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Revision 1.117 by root, Wed Jan 9 04:15:39 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.231 by root, Wed Apr 15 19:35:53 2009 UTC

…		…
2		2
3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C	3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4		4
5	=head1 SYNOPSIS	5	=head1 SYNOPSIS
6		6
7	#include <ev.h>	7	#include <ev.h>
8		8
9	=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM	9	=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10		10
		11	// a single header file is required
11	#include <ev.h>	12	#include <ev.h>
12		13
		14	#include <stdio.h> // for puts
		15
		16	// every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
		17	// with the name ev_TYPE
13	ev_io stdin_watcher;	18	ev_io stdin_watcher;
14	ev_timer timeout_watcher;	19	ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15		20
16	/* called when data readable on stdin */	21	// all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
		22	// this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17	static void	23	static void
18	stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)	24	stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19	{	25	{
20	/* puts ("stdin ready"); */	26	puts ("stdin ready");
21	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */	27	// for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */	28	// with its corresponding stop function.
		29	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
		30
		31	// this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
		32	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23	}	33	}
24		34
		35	// another callback, this time for a time-out
25	static void	36	static void
26	timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	37	timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27	{	38	{
28	/* puts ("timeout"); */	39	puts ("timeout");
29	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */	40	// this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
		41	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30	}	42	}
31		43
32	int	44	int
33	main (void)	45	main (void)
34	{	46	{
		47	// use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	48	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36		49
37	/* 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
38	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);
39	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	53	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40		54
		55	// initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41	/* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */	56	// simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);	57	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);	58	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44		59
45	/* loop till timeout or data ready */	60	// now wait for events to arrive
46	ev_loop (loop, 0);	61	ev_loop (loop, 0);
47		62
		63	// unloop was called, so exit
48	return 0;	64	return 0;
49	}	65	}
50		66
51	=head1 DESCRIPTION	67	=head1 DESCRIPTION
52		68
53	The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted	69	The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first	70	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55	time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.	71	time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56		72
57	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a	73	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage	74	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59	these event sources and provide your program with events.	75	these event sources and provide your program with events.
60		76
…		…
84	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent	100	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85	for example).	101	for example).
86		102
87	=head2 CONVENTIONS	103	=head2 CONVENTIONS
88		104
89	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will	105	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90	be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about	106	configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91	various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in	107	more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92	this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event	108	B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93	loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>	109	for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94	(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.	110	name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
		111	this argument.
95		112
96	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION	113	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97		114
98	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the	115	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99	(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near	116	(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100	the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is	117	the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101	called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases	118	called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102	to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on	119	to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103	it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name	120	it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences	121	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105	throughout libev.	122	throughout libev.
		123
		124	=head1 ERROR HANDLING
		125
		126	Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
		127	and internal errors (bugs).
		128
		129	When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
		130	a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
		131	set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
		132	abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
		133	()>.
		134
		135	When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
		136	it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
		137	so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
		138	the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
		139
		140	Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
		141	extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
		142	circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
		143
106		144
107	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS	145	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108		146
109	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the	147	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110	library in any way.	148	library in any way.
…		…
119		157
120	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)	158	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121		159
122	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until	160	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically	161	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124	this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.	162	this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125		163
126	=item int ev_version_major ()	164	=item int ev_version_major ()
127		165
128	=item int ev_version_minor ()	166	=item int ev_version_minor ()
129		167
…		…
142	not a problem.	180	not a problem.
143		181
144	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong	182	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145	version.	183	version.
146		184
147	assert (("libev version mismatch",	185	assert (("libev version mismatch",
148	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR	186	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));	187	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150		188
151	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()	189	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152		190
153	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>	191	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their	192	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
…		…
156	a description of the set values.	194	a description of the set values.
157		195
158	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and	196	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11	197	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160		198
161	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",	199	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));	200	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163		201
164	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()	202	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165		203
166	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also	204	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one	205	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on	206	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169	most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it	207	most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that	208	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.	209	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172		210
173	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()	211	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174		212
…		…
178	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for	216	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179	recommended ones.	217	recommended ones.
180		218
181	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	219	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182		220
183	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))	221	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184		222
185	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the	223	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186	semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to	224	semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187	allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when	225	used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188	memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some	226	when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189	potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc	227	or take some potentially destructive action.
190	function.	228
		229	Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
		230	correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
		231	C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191		232
192	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,	233	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,	234	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.	235	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195		236
196	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then	237	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197	retries).	238	retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198		239
199	static void *	240	static void *
200	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)	241	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201	{	242	{
202	for (;;)	243	for (;;)
…		…
211	}	252	}
212		253
213	...	254	...
