=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
784 813
814In 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
816watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
817
785A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 818A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
786interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 819interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
787become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 820become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
788 821
789 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 822 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
790 { 823 {
791 ev_io_stop (w); 824 ev_io_stop (w);
792 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 825 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
793 } 826 }
794 827
795 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 828 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
829
796 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 830 ev_io stdin_watcher;
831
797 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 832 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
798 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 833 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
799 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 834 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
835
800 ev_loop (loop, 0); 836 ev_loop (loop, 0);
801 837
802As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 838As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
803watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 839watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
804although this can sometimes be quite valid). 840stack).
841
842Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
843or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
805 844
806Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 845Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
807(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 846(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
808callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 847callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
809watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 848watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
810is readable and/or writable). 849is readable and/or writable).
811 850
812Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 851Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
813with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 852macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
814to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 853is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
815(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 854ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
816 855
817To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 856To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
818with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 857with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
819*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 858*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
820corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 859corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
821 860
822As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 861As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
823must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 862must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
824reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 863reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
825 864
826Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 865Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
827registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 866registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
828third argument. 867third argument.
829 868
892=item C<EV_ERROR> 931=item C<EV_ERROR>
893 932
894An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 933An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
895happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 934happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
896ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 935ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
936problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
937
897problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 938You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
898with the watcher being stopped. 939watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
940an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
941bug in your program.
899 942
900Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 943Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
901example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 944example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
902callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 945callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
903the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 946the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
906 949
907=back 950=back
908 951
909=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 952=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
910 953
911In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
912e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
913
914=over 4 954=over 4
915 955
916=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 956=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
917 957
918This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 958This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
923which rolls both calls into one. 963which rolls both calls into one.
924 964
925You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 965You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
926(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 966(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
927 967
928The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 968The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
929int revents)>. 969int revents)>.
930 970
931Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 971Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
932 972
933 ev_io w; 973 ev_io w;
967 1007
968 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1008 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
969 1009
970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1010=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
971 1011
972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1012Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1013the watcher was active or not).
1014
973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1015It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
974non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1016non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
975C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1017calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
976you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1018pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
977good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1019therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
978 1020
979=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1021=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
980 1022
981Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1023Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
982and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1024and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1024The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1066The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1025always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1067always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1026 1068
1027Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1069Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1028fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1070fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1029or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1071or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1030 1072
1031=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1073=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1032 1074
1033Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1075Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1034C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1076C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1056member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1098member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1057data: 1099data:
1058 1100
1059 struct my_io 1101 struct my_io
1060 { 1102 {
1061 struct ev_io io; 1103 ev_io io;
1062 int otherfd; 1104 int otherfd;
1063 void *somedata; 1105 void *somedata;
1064 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1106 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1065 }; 1107 };
1066 1108
1069 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1111 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1070 1112
1071And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1113And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1072can cast it back to your own type: 1114can cast it back to your own type:
1073 1115
1074 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1116 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1075 { 1117 {
1076 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1118 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1077 ... 1119 ...
1078 } 1120 }
1079 1121
1097programmers): 1139programmers):
1098 1140
1099 #include <stddef.h> 1141 #include <stddef.h>
1100 1142
1101 static void 1143 static void
1102 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1144 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1103 { 1145 {
1104 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1146 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1105 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1147 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1106 } 1148 }
1107 1149
1108 static void 1150 static void
1109 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1151 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1110 { 1152 {
1111 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1153 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1112 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1154 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1113 } 1155 }
1114 1156
1249Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1291Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1250readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1292readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1251attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1293attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1252 1294
1253 static void 1295 static void
1254 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1296 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1255 { 1297 {
1256 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1298 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1257 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1299 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1258 } 1300 }
1259 1301
1260 ... 1302 ...
1261 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1303 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1262 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1304 ev_io stdin_readable;
1263 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1305 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1264 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1306 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1265 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1307 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1266 1308
1267 1309
1278 1320
1279The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1321The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1280passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1322passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1281then order of execution is undefined. 1323then order of execution is undefined.
