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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
68 70
69The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
70web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
71time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
72 84
73Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
74file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
75these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
76 88
86=head2 FEATURES 98=head2 FEATURES
87 99
88Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
89BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
90for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
91(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 103(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
92with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 104inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
93(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 105timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
94watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 106(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
95C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 107change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
96file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 108loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
97(C<ev_fork>). 109C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
110limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
98 111
99It also is quite fast (see this 112It also is quite fast (see this
100L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 113L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
101for example). 114for example).
102 115
105Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 118Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
106configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 119configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
107more info about various configuration options please have a look at 120more info about various configuration options please have a look at
108B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 121B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
109for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 122for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
110name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 123name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
111this argument. 124this argument.
112 125
113=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
114 127
115Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
116(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
117the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
118called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
119to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
120it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134
121component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 135Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
122throughout libev. 136time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
123 137
124=head1 ERROR HANDLING 138=head1 ERROR HANDLING
125 139
126Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 140Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
127and internal errors (bugs). 141and internal errors (bugs).
151 165
152=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 166=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
153 167
154Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
155C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
156you actually want to know. 170you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
157 172
158=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
159 174
160Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
161either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
178as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
179compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
180not a problem. 195not a problem.
181 196
182Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
183version. 198version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
199such as LFS or reentrancy).
184 200
185 assert (("libev version mismatch", 201 assert (("libev version mismatch",
186 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 202 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
187 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 203 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
188 204
199 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 215 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
200 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 216 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
201 217
202=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 218=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
203 219
204Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 220Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
205recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 221also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
222descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
206returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 223C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
207most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 224and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
208(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 225you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
209libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 226probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
210 227
211=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 228=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
212 229
213Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 230Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
214is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 231value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
215might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 232current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
216C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 233the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
217recommended ones. 234& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
218 235
219See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 236See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
220 237
221=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 238=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
222 239
276 ... 293 ...
277 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
278 295
279=back 296=back
280 297
281=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
282 299
283An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
284is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
285I<function>). 302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
286 303
287The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 304The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
288supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops
289not. 306which do not.
290 307
291=over 4 308=over 4
292 309
293=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
294 311
295This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 312This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
296yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 313normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
297false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 314the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
298flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 315C<ev_loop_new>.
316
317If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
318returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
319C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
320flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
321one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
299 322
300If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 323If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
301function. 324function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
302 325
303Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 326Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
304from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 327from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
305as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 328that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
329threads anyway).
306 330
307The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 331The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
308C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 332and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
309for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 333a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
310create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 334C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
311can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 335C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
312C<ev_default_init>. 336
337Example: This is the most typical usage.
338
339 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
340 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
341
342Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
343environment settings to be taken into account:
344
345 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
346
347Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
348used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
349private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
350fds):
351
352 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
353
354=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
355
356This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
357could not be initialised, returns false.
358
359Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
360libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
361default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
313 362
314The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 363The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
315backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 364backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
316 365
317The following flags are supported: 366The following flags are supported:
332useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 381useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
333around bugs. 382around bugs.
334 383
335=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 384=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
336 385
337Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 386Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
338a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 387make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
339enabling this flag.
340 388
341This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 389This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
342and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 390and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
343iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 391iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
344GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 392GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
350flag. 398flag.
351 399
352This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 400This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
353environment variable. 401environment variable.
354 402
403=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
404
405When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
406I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
407testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
408otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
409
410=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
411
412When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
413I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
414delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
415it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
416handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
417threads that are not interested in handling them.
418
419Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
420there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
421example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
422
355=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 423=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
356 424
357This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 425This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
358libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 426libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
359but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 427but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
382 450
383This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 451This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
384C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 452C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
385 453
386=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 454=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
455
456Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
457kernels).
387 458
388For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 459For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
389but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 460but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
390like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 461like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
391epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 462epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
403of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 474of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
404I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 475I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
405even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 476even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
406on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 477on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
407employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 478employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
408events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 479events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
480not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
481perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
409 482
410While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 483While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
411will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 484will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
412incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 485incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
413I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 486I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
506 579
507It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 580It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
508 581
509=back 582=back
510 583
511If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 584If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
512backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 585then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
513specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 586here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
514 587()> will be tried.
515Example: This is the most typical usage.
516
517 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
518 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
519
520Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
521environment settings to be taken into account:
522
523 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
524
525Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
526used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
527private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
528fds):
529
530 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
531
532=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
533
534Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
535always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
536handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
537undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
538
539Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
540libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
541default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
542 588
543Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 589Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
544 590
545 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 591 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
546 if (!epoller) 592 if (!epoller)
547 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 593 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
548 594
549=item ev_default_destroy () 595=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
550 596
551Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 597Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
552etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 598etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
553sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 599sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
554responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 600responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
555calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 601calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
556the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 602the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
558 604
559Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 605Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
560handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 606handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
561as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 607as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
562 608
563In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 609This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
564rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 610C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
611C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
612
613Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
614except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
565pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 615If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
566C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 616and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
567 617
568=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 618=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
569 619
570Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
571earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
572
573=item ev_default_fork ()
574
575This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 620This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
576to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 621reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
577name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 622name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
578the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 623the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
579sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 624child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
580functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 625
626Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
627a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
628because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
629during fork.
581 630
582On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 631On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
583process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 632process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
584you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 633you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
634call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
635difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
636costly reset of the backend).
585 637
586The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 638The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
587it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 639it just in case after a fork.
588quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
589 640
641Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
642using pthreads.
643
644 static void
645 post_fork_child (void)
646 {
647 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
648 }
649
650 ...
590 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 651 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
591
592=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
593
594Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
595C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
596after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
597entirely your own problem.
598 652
599=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 653=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
600 654
601Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 655Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
602otherwise. 656otherwise.