214	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);	255	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215		256
216	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));	257	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217		258
218	Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such	259	Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string	260	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this	261	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no	262	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the	263	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff	264	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224	(such as abort).	265	(such as abort).
225		266
226	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.	267	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
…		…
237		278
238	=back	279	=back
239		280
240	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP	281	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241		282
242	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two	283	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243	types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child	284	is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244	events, and dynamically created loops which do not.	285	I<function>).
245		286
246	If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop	287	The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247	in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you	288	supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248	create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking	289	not.
249	whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250	threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251	done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252		290
253	=over 4	291	=over 4
254		292
255	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)	293	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256		294
…		…
260	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).	298	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261		299
262	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this	300	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263	function.	301	function.
264		302
		303	Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
		304	from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
		305	as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
		306
		307	The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
		308	C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
		309	for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
		310	create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
		311	can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
		312	C<ev_default_init>.
		313
265	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific	314	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).	315	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267		316
268	The following flags are supported:	317	The following flags are supported:
269		318
…		…
274	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right	323	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
275	thing, believe me).	324	thing, believe me).
276		325
277	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>	326	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
278		327
279	If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid	328	If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
280	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable	329	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
281	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will	330	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
282	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is	331	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
283	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work	332	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
284	around bugs.	333	around bugs.
…		…
290	enabling this flag.	339	enabling this flag.
291		340
292	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,	341	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop	342	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my	343	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295	Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence	344	GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296	without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has	345	without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).	346	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298		347
299	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and	348	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this	349	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301	flag.	350	flag.
302		351
303	This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>	352	This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304	environment variable.	353	environment variable.
305		354
306	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)	355	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
307		356
308	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as	357	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
…		…
310	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when	359	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
311	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its	360	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
312	usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.	361	usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313		362
314	To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of	363	To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315	parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are	364	parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316	writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many	365	writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317	connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have	366	connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318	a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of	367	a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319	readyness notifications you get per iteration.	368	readiness notifications you get per iteration.
		369
		370	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
		371	C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
		372	C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
320		373
321	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)	374	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
322		375
323	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated	376	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
324	than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial	377	than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
325	limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down	378	limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
326	considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,	379	considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327	i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for	380	i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328	performance tips.	381	performance tips.
329		382
		383	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
		384	C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
		385
330	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)	386	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
331		387
332	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,	388	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale	389	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),	390	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number	391	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
336	of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect	392
337	cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad	393	The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
338	support for dup.	394	of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
		395	dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
		396	descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
		397	so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
		398	I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
		399	take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
		400	hard to detect.
		401
		402	Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
		403	of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
		404	I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
		405	even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
		406	on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
		407	employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
		408	events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
339		409
340	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration	410	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
341	will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident	411	will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
342	(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its	412	incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
343	best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work	413	I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
344	very well if you register events for both fds.	414	file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
345		415	file descriptors.
346	Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
347	need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
348	(or space) is available.
349		416
350	Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all	417	Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351	watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.	418	watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
352	keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.	419	i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
		420	starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
		421	extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
		422	as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
		423	take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
353		424
		425	All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
		426	faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
		427	the usage. So sad.
		428
354	While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in	429	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355	all kernel versions tested so far.	430	all kernel versions tested so far.
		431
		432	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		433	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
356		434
357	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)	435	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
358		436
359	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it	437	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
360	was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably	438	was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
361	with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course	439	with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
362	it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"	440	it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
		441	is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
		442	without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
363	unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using	443	"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
364	C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)	444	C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365	system like NetBSD.	445	system like NetBSD.
366		446
367	You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it	447	You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368	only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on	448	only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369	the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	449	the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
370		450
371	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the	451	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
372	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of	452	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
373	course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never	453	course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
374	cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to	454	cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
375	two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it	455	two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
376	drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.	456	sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
		457	cases
377		458
378	This backend usually performs well under most conditions.	459	This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379		460
380	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work	461	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381	everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken	462	everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382	almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets	463	almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383	(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop	464	(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384	(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for	465	(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
385	sockets.	466	also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
		467
		468	This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
		469	C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
		470	C<NOTE_EOF>.
386		471
387	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)	472	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
388		473
389	This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an	474	This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390	implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets	475	implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
…		…
394	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)	479	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
395		480
396	This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,	481	This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
397	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).	482	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
398		483
399	Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious	484	Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
400	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid	485	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
401	blocking when no data (or space) is available.	486	blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402		487
403	While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active	488	While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404	file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file	489	file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405	descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend	490	descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406	might perform better.	491	might perform better.