1282 1324
1325=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1326
1327Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1328recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1329you want to raise some error after a while.
1330
1331What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1332inefficient to smart and efficient.
1333
1334In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1335gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1336data or other life sign was received).
1337
1338=over 4
1339
1340=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1341
1342This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1343start the watcher:
1344
1345 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1346 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1347
1348Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1349and start it again:
1350
1351 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1352 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1353 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1354
1355This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1356some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1357data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1358still not a constant-time operation.
1359
1360=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1361
1362This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1363C<ev_timer_start>.
1364
1365To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1366of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1367successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1368you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1369the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1370
1371That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1372C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1373member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1374
1375At start:
1376
1377 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1378 timer->repeat = 60.;
1379 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1380
1381Each time there is some activity:
1382
1383 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1384
1385It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1386whether the watcher is active or not:
1387
1388 timer->repeat = 30.;
1389 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1390
1391This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1392you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1393remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1394
1395It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1396
1397=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1398
1399This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1400relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1401our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1402associated activity resets.
1403
1404In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1405but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1406within the callback:
1407
1408 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1409
1410 static void
1411 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1412 {
1413 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1414 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1415
1416 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1417 if (timeout < now)
1418 {
1419 // timeout occured, take action
1420 }
1421 else
1422 {
1423 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1424 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1425 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1426 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1427 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1428 }
1429 }
1430
1431To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1432as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1433been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1434the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1435re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1436a timeout then.
1437
1438Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1439C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1440
1441This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1442minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1443libev to change the timeout.
1444
1445To 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
1447callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1448
1449 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1450 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1451 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1452
1453And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1454C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1455
1456 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1457
1458This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1459time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1460
1461Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1462callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1463fix things for you.
1464
1465=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1466
1467If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1468employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1469do even better:
1470
1471When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1472at the I<end> of the list.
1473
1474Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1475the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1476
1477When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1478the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1479update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1480
1481This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1482starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1483complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1484ensures that the list stays sorted.
1485
1486=back
1487
1488So which method the best?
1489
1490Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1491situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1492better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1493one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1494
1495Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1496rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1497off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1498overkill :)
1499
1283=head3 The special problem of time updates 1500=head3 The special problem of time updates
1284 1501
1285Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1502Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1286least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1503least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1287time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1504time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1330If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1547If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1331 1548
1332If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1549If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1333C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1550C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1334 1551
1335This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1552This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1336example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1553usage example.
1337timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1338seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1339configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1340C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1341you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1342socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1343automatically restart it if need be.
1344
1345That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1346altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1347
1348 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1349 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1350 ...
1351 timer->again = 17.;
1352 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1353 ...
1354 timer->again = 10.;
1355 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1356
1357This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1358you want to modify its timeout value.
1359
1360Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1361time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1362callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1363some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1364timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1365 1554
1366=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1555=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1367 1556
1368The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1557The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1369or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1558or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1374=head3 Examples 1563=head3 Examples
1375 1564
1376Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1565Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1377 1566
1378 static void 1567 static void
1379 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1568 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1380 { 1569 {
1381 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1570 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1382 } 1571 }
1383 1572
1384 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1573 ev_timer mytimer;
1385 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1574 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1386 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1575 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1387 1576
1388Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1577Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1389inactivity. 1578inactivity.
1390 1579
1391 static void 1580 static void
1392 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1581 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1393 { 1582 {
1394 .. ten seconds without any activity 1583 .. ten seconds without any activity
1395 } 1584 }
1396 1585
1397 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1586 ev_timer mytimer;
1398 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1587 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1399 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1588 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1400 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1589 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1401 1590
1402 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1591 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1430 1619
1431=over 4 1620=over 4
1432 1621
1433=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1622=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1434 1623
1435=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1624=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1436 1625
1437Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1626Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1438operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 1627operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1439 1628
1440=over 4 1629=over 4
1482ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1671ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1483reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1672reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1484current time as second argument. 1673current time as second argument.