603 657
604=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 658=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
605 659
606Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 660Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
607the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 661to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
608happily wraps around with enough iterations. 662and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
609 663
610This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 664This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
611"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 665"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
612C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 666C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
667prepare and check phases.
668
669=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
670
671Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
672times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
673
674Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
675C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
676in which case it is higher.
677
678Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
679etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
680ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
613 681
614=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 682=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
615 683
616Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 684Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
617use. 685use.
626 694
627=item ev_now_update (loop) 695=item ev_now_update (loop)
628 696
629Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 697Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
630returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 698returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
631is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 699is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
632 700
633This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 701This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
634very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 702very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
635the current time is a good idea. 703the current time is a good idea.
636 704
637See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 705See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
638 706
707=item ev_suspend (loop)
708
709=item ev_resume (loop)
710
711These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
712loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
713
714A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
715the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
716would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
717the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
718in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
719C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
720
721Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
722between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
723will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
724occurred while suspended).
725
726After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
727given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
728without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
729
730Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
731event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
732
639=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 733=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
640 734
641Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 735Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
642after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 736after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
643events. 737handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
738the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
739is why event loops are called I<loops>.
644 740
645If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 741If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
646either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 742until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
743called.
647 744
648Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 745Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
649relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 746relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
650finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 747finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
651that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 748that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
652of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 749of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
653beauty. 750beauty.
654 751
655A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 752A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
656those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 753those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
657process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 754block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
658the loop. 755iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
756events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
659 757
660A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 758A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
661necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 759necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
662will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 760will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
663be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 761be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
664user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 762user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
665iteration of the loop. 763iteration of the loop.
666 764
667This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 765This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
668with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 766with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
669own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 767own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
670usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 768usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
671 769
672Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 770Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
673 771
772 - Increment loop depth.
773 - Reset the ev_break status.
674 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 774 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
775 LOOP:
675 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 776 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
676 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 777 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
677 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 778 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
779 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
678 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 780 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
679 as to not disturb the other process. 781 as to not disturb the other process.
680 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 782 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
681 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 783 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
682 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 784 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
683 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 785 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
684 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 786 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
685 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 787 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
788 - Increment loop iteration counter.
686 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 789 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
687 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 790 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
688 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 791 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
689 - Queue all expired timers. 792 - Queue all expired timers.
690 - Queue all expired periodics. 793 - Queue all expired periodics.
691 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 794 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
692 - Queue all check watchers. 795 - Queue all check watchers.
693 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 796 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
694 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 797 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
695 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 798 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
696 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 799 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
697 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 800 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
698 continue with step *. 801 continue with step LOOP.
802 FINISH:
803 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
804 - Decrement the loop depth.
805 - Return.
699 806
700Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 807Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
701anymore. 808anymore.
702 809
703 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 810 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
704 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 811 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
705 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 812 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
706 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 813 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
707 814
708=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 815=item ev_break (loop, how)
709 816
710Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 817Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
711has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 818has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
712C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 819C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
713C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 820C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
714 821
715This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 822This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
716 823
717It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 824It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO##
718 825
719=item ev_ref (loop) 826=item ev_ref (loop)
720 827
721=item ev_unref (loop) 828=item ev_unref (loop)
722 829
723Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 830Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
724loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 831loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
725count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 832count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
726 833
727If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 834This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
728from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 835unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
836returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
729stopping it. 837before stopping it.
730 838
731As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 839As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
732not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 840is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
733if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 841exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
734way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 842excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
735libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 843third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
736(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 844before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
737respectively). 845before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
846(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
847in the callback).
738 848
739Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 849Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
740running when nothing else is active. 850running when nothing else is active.
741 851
742 ev_signal exitsig; 852 ev_signal exitsig;
743 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 853 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
744 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 854 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
771 881
772By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 882By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
773time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 883time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
774at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 884at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
775C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 885C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
776introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 886introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
887sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
888once per this interval, on average.
777 889
778Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 890Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
779to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 891to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
780latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 892latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
781later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 893later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
783 895
784Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 896Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
785interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 897interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
786interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 898interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
787usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 899usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
788as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 900as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
901you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
902parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
903need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
904then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
789 905
790Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 906Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
791saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 907saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
792are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 908are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
793times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 909times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
794reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 910reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
795they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 911they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
796 912
913Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
914more often than 100 times per second:
915
916 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
917 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
918
919=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
920
921This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
922pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
923but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
924function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
925when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
926event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
927thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
928
929=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
930
931Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
932are pending.
933
934=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
935
936This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
937invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
938this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
939invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
940
941If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
942callback.
943
944=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
945
946Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
947can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
948each call to a libev function.
949
950However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
951to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
952loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
953I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
954
955When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
956suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
957afterwards.
958
959Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
960C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
961
962While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
963C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
964modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
965have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
966waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
967to take note of any changes you made.
968
969In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
970invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
971
972See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
973document.
974
975=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
976
977=item ev_userdata (loop)
978
979Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
980C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
981C<0.>
982
983These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
984and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
985C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
986any other purpose as well.
987
797=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 988=item ev_verify (loop)
798 989
799This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 990This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
800compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 991compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
801through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 992through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
802is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 993is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
813 1004
814In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1005In 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 1006watcher 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. 1007watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
817 1008
818A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1009A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
819interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1010your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
820become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1011to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1012for that:
821 1013
822 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1014 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
823 { 1015 {
824 ev_io_stop (w); 1016 ev_io_stop (w);
825 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1017 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
826 } 1018 }
827 1019
828 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1020 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
829 1021
830 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1022 ev_io stdin_watcher;
831 1023
832 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1024 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
833 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1025 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
834 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1026 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
835 1027
836 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1028 ev_run (loop, 0);
837 1029
838As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1030As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
839watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1031watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
840stack). 1032stack).