407		492
408	On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this	493	On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
409	backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully	494	notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
410	embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.	495	in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
		496	OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
		497
		498	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		499	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411		500
412	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>	501	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
413		502
414	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried	503	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
415	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as	504	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
…		…
417		506
418	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.	507	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
419		508
420	=back	509	=back
421		510
422	If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these	511	If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
423	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are	512	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
424	specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.	513	specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
425		514
426	The most typical usage is like this:	515	Example: This is the most typical usage.
427		516
428	if (!ev_default_loop (0))	517	if (!ev_default_loop (0))
429	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");	518	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
430		519
431	Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow	520	Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
432	environment settings to be taken into account:	521	environment settings to be taken into account:
433		522
434	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);	523	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
435		524
436	Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if	525	Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
437	available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private	526	used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
438	event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):	527	private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
		528	fds):
439		529
440	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);	530	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
441		531
442	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)	532	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
443		533
444	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is	534	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
445	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot	535	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
446	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by	536	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
447	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).	537	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
448		538
		539	Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
		540	libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
		541	default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
		542
449	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.	543	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
450		544
451	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);	545	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
452	if (!epoller)	546	if (!epoller)
453	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");	547	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
454		548
455	=item ev_default_destroy ()	549	=item ev_default_destroy ()
456		550
457	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state	551	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
458	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal	552	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
459	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your	553	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
460	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>	554	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
461	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually	555	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
462	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them	556	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
463	for example).	557	for example).
464		558
465	Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by	559	Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
466	this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)	560	handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
467	would need to be stopped manually.	561	as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
468		562
469	In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the	563	In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
470	rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling	564	rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
471	pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use	565	pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
472	C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).	566	C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
…		…
476	Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an	570	Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
477	earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.	571	earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
478		572
479	=item ev_default_fork ()	573	=item ev_default_fork ()
480		574
		575	This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
481	This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have	576	to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
482	one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense	577	name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
483	after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that	578	the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
484	again makes little sense).	579	sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
		580	functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
485		581
486	You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and	582	On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
487	only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just	583	process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
488	fork+exec, you don't have to call it.	584	you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
489		585
490	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call	586	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
491	it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in	587	it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
492	quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:	588	quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
493		589
494	pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);	590	pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
495		591
496	At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
497	without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
498	do not need to care.
499
500	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)	592	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
501		593
502	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by	594	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
503	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop	595	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
504	after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.	596	after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
		597	entirely your own problem.
		598
		599	=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
		600
		601	Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
		602	otherwise.
505		603
506	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)	604	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
507		605
508	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to	606	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
509	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and	607	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
…		…
524	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not	622	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
525	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base	623	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
526	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the	624	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
527	event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).	625	event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
528		626
		627	=item ev_now_update (loop)
		628
		629	Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
		630	returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
		631	is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
		632
		633	This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
		634	very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
		635	the current time is a good idea.
		636
		637	See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
		638
		639	=item ev_suspend (loop)
		640
		641	=item ev_resume (loop)
		642
		643	These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
		644	not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
		645
		646	A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
		647	the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
		648	would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
		649	the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
		650	in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
		651	C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
		652
		653	Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
		654	between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
		655	will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
		656	occured while suspended).
		657
		658	After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
		659	given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
		660	without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
		661
		662	Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
		663	event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
		664
529	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)	665	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
530		666
531	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called	667	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
532	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling	668	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
533	events.	669	events.
…		…
535	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until	671	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
536	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.	672	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
537		673
538	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than	674	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
539	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has	675	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
540	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that	676	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
541	automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of	677	that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
542	relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty.	678	of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
		679	beauty.
543		680
544	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle	681	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
545	those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in	682	those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
546	case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.	683	process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
		684	the loop.
547		685
548	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if	686	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
549	neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block	687	necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
550	your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after	688	will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
551	one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some	689	be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
552	external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other	690	user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
		691	iteration of the loop.
		692
		693	This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
		694	with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
553	libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is	695	own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
554	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.	696	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
555		697
556	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:	698	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
557		699
558	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.	700	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
559	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.	701	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
560	- If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.	702	- If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
561	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.	703	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.
562	- If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.	704	- If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
		705	as to not disturb the other process.