1485 1674
1486NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1675NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1487ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 1676ever, or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1488 1677
1489If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1678If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1490it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 1679it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1491only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1680only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1492 1681
1493The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1682The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1494*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1683*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1495 1684
1685 static ev_tstamp
1496 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1686 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1497 { 1687 {
1498 return now + 60.; 1688 return now + 60.;
1499 } 1689 }
1500 1690
1501It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1691It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1538 1728
1539The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1729The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1540take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1730take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1541called. 1731called.
1542 1732
1543=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1733=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1544 1734
1545The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1735The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1546switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1736switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1547the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1737the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1548 1738
1553Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1743Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1554system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1744system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1555potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1745potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1556 1746
1557 static void 1747 static void
1558 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1748 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1559 { 1749 {
1560 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1750 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1561 } 1751 }
1562 1752
1563 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1753 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1564 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1754 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1565 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1755 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1566 1756
1567Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1757Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1568 1758
1569 #include <math.h> 1759 #include <math.h>
1570 1760
1571 static ev_tstamp 1761 static ev_tstamp
1572 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1762 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1573 { 1763 {
1574 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 1764 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1575 } 1765 }
1576 1766
1577 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1767 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1578 1768
1579Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1769Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1580 1770
1581 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1771 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1582 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1772 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1583 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1773 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1584 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1774 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1585 1775
1586 1776
1625 1815
1626=back 1816=back
1627 1817
1628=head3 Examples 1818=head3 Examples
1629 1819
1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1820Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1631 1821
1632 static void 1822 static void
1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1823 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1634 { 1824 {
1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1825 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1636 } 1826 }
1637 1827
1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1828 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1829 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1830 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1641 1831
1642 1832
1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1833=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1644 1834
1645Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1835Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1718its completion. 1908its completion.
1719 1909
1720 ev_child cw; 1910 ev_child cw;
1721 1911
1722 static void 1912 static void
1723 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1913 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1724 { 1914 {
1725 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1915 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1726 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1916 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1727 } 1917 }
1728 1918
1743 1933
1744 1934
1745=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1935=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1746 1936
1747This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1937This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1748C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1938C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1749compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1939and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1940it did.
1750 1941
1751The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1942The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1752not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1943not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1753not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1944exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1754otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1945C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1755the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1946least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
1947contents.
1756 1948
1757The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1949The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
1950C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1758relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1951your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1759 1952
1760Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable 1953Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1761implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if 1954portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1762it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for 1955to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1763this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) 1956interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1764then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which 1957recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1765you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change 1958(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1766dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently 1959change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1767around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill. 1960currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1768 1961
1769This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1962This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1770as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1963as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1771resource-intensive. 1964resource-intensive.
1772 1965
1773At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented 1966At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1774is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as 1967is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1775an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way 1968exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1776of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue). 1969implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1777 1970
1778=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1971=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1779 1972
1780Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1973Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1781compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 1974compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1782support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1975support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1783structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1976structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1784use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1977use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1785compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1978compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1786obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1979obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1787most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 1980most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1788 1981
1789The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 1982The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1790file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 1983file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1791optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 1984optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1792to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 1985to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1793default compilation environment. 1986default compilation environment.
1794 1987
1795=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 1988=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1796 1989
1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1990When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1798available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1991runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1992inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1993watcher is being started.
1801 1994
1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1995Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1803except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1996except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1997making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1805there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling, 1998there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1806but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling. 1999but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2000many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2001a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2002xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1807 2003
1808There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2004There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1809implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2005implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1810descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 2006descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1811etc. is difficult. 2007etc. is difficult.
1812 2008
2009=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2010
2011Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2012the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2013()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2014
2015For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2016busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2017as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2018watcher).
2019
2020For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2021time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2022often takes multiple milliseconds.