841 1033
842Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1034Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
843or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1035or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
844 1036
845Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1037Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
846(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1038*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
847callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1039invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
848watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1040time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
849is readable and/or writable). 1041and/or writable).
850 1042
851Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1043Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
852macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1044macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
853is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1045is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
854ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1046ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
877=item C<EV_WRITE> 1069=item C<EV_WRITE>
878 1070
879The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1071The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
880writable. 1072writable.
881 1073
882=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1074=item C<EV_TIMER>
883 1075
884The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1076The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
885 1077
886=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1078=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
887 1079
905 1097
906=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1098=item C<EV_PREPARE>
907 1099
908=item C<EV_CHECK> 1100=item C<EV_CHECK>
909 1101
910All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1102All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
911to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1103to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
912C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1104C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
913received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1105received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
914many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1106many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
915(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1107(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
916C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1108C<ev_run> from blocking).
917 1109
918=item C<EV_EMBED> 1110=item C<EV_EMBED>
919 1111
920The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1112The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
921 1113
925C<ev_fork>). 1117C<ev_fork>).
926 1118
927=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1119=item C<EV_ASYNC>
928 1120
929The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1121The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1122
1123=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1124
1125Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1126by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
930 1127
931=item C<EV_ERROR> 1128=item C<EV_ERROR>
932 1129
933An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1130An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
934happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1131happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
947programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1144programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
948thing, so beware. 1145thing, so beware.
949 1146
950=back 1147=back
951 1148
1149=head2 WATCHER STATES
1150
1151There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1152active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1153transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1154rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1155
1156=over 4
1157
1158=item initialiased
1159
1160Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1161initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1162C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1163
1164In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1165in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1166
1167=item started/running/active
1168
1169Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1170property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1171this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1172freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1173and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1174
1175=item pending
1176
1177If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1178in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1179stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1180about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1181callback.
1182
1183The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1184an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1185is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1186but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1187moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1188previous item still apply.
1189
1190It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1191via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1192active.
1193
1194=item stopped
1195
1196A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1197be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1198latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1199of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1200freeing it is often a good idea.
1201
1202While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1203initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1204you wish.
1205
1206=back
1207
952=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1208=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
953 1209
954=over 4 1210=over 4
955 1211
956=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1212=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
972 1228
973 ev_io w; 1229 ev_io w;
974 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1230 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
975 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1231 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
976 1232
977=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1233=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
978 1234
979This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1235This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
980call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1236call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
981call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1237call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
982macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1238macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
995 1251
996Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1252Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
997 1253
998 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1254 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
999 1255
1000=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1256=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1001 1257
1002Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1258Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1003events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1259events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1004 1260
1005Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1261Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1006whole section. 1262whole section.
1007 1263
1008 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1264 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1009 1265
1010=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1266=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1011 1267
1012Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1268Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1013the watcher was active or not). 1269the watcher was active or not).
1014 1270
1015It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1271It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1040=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1296=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1041 1297
1042Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1298Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1043(modulo threads). 1299(modulo threads).
1044 1300
1045=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1301=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1046 1302
1047=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1303=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1048 1304
1049Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1305Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1050integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1306integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1051(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1307(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1052before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1308before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1053from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1309from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1054 1310
1055This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1056invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1057example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1058watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1059
1060If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1311If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1061you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1312you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1062 1313
1063You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1314You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1064pending. 1315pending.
1065
1066The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1067always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1068 1316
1069Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1317Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1070fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1318fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1071or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1319or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1320
1321The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1322always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1323
1324See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1325priorities.
1072 1326
1073=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1327=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1074 1328
1075Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1329Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1076C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1330C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1083returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1337returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1084watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1338watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1085 1339
1086Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1340Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1087callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1341callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1342
1343=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1344
1345Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1346had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1347initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1348not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1349
1350Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1351C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1352not started in the first place.
1353
1354See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1355functions that do not need a watcher.
1088 1356
1089=back 1357=back
1090 1358
1091 1359
1092=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1141 #include <stddef.h> 1409 #include <stddef.h>
1142 1410
1143 static void 1411 static void
1144 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1412 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1145 { 1413 {
1146 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1147 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1148 } 1416 }
1149 1417
1150 static void 1418 static void
1151 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1419 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1152 { 1420 {
1153 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1421 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1154 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1422 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1155 } 1423 }
1424
1425=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1426
1427Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1428integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1429between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1430
1431In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1432description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1433range.
1434
1435There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1436by event loops:
1437
1438In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1439of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1440watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1441
1442The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1443callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1444watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1445before polling for new events.
1446
1447Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1448except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1449
1450The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1451watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1452libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1453their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1454common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1455priority ones.
1456
1457Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1458watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1459C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1460timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1461other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1462handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1463the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1464handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1465always, what you want).
1466
1467Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1468will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1469received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1470required.
1471
1472For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1473you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1474the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1475processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1476continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1477the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1478workable.
1479
1480Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1481miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1482it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1483idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1484the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1485
1486Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1487priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1488other events are pending:
1489
1490 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1491 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1492
1493 static void
1494 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1495 {
1496 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1497 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1498 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1499
1500 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1501 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1502 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1503 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1504 }
1505
1506 static void
1507 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1508 {
1509 // actual processing
1510 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1511
1512 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1513 // we have handled the event
1514 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1515 }
1516
1517 // initialisation
1518 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1519 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1520 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1521
1522In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1523low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1524enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1525during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1526important ones.
1156 1527
1157 1528
1158=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1529=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1159 1530
1160This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1531This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1186descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1557descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1187required if you know what you are doing). 1558required if you know what you are doing).
1188 1559
1189If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1560If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1190known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1561known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1191C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1562C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1563descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1564files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1192 1565
1193Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1566Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1194receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1567receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1195be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1568be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1196because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1569because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1261 1634
1262So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1635So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1263ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1636ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1264somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1637somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1265 1638
1639=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1640
1641Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1642found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1643connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1644
1645For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1646of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1647rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1648the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1649typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1650
1651Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1652operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1653situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1654cope with overload is known (to me).
1655
1656One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1657- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1658situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1659event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1660
1661A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1662C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1663messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1664what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1665the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1666usage.
1667
1668If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1669descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1670when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1671close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1672clients under typical overload conditions.
1673
1674The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1675is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1676opportunity for a DoS attack.
1266 1677
1267=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1678=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1268 1679
1269=over 4 1680=over 4
1270 1681
1302 ... 1713 ...
1303 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1714 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1304 ev_io stdin_readable; 1715 ev_io stdin_readable;
1305 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1716 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1306 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1717 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1307 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1718 ev_run (loop, 0);
1308 1719
1309 1720
1310=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1721=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1311 1722
1312Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1723Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1317year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1728year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1318detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1729detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1319monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1730monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1320 1731
1321The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1732The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1322passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1733passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1323then order of execution is undefined. 1734might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1735same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1736before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1737no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1324 1738
1325=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1739=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1326 1740
1327Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1741Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1328recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1742recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1372C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat> 1786C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1373member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1787member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1374 1788
1375At start: 1789At start:
1376 1790
1377 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1791 ev_init (timer, callback);
1378 timer->repeat = 60.; 1792 timer->repeat = 60.;
1379 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1793 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1380 1794
1381Each time there is some activity: 1795Each time there is some activity:
1382 1796
1414 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1828 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1415 1829
1416 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1830 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1417 if (timeout < now) 1831 if (timeout < now)
1418 { 1832 {
1419 // timeout occured, take action 1833 // timeout occurred, take action
1420 } 1834 }
1421 else 1835 else
1422 { 1836 {
1423 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1837 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1424 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1838 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1444 1858
1445To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1859To 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 1860to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1447callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1861callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1448 1862
1449 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1863 ev_init (timer, callback);
1450 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1864 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1451 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1865 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1452 1866
1453And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1867And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1454C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1868C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1455 1869
1456 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1870 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1457 1871
1458This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1872This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1459time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1873time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1460 1874
1461Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1875Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1499 1913
1500=head3 The special problem of time updates 1914=head3 The special problem of time updates
1501 1915
1502Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1916Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1503least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1917least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1504time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1918time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1505growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1919growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1506lots of events in one iteration. 1920lots of events in one iteration.
1507 1921
1508The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1922The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1509time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1923time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1515 1929
1516If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1930If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1517update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1931update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1518()>. 1932()>.
1519 1933
1934=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1935
1936When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1937can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1938
1939Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1940all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1941to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1942system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1943was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1944towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1945clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1946long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1947be adjusted accordingly.
1948
1949I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1950operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1951
1952The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1953time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1954is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1955then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1956will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1957use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1958
1959It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1960and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1961deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1962C<SIGSTOP>).
1963
1520=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1964=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1521 1965
1522=over 4 1966=over 4
1523 1967
1524=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1968=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1547If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1991If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1548 1992
1549If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1993If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1550C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1994C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1551 1995
1552This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a 1996This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1553usage example. 1997usage example.
1998
1999=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2000
2001Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2002then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2003the timeout value currently configured.
2004
2005That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2006C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2007will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2008roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2009too), and so on.
1554 2010
1555=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2011=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1556 2012
1557The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2013The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1558or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2014or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1584 } 2040 }
1585 2041
1586 ev_timer mytimer; 2042 ev_timer mytimer;
1587 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2043 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1588 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2044 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1589 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2045 ev_run (loop, 0);
1590 2046
1591 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2047 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1592 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2048 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1593 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2049 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1594 2050
1596=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 2052=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1597 2053
1598Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2054Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1599(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2055(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1600 2056
1601Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 2057Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1602but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 2058relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1603to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 2059(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1604periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 2060difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1605+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 2061time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1606clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 2062wrist-watch).
1607to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1608roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1609 2063
2064You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2065in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
2066seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
2067not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
2068year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
2069C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2070it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2071
1610C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 2072C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1611such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 2073timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1612complicated rules. 2074other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
2075those cannot react to time jumps.
1613 2076
1614As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2077As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1615time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 2078point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1616during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 2079timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2080earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2081(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1617 2082
1618=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2083=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1619 2084
1620=over 4 2085=over 4
1621 2086
1622=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2087=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1623 2088
1624=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2089=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1625 2090
1626Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 2091Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1627operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 2092operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1628 2093
1629=over 4 2094=over 4
1630 2095
1631=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2096=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1632 2097
1633In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 2098In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1634time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 2099time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1635jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 2100time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1636only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 2101will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2102this point in time.
1637 2103
1638=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2104=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1639 2105
1640In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2106In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1641C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2107C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1642and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2108negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2109argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1643 2110
1644This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 2111This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1645system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 2112system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1646hour, on the hour: 2113hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1647 2114
1648 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2115 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1649 2116
1650This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2117This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1651but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 2118but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1652full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 2119full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1653by 3600. 2120by 3600.
1654 2121
1655Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2122Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1656C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2123C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1657time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2124time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1658 2125
1659For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2126For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1660C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2127C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1661this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2128this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1662 2129
1663Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2130Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1664speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2131speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1665will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2132will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1666millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2133millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1667 2134
1668=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2135=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1669 2136
1670In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2137In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1671ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2138ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1672reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2139reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1673current time as second argument. 2140current time as second argument.
1674 2141
1675NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2142NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1676ever, or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2143or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2144allowed by documentation here>.
1677 2145
1678If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2146If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1679it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 2147it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1680only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2148only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1681 2149
1711a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2179a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1712program when the crontabs have changed). 2180program when the crontabs have changed).