2023
2024Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2025paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
2026
1813=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2027=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1814 2028
1815The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2029The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1816even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still 2030and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1817only support whole seconds. 2031still only support whole seconds.
1818 2032
1819That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2033That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1820easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2034easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1821calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2035calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1822within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the 2036within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1965 2179
1966=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2180=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1967 2181
1968=over 4 2182=over 4
1969 2183
1970=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2184=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1971 2185
1972Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2186Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1973kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2187kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1974believe me. 2188believe me.
1975 2189
1979 2193
1980Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2194Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1981callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2195callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1982 2196
1983 static void 2197 static void
1984 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2198 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1985 { 2199 {
1986 free (w); 2200 free (w);
1987 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2201 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1988 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2202 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1989 } 2203 }
1990 2204
1991 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2205 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1992 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2206 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1993 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2207 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1994 2208
1995 2209
1996=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2210=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2077 2291
2078 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2292 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2079 static ev_timer tw; 2293 static ev_timer tw;
2080 2294
2081 static void 2295 static void
2082 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2296 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2083 { 2297 {
2084 } 2298 }
2085 2299
2086 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2300 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2087 static void 2301 static void
2088 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2302 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2089 { 2303 {
2090 int timeout = 3600000; 2304 int timeout = 3600000;
2091 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2305 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2092 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2306 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2093 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2307 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2108 } 2322 }
2109 } 2323 }
2110 2324
2111 // stop all watchers after blocking 2325 // stop all watchers after blocking
2112 static void 2326 static void
2113 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2327 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2114 { 2328 {
2115 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2329 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2116 2330
2117 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2331 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2118 { 2332 {
2214some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 2428some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2215and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 2429and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2216this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all 2430this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2217the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2431the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2218 2432
2219As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2433As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2220there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2434time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2221call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2435must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2222their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2436sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2223loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2437C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2224to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2438to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2225embedded loop sweep.
2226 2439
2227As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2440You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2228callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2441will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2229set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2230interested in that.
2231 2442
2232Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2443Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2233when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2444is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2234but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2445embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2235yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 2446C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2236and future versions of libev might do just that.
2237 2447
2238Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 2448Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2239C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2449C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2240portable one. 2450portable one.
2241 2451
2242So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2452So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2243that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2453that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2244this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2454this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2245create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2455create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2456
2457=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2458
2459While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2460automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2461fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2462however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2463as applicable.
2246 2464
2247=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2465=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2248 2466
2249=over 4 2467=over 4
2250 2468
2278C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2496C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2279used). 2497used).
2280 2498
2281 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2499 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2282 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2500 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2283 struct ev_embed embed; 2501 ev_embed embed;
2284 2502
2285 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2503 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2286 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2504 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2287 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2505 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2288 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2506 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2302kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2520kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2303C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2521C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2304 2522
2305 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2523 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2306 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2524 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2307 struct ev_embed embed; 2525 ev_embed embed;
2308 2526
2309 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2527 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2310 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2528 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2311 { 2529 {
2312 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2530 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2376=over 4 2594=over 4
2377 2595
2378=item queueing from a signal handler context 2596=item queueing from a signal handler context
2379 2597
2380To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2598To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2381handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2599handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2382some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler: 2600an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2383 2601
2384 static ev_async mysig; 2602 static ev_async mysig;
2385 2603
2386 static void 2604 static void
2387 sigusr1_handler (void) 2605 sigusr1_handler (void)
2453=over 4 2671=over 4
2454 2672
2455=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2673=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2456 2674
2457Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2675Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2458kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2676kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2459trust me. 2677trust me.
2460 2678
2461=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2679=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2462 2680
2463Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2681Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2494=over 4 2712=over 4
2495 2713
2496=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2714=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2497 2715
2498This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2716This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2499callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2717callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2500watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2718watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2501or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2719or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2502more watchers yourself. 2720more watchers yourself.
2503 2721
2504If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2722If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2505is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2723C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2506C<events> set will be created and started. 2724the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2507 2725
2508If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2726If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2509started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2727started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2510repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2728repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2511dubious value.