1713 2181
1714=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2182=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1715 2183
1716When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2184When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1717trigger next. 2185to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2186C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2187rescheduling modes.
1718 2188
1719=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2189=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1720 2190
1721When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2191When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1722absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2192absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2193although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1723 2194
1724Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2195Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1725timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2196timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1726 2197
1727=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2198=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1743Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2214Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1744system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2215system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1745potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2216potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1746 2217
1747 static void 2218 static void
1748 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2219 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1749 { 2220 {
1750 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2221 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1751 } 2222 }
1752 2223
1753 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2224 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1779Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2250Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1780signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2251signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1781will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2252will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1782normal event processing, like any other event. 2253normal event processing, like any other event.
1783 2254
1784If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2255If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1785do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2256C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1786C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2257the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2258synchronously wake up an event loop.
1787 2259
1788You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2260You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2261only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2262default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2263C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2264the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2265
1789first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2266When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1790with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2267with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1791you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2268you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1792the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1793signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1794 2269
1795If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2270If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1796C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2271C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1797interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2272not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1798signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2273interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1799them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2274and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2275
2276=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2277
2278Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2279(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2280stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2281and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2282
2283While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2284sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2285C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2286certain signals to be blocked.
2287
2288This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2289the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2290choice usually).
2291
2292The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2293to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2294catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2295
2296In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2297unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2298the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2299I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2300
2301So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2302you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2303is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1800 2304
1801=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1802 2306
1803=over 4 2307=over 4
1804 2308
1820Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2324Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1821 2325
1822 static void 2326 static void
1823 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2327 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1824 { 2328 {
1825 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2329 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1826 } 2330 }
1827 2331
1828 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2332 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1829 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2333 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1830 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2334 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1836some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2340some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1837exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child 2341exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1838has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2342has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1839as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e., 2343as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1840forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2344forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1841but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2345but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1842not. 2346in the next callback invocation is not.
1843 2347
1844Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2348Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1845you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2349you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1846 2350
2351Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2352handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2353libev)
2354
1847=head3 Process Interaction 2355=head3 Process Interaction
1848 2356
1849Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2357Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1850initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2358initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1851the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2359first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1852of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2360of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1853synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2361synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1854children, even ones not watched. 2362children, even ones not watched.
1855 2363
1856=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2364=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1866=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2374=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1867 2375
1868Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2376Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1869child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2377child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1870callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2378callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1871when a child exit is detected. 2379when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2380problem).
1872 2381
1873=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2382=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1874 2383
1875=over 4 2384=over 4
1876 2385
2202 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2711 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2203 } 2712 }
2204 2713
2205 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2714 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2206 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2715 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2207 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2716 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2208 2717
2209 2718
2210=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2719=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2211 2720
2212Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2721Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2213prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2722prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2214afterwards. 2723afterwards.
2215 2724
2216You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2725You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2217the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2726the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2218watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2727watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2219rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2728rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2220those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2729those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2221C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2730C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2305 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2814 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2306 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2815 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2307 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2816 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2308 2817
2309 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2818 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2310 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2819 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2311 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2820 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2312 2821
2313 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2822 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2314 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2823 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2315 { 2824 {
2389 2898
2390 if (timeout >= 0) 2899 if (timeout >= 0)
2391 // create/start timer 2900 // create/start timer
2392 2901
2393 // poll 2902 // poll
2394 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2903 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2395 2904
2396 // stop timer again 2905 // stop timer again
2397 if (timeout >= 0) 2906 if (timeout >= 0)
2398 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2907 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2399 2908
2477if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2986if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2478 2987
2479=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2988=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2480 2989
2481Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2990Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2482similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2991similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2483appropriate way for embedded loops. 2992appropriate way for embedded loops.
2484 2993
2485=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2994=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2486 2995
2487The embedded event loop. 2996The embedded event loop.
2545event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3054event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2546and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3055and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2547C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3056C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2548handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3057handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2549 3058
3059=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3060
3061Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3062up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3063sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3064
3065This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3066in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3067fork.
3068
3069The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3070forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3071when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3072
3073When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3074wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3075supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3076process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3077
3078The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3079simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3080use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3081memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3082disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3083signal watchers).
3084
3085When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3086other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3087C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3088Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3089watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3090those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3091signal watchers.
3092
2550=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3093=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2551 3094
2552=over 4 3095=over 4
2553 3096
2554=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3097=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
2558believe me. 3101believe me.
2559 3102
2560=back 3103=back
2561 3104
2562 3105
2563=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3106=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2564 3107
2565In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3108In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2566asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3109asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2567loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3110loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2568 3111
2569Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3112Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2570control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3113for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2571C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3114watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2572can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3115it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2573safe.
2574 3116
2575This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3117This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2576too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3118too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2577(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3119(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2578C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3120C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2583=head3 Queueing 3125=head3 Queueing
2584 3126
2585C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3127C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2586is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3128is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2587multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3129multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2588need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3130need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3131semantics.
2589 3132
2590That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3133That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2591queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3134queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2592queue: 3135queue:
2593 3136
2682an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3225an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2683C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3226C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2684similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3227similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2685section below on what exactly this means). 3228section below on what exactly this means).
2686 3229
3230Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3231compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3232is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3233reset when the event loop detects that).
3234
2687This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3235This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2688so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3236iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2689calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3237repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2690 3238
2691=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3239=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2692 3240
2693Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3241Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2694watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3242watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2697C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3245C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2698the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 3246the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2699it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 3247it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2700quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 3248quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2701 3249
2702Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3250Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2703whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3251only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3252is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3253notification, and the callback being invoked.