2512 2729
2513The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2730The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2514passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2731passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2515C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2732C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2516value passed to C<ev_once>: 2733value 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
2735events precedence.
2736
2737Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2517 2738
2518 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2739 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2519 { 2740 {
2741 if (revents & EV_READ)
2742 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2520 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2743 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2521 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2744 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2522 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2523 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2524 } 2745 }
2525 2746
2526 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2747 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2527 2748
2528=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2749=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2529 2750
2530Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2751Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2531had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2752had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2532initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2753initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2533 2754
2534=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2755=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2535 2756
2536Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2757Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2537the given events it. 2758the given events it.
2538 2759
2539=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2760=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2540 2761
2541Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2762Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2542loop!). 2763loop!).
2543 2764
2544=back 2765=back
2665 } 2886 }
2666 2887
2667 myclass obj; 2888 myclass obj;
2668 ev::io iow; 2889 ev::io iow;
2669 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2890 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2891
2892=item w->set (object *)
2893
2894This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
2895
2896This 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
2898functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
2899the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
2900list.
2901
2902The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
2903int revents)>.
2904
2905See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2906
2907Example: use a functor object as callback.
2908
2909 struct myfunctor
2910 {
2911 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
2912 {
2913 ...
2914 }
2915 }
2916
2917 myfunctor f;
2918
2919 ev::io w;
2920 w.set (&f);
2670 2921
2671=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2922=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2672 2923
2673Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2924Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2674callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2925callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2774Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3025Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2775of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3026of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2776more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 3027more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2777L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3028L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2778 3029
3030Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3031makes rev work even on mingw.
3032
2779=item D 3033=item D
2780 3034
2781Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3035Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2782be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3036be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3037
3038=item Ocaml
3039
3040Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3041L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2783 3042
2784=back 3043=back
2785 3044
2786 3045
2787=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3046=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2888 3147
2889 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3148 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2890 #include "ev.h" 3149 #include "ev.h"
2891 3150
2892Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3151Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2893compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3152compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2894as a bug). 3153as a bug).
2895 3154
2896You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3155You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2897in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3156in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2898 3157
2954keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3213keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2955implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3214implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2956supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3215supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2957F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3216F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2958 3217
3218In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3219configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3220
2959=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3221=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2960 3222
2961If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3223If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2962monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use 3224monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2963of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3225use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2964usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3226you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2965the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3227when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2966to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3228to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2967function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3229function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2968 3230
2969=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3231=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2970 3232
2971If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3233If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2972real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at 3234real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2973runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3235at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2974be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3236option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2975(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3237by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2976note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3238correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3239C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3240C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3241
3242=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3243
3244If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3245of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3246exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3247unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3248programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3249theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3250the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3251higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2977 3252
2978=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3253=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2979 3254
2980If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3255If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2981and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3256and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2997 3272
2998=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3273=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2999 3274
3000If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3275If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
3001structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3276structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
3002C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on 3277C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
3003exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3278on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3004low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3279some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3005allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3280only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3006influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3281configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3007 3282
3008=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3283=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3009 3284
3010When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3285When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3011select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3286select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3298And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3573And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3299 3574
3300 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3575 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3301 #include "ev.c" 3576 #include "ev.c"
3302 3577
3578=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3303 3579
3304=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3580=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3305 3581
3306=head2 THREADS 3582=head3 THREADS
3307 3583
3308All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly 3584All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3309documented otherwise, but it uses no locking itself. This means that you 3585documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3310can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there are no 3586that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3311concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop parameter 3587are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3312(C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter, of 3588parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3313course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data 3589of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3314structures that need any locking. 3590structures that need any locking.
3315 3591
3316Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done 3592Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3317concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter 3593concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3318must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as 3594must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3358default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 3634default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3359watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 3635watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3360 3636
3361=back 3637=back
3362 3638
3363=head2 COROUTINES 3639=head3 COROUTINES
3364 3640
3365Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3641Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3366libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3642libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3367coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3643coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3368different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3644different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3369loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3645loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3370you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3646you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3371 3647
3372Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 3648Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3373C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine switches. 3649C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3650they do not call any callbacks.
3374 3651
3652=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3375 3653
3376=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3654Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3655lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3656scared by this.
3377 3657
3378In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3658However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3379libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3659has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3380documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3660warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3661targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3381 3662
3382All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3663Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3383extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3664workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3384happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3665maintainable.
3385mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3386it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3387 3666
3388=over 4 3667And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3668wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3669seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3670warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3671been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3672such buggy versions.
3389 3673
3390=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3674While 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
3676with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3677them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3678warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3391 3679
3392This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3393there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3394have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3395 3680
3396=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3681=head2 VALGRIND
3397 3682
3398That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3683Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3399as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3684highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3400 3685
3401=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3686If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3687in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3402 3688
3403These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3689 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3690 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3691 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3404 3692
3405=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3693Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3694is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3406 3695
3407=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3696Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3697as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3698although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3699confused.
3408 3700
3409These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3701Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3410correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3702make it into some kind of religion.
3411have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3412 3703
3413=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3704If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3705with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3706is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3707annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3708of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3414 3709
3415By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3710If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3416fixed position in the storage array. 3711I suggest using suppression lists.
3417 3712
3418=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3419 3713
3420A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3714=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3421libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3422on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3423 3715
3424=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3425
3426=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3427
3428Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3429priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3430linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3431watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3432
3433=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3434
3435=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3436
3437=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3438
3439Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3440calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3441involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3442
3443=back
3444
3445
3446=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 3716=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3447 3717
3448Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3718Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3449requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3719requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3450model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3720model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3451the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3721the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3538wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3808wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3539calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3809calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3540 3810
3541=back 3811=back
3542 3812
3543
3544=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3813=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3545 3814
3546In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3815In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3547additional extensions: 3816backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3548 3817
3549=over 4 3818=over 4
3550 3819
3551=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible 3820=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3552calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>. 3821calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3577except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3846except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3578well. 3847well.
3579 3848
3580=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3849=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3581 3850
3582To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3851To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3583internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3852instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3584non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3853systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3585is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3854least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3586millions of watchers. 3855watchers.
3587 3856
3588=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3857=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3589 3858
3590The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3859The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3591have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 3860have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3595=back 3864=back
3596 3865
3597If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3866If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3598 3867
3599 3868
3600=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 3869=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3601 3870
3602Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3871In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3603lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3872libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3604scared by this. 3873the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3605 3874
3606However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 3875All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3607has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 3876extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3608warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 3877happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3609targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 3878mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3879average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3610 3880
3611Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 3881=over 4
3612workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3613maintainable.
3614 3882
3615And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 3883=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3616wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3617seems to warn about).
3618 3884
3619While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 3885This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3620"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 3886there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3621with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 3887have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3622them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3623warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3624 3888
3889=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3625 3890
3626=head1 VALGRIND 3891That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3892as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3627 3893
3628Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3894=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3629highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3630 3895
3631If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3896These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3632in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3633 3897
3634 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3898=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3635 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3636 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3637 3899
3638Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3900=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3639valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3640might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3641 3901
3642If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3902These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3643with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3903correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3644a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3904have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3645no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind 3905is rare).
3646properly.
3647 3906
3648If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3907=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3649I suggest using suppression lists. 3908
3909By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3910fixed position in the storage array.
3911
3912=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3913
3914A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3915libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3916on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3917
3918=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3919
3920=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3921
3922Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3923priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3924linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3925watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3926
3927=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3928
3929=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3930
3931=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3932
3933Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3934calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3935involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3936
3937=back
3650 3938
3651 3939
3652=head1 AUTHOR 3940=head1 AUTHOR
3653 3941
3654Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3942Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3655 3943

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