2704 3254
2705=back 3255=back
2706 3256
2707 3257
2708=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3258=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2725 3275
2726If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3276If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2727started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3277started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2728repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3278repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2729 3279
2730The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3280The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2731passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3281passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2732C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3282C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2733value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3283value 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 3284a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2735events precedence. 3285events precedence.
2736 3286
2737Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3287Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2738 3288
2739 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3289 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2740 { 3290 {
2741 if (revents & EV_READ) 3291 if (revents & EV_READ)
2742 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3292 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2743 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3293 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2744 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3294 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2745 } 3295 }
2746 3296
2747 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3297 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2748 3298
2749=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2750
2751Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2752had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2753initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2754
2755=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3299=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2756 3300
2757Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3301Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2758the given events it. 3302the given events it.
2759 3303
2760=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3304=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2761 3305
2762Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3306Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2763loop!). 3307loop!).
2764 3308
2765=back 3309=back
2845 3389
2846=over 4 3390=over 4
2847 3391
2848=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3392=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2849 3393
2850=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3394=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2851 3395
2852=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3396=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2853 3397
2854The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3398The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2855with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3399with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2888 myclass obj; 3432 myclass obj;
2889 ev::io iow; 3433 ev::io iow;
2890 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3434 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2891 3435
2892=item w->set (object *) 3436=item w->set (object *)
2893
2894This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
2895 3437
2896This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3438This 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 3439will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
2898functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3440functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
2899the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3441the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
2932Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3474Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2933 3475
2934 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3476 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2935 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3477 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2936 3478
2937=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3479=item w->set (loop)
2938 3480
2939Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3481Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2940do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3482do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2941 3483
2942=item w->set ([arguments]) 3484=item w->set ([arguments])
2943 3485
2944Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3486Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
2945called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3487method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
2946automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3488C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
2947method. 3489when reconfiguring it with this method.
2948 3490
2949=item w->start () 3491=item w->start ()
2950 3492
2951Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3493Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2952constructor already stores the event loop. 3494constructor already stores the event loop.
2953 3495
3496=item w->start ([arguments])
3497
3498Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3499convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3500the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3501
2954=item w->stop () 3502=item w->stop ()
2955 3503
2956Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3504Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2957 3505
2958=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3506=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
2970 3518
2971=back 3519=back
2972 3520
2973=back 3521=back
2974 3522
2975Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3523Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
2976the constructor. 3524watchers in the constructor.
2977 3525
2978 class myclass 3526 class myclass
2979 { 3527 {
2980 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3528 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3529 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2981 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3530 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2982 3531
2983 myclass (int fd) 3532 myclass (int fd)
2984 { 3533 {
2985 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3534 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3535 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
2986 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3536 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2987 3537
2988 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3538 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3539 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3540
3541 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
2989 } 3542 }
2990 }; 3543 };
2991 3544
2992 3545
2993=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3546=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3012L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3565L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3013 3566
3014=item Python 3567=item Python
3015 3568
3016Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3569Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3017seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the 3570seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3018patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
3019for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
3020libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
3021libev).
3022 3571
3023=item Ruby 3572=item Ruby
3024 3573
3025Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3574Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3026of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3575of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3028L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3577L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3029 3578
3030Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190> 3579Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3031makes rev work even on mingw. 3580makes rev work even on mingw.
3032 3581
3582=item Haskell
3583
3584A haskell binding to libev is available at
3585L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3586
3033=item D 3587=item D
3034 3588
3035Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3589Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3036be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3590be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3037 3591
3038=item Ocaml 3592=item Ocaml
3039 3593
3040Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3594Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3041L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3595L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3596
3597=item Lua
3598
3599Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3600time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3601L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3042 3602
3043=back 3603=back
3044 3604
3045 3605
3046=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3606=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3060loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3620loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3061C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3621C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3062 3622
3063 ev_unref (EV_A); 3623 ev_unref (EV_A);
3064 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3624 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3065 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3625 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3066 3626
3067It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3627It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3068which is often provided by the following macro. 3628which is often provided by the following macro.
3069 3629
3070=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3630=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3110 } 3670 }
3111 3671
3112 ev_check check; 3672 ev_check check;
3113 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3673 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3114 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3674 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3115 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3675 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3116 3676
3117=head1 EMBEDDING 3677=head1 EMBEDDING
3118 3678
3119Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3679Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3120applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3680applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3200 libev.m4 3760 libev.m4
3201 3761
3202=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3762=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3203 3763
3204Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3764Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3205define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3765define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3206autoconf is documented for every option. 3766the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3767
3768Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3769values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3770to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3771to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3772users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3773settings.
3207 3774
3208=over 4 3775=over 4
3209 3776
3777=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3778
3779Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3780release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3781have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3782
3783You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3784versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3785sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3786from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3787typedef in that case.
3788
3789In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3790and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3791removed completely.
3792
3210=item EV_STANDALONE 3793=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3211 3794
3212Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3795Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3213keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3796keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3214implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3797implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3215supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3798supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3216F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3799F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3217 3800
3218In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3801In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3219configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3802configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3220 3803
3221=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3804=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3222 3805
3223If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3806If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3288be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3871be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3289C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3872C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3290it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3873it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3291on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3874on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3292 3875
3293=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3876=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3294 3877
3295If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3878If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3296file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3879file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3297default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3880default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3298correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3881correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3299in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3882in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3883
3884=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3885
3886If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3887using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3888their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3889to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3890
3891=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3892
3893If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3894macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3895file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3896the underlying OS handle.
3300 3897
3301=item EV_USE_POLL 3898=item EV_USE_POLL
3302 3899
3303If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3900If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3304backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3901backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3351as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3948as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3352 3949
3353In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3950In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3354(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3951(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3355 3952
3356=item EV_H 3953=item EV_H (h)
3357 3954
3358The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3955The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3359undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3956undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3360used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3957used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3361 3958
3362=item EV_CONFIG_H 3959=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3363 3960
3364If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3961If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3365F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3962F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3366C<EV_H>, above. 3963C<EV_H>, above.
3367 3964
3368=item EV_EVENT_H 3965=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3369 3966
3370Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3967Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3371of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 3968of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3372 3969
3373=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3970=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3374 3971
3375If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3972If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3376prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3973prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3377occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 3974occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3378around libev functions. 3975around libev functions.
3400fine. 3997fine.
3401 3998
3402If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 3999If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3403both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4000both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3404 4001
3405=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4002=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4003EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4004EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3406 4005
3407If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4006If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3408defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4007the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3409code. 4008is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3410 4009
3411=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4010=item EV_FEATURES
3412
3413If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3414defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3415code.
3416
3417=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3418
3419If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3420defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3421watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3422
3423=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3424
3425If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3426defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3427
3428=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3429
3430If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3431defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3432
3433=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3434
3435If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3436defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3437
3438=item EV_MINIMAL
3439 4011
3440If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4012If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3441speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4013speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3442inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4014certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3443much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4015that can be enabled on the platform.
4016
4017A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4018with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4019additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4020but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4021backend, use this:
4022
4023 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4024 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4025 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4026 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4027 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4028
4029The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4030values:
4031
4032=over 4
4033
4034=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4035
4036Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4037
4038Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4039code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4040
4041When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4042gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4043assertions.
4044
4045=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4046
4047Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4048hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4049and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4050runtime.
4051
4052=item C<4> - full API configuration
4053
4054This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4055enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4056
4057=item C<8> - full API
4058
4059This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4060details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4061feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4062
4063=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4064
4065Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4066only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4067embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4068C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4069
4070=item C<32> - enable all backends
4071
4072This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4073least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4074
4075=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4076
4077Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4078default.
4079
4080=back
4081
4082Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4083reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4084code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4085watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4086
4087With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4088when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4089your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4090I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4091
4092=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4093
4094If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4095functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4096somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4097libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4098big.
4099
4100Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4101enabled.
4102
4103=item EV_NSIG
4104
4105The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4106signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4107automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4108specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4109good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4110statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3444 4111
3445=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4112=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3446 4113
3447C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4114C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3448pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4115pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3449than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4116usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3450increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4117might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3451 4118
3452=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4119=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3453 4120
3454C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4121C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3455inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4122inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3456usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4123disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3457watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4124C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3458two). 4125power of two).
3459 4126
3460=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4127=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3461 4128
3462Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4129Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3463timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4130timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3464to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4131to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3465faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4132faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3466 4133
3467The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4134The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3468(disabled). 4135will be C<0>.
3469 4136
3470=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4137=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3471 4138
3472Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4139Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3473timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4140timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3474the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4141the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3475which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4142which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3476but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4143but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3477noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4144noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3478 4145
3479The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4146The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3480(disabled). 4147will be C<0>.
3481 4148
3482=item EV_VERIFY 4149=item EV_VERIFY
3483 4150
3484Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4151Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3485be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4152be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3486in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4153in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3487called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4154called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3488called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4155called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3489verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4156verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3490libev considerably. 4157libev considerably.
3491 4158
3492The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4159The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3493C<0>. 4160will be C<0>.
3494 4161
3495=item EV_COMMON 4162=item EV_COMMON
3496 4163
3497By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4164By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3498this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4165this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3499members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4166members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3500though, and it must be identical each time. 4167though, and it must be identical each time.
3501 4168
3502For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4169For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3503 4170
3556file. 4223file.
3557 4224
3558The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4225The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3559that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4226that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3560 4227
3561 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4228 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3562 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4229 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3563 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3564 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4230 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4231 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3565 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4232 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3566 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4233 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4234 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3567 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4235 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3568 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3569 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3570 4236
3571 #include "ev++.h" 4237 #include "ev++.h"
3572 4238
3573And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4239And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3574 4240
3634default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4300default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3635watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4301watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3636 4302
3637=back 4303=back
3638 4304
4305=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4306
4307Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4308thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4309created/added/removed.
4310
4311For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4312which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4313languages).
4314
4315The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4316variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4317event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4318
4319First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4320
4321 typedef struct {
4322 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4323 ev_async async_w;
4324 thread_t tid;
4325 cond_t invoke_cv;
4326 } userdata;
4327
4328 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4329 {
4330 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4331 static userdata u;
4332
4333 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4334 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4335
4336 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4337 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4338
4339 // now associate this with the loop
4340 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4341 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4342 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4343
4344 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4345 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4346 }
4347
4348The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4349solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4350that might have been added:
4351
4352 static void
4353 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4354 {
4355 // just used for the side effects
4356 }
4357
4358The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4359protecting the loop data, respectively.
4360
4361 static void
4362 l_release (EV_P)
4363 {
4364 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4365 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4366 }
4367
4368 static void
4369 l_acquire (EV_P)
4370 {
4371 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4372 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4373 }
4374
4375The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4376into C<ev_run>:
4377
4378 void *
4379 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4380 {
4381 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4382
4383 l_acquire (EV_A);
4384 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4385 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4386 l_release (EV_A);
4387
4388 return 0;
4389 }
4390
4391Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4392signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4393writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4394have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4395and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4396watchers is very beneficial):
4397
4398 static void
4399 l_invoke (EV_P)
4400 {
4401 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4402
4403 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4404 {
4405 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4406 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4407 }
4408 }
4409
4410Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4411will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4412thread to continue:
4413
4414 static void
4415 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4416 {
4417 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4418
4419 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4420 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4421 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4422 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4423 }
4424
4425Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4426event loop, you will now have to lock:
4427
4428 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4429 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4430
4431 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4432
4433 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4434 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4435 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4436 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4437
4438Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4439an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4440about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4441watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4442
3639=head3 COROUTINES 4443=head3 COROUTINES
3640 4444
3641Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4445Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3642libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4446libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3643coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4447coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3644different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4448different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3645loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4449the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3646you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4450that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3647 4451
3648Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4452Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3649C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4453C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3650they do not call any callbacks. 4454they do not call any callbacks.
3651 4455
3652=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4456=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3653 4457
3654Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4458Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3665maintainable. 4469maintainable.
3666 4470
3667And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4471And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3668wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4472wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3669seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4473seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3670warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4474warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3671been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4475been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3672such buggy versions. 4476such buggy versions.
3673 4477
3674While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4478While 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 4479"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3711I suggest using suppression lists. 4515I suggest using suppression lists.
3712 4516
3713 4517
3714=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4518=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3715 4519
4520=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4521
4522GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4523interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4524
4525That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4526files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4527
4528Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4529by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4530standard libev compiled for their system.
4531
4532Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4533suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4534i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4535
4536=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4537
4538The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4539you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4540OpenGL drivers.
4541
4542=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4543
4544The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4545only sockets, many support pipes.
4546
4547Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4548rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4549loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4550probably going to work well.
4551
4552=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4553
4554Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4555implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4556release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4557
4558Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4559this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4560a loop.
4561
4562=head3 C<select> is buggy
4563
4564All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4565one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4566descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4567you use more.
4568
4569There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4570C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4571work on OS/X.
4572
4573=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4574
4575=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4576
4577The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4578thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4579without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4580defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4581
4582If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4583it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4584
4585=head3 Event port backend
4586
4587The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4588ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4589releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4590a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4591and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4592are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4593great.
4594
4595If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4596the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4597C<select> backends.
4598
4599=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4600
4601AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4602this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4603compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4604with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4605
3716=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4606=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4607
4608=head3 General issues
3717 4609
3718Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4610Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3719requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4611requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3720model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4612model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3721the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4613the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3722descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4614descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3723e.g. cygwin. 4615e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4616as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4617environment.
3724 4618
3725Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4619Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3726re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4620re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3727things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4621then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3728way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4622also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3729 4623
3730There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4624There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3731embedding it into other applications. 4625embedding it into other applications.
4626
4627Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4628tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3732 4629
3733Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4630Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3734accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4631accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3735either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4632either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3736so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 4633so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3741the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4638the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3742is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4639is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3743more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4640more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3744different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4641different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3745notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4642notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3746(Microsoft monopoly games). 4643(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3747 4644
3748A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4645A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3749section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead 4646section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3750of F<ev.h>: 4647of F<ev.h>:
3751 4648
3758you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4655you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3759 4656
3760 #include "evwrap.h" 4657 #include "evwrap.h"
3761 #include "ev.c" 4658 #include "ev.c"
3762 4659
3763=over 4
3764
3765=item The winsocket select function 4660=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3766 4661
3767The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4662The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3768requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4663requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3769also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4664also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3770requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4665requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3779 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4674 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3780 4675
3781Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4676Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3782complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4677complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3783 4678
3784=item Limited number of file descriptors 4679=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3785 4680
3786Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4681Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3787 4682
3788Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4683Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3789of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4684of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3790can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4685can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3791recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4686recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3792previous thread in each. Great). 4687previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3793 4688
3794Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4689Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3795to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4690to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3796call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4691call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3797select emulation on windows). 4692other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3798 4693
3799Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4694Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3800libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4695libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3801or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4696fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3802C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4697by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3803arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4698(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3804libraries.
3805
3806This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4699runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3807windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4700(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3808wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4701you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3809calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4702the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3810
3811=back
3812 4703
3813=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4704=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3814 4705
3815In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4706In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3816backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4707backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3855watchers. 4746watchers.
3856 4747
3857=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4748=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3858 4749
3859The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4750The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3860have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4751have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
3861enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4752good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4753(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3862implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4754implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4755IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3863 4756
3864=back 4757=back
3865 4758
3866If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4759If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3867 4760
3935involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4828involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3936 4829
3937=back 4830=back
3938 4831
3939 4832
4833=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4834
4835The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API.
4836
4837At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial
4838compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4839removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4840
4841=over 4
4842
4843=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4844
4845These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4846
4847 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT);
4848 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4849
4850=item function/symbol renames
4851
4852A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4853
4854 ev_loop => ev_run
4855 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4856 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4857
4858 ev_unloop => ev_break
4859 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4860 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4861 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4862
4863 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4864
4865 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4866 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4867 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4868
4869Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4870C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4871associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4872ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4873as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4874C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4875typedef.
4876
4877=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4878
4879The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4880C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4881section.
4882
4883=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4884
4885The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4886mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4887and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4888
4889=back
4890
4891
4892=head1 GLOSSARY
4893
4894=over 4
4895
4896=item active
4897
4898A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4899See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4900
4901=item application
4902
4903In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4904
4905=item backend
4906
4907The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4908
4909=item callback
4910
4911The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4912detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4913received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4914
4915=item callback/watcher invocation
4916
4917The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4918
4919=item event
4920
4921A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4922for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4923any other events happening anymore.
4924
4925In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4926C<EV_TIMER>).
4927
4928=item event library
4929
4930A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4931
4932=item event loop
4933
4934An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4935into callback invocations.
4936
4937=item event model
4938
4939The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4940watchers and events.
4941
4942=item pending
4943
4944A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4945detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4946
4947=item real time
4948
4949The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4950
4951=item wall-clock time
4952
4953The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4954be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4955clock.
4956
4957=item watcher
4958
4959A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4960to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4961
4962=back
4963
3940=head1 AUTHOR 4964=head1 AUTHOR
3941 4965
3942Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 4966Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3943 4967

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