563	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.	706	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
564	- Update the "event loop time".	707	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
565	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all	708	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
566	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having	709	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
567	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).	710	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
568	- Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.	711	- Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
569	- Block the process, waiting for any events.	712	- Block the process, waiting for any events.
570	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.	713	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
571	- Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.	714	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
572	- Queue all outstanding timers.	715	- Queue all expired timers.
573	- Queue all outstanding periodics.	716	- Queue all expired periodics.
574	- If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.	717	- Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
575	- Queue all check watchers.	718	- Queue all check watchers.
576	- Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).	719	- Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
577	Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will	720	Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
578	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.	721	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
579	- If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK	722	- If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
…		…
584	anymore.	727	anymore.
585		728
586	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long	729	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
587	... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)	730	... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
588	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);	731	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
589	... jobs done. yeah!	732	... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
590		733
591	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)	734	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
592		735
593	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it	736	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
594	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either	737	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
595	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or	738	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
596	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.	739	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
597		740
598	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.	741	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
599		742
		743	It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
		744
600	=item ev_ref (loop)	745	=item ev_ref (loop)
601		746
602	=item ev_unref (loop)	747	=item ev_unref (loop)
603		748
604	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event	749	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
605	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference	750	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
606	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have	751	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
		752
607	a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from	753	If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
608	returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For	754	from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
		755	stopping it.
		756
609	example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not	757	As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
610	visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if	758	is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
611	no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent	759	exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
612	way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party	760	excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
613	libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>	761	third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
614	(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,	762	before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
615	respectively).	763	before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
		764	(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
		765	in the callback).
616		766
617	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>	767	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
618	running when nothing else is active.	768	running when nothing else is active.
619		769
620	struct ev_signal exitsig;	770	ev_signal exitsig;
621	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);	771	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
622	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);	772	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
623	evf_unref (loop);	773	evf_unref (loop);
624		774
625	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.	775	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
626		776
627	ev_ref (loop);	777	ev_ref (loop);
628	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);	778	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
629		779
630	=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)	780	=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
631		781
632	=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)	782	=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
633		783
634	These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting	784	These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
635	for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to	785	for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
636	invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.	786	will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
		787	latency.
637		788
638	Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)	789	Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
639	allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to	790	allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
640	increase efficiency of loop iterations.	791	to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
		792	opportunities).
641		793
642	The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to	794	The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
643	handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes	795	one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
644	the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new	796	program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
645	events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high	797	events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
646	overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.	798	overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
647		799
648	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more	800	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
649	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,	801	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
…		…
651	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will	803	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
652	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.	804	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
653		805
654	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev	806	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
655	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased	807	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
656	latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers	808	latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
657	will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce	809	later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
658	any overhead in libev.	810	value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
659		811
660	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect	812	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
661	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for	813	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
662	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It	814	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
663	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,	815	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
664	as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.	816	as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
		817
		818	Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
		819	saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
		820	are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
		821	times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
		822	reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
		823	they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
		824
		825	=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
		826
		827	This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
		828	compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
		829	through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
		830	is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
		831	error and call C<abort ()>.
		832
		833	This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
		834	circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
		835	data structures consistent.
665		836
666	=back	837	=back
667		838
668		839
669	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER	840	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
		841
		842	In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
		843	watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
		844	watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
670		845
671	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your	846	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
672	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to	847	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
673	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:	848	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
674		849
675	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	850	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
676	{	851	{
677	ev_io_stop (w);	852	ev_io_stop (w);
678	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	853	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
679	}	854	}
680		855
681	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	856	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
		857
682	struct ev_io stdin_watcher;	858	ev_io stdin_watcher;
		859
683	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);	860	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
684	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	861	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
685	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	862	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
		863
686	ev_loop (loop, 0);	864	ev_loop (loop, 0);
687		865
688	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your	866	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
689	watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,	867	watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
690	although this can sometimes be quite valid).	868	stack).
		869
		870	Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
		871	or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
691		872
692	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init	873	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
693	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This	874	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
694	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io	875	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
695	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given	876	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
696	is readable and/or writable).	877	is readable and/or writable).
697		878
698	Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro	879	Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
699	with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro	880	macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
700	to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init	881	is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
701	(watcher *, callback, ...) >>.	882	ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
702		883
703	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it	884	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
704	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher	885	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
705	*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the	886	*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
706	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.	887	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
707		888
708	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you	889	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
709	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never	890	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
710	reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.	891	reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
711		892
712	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the	893	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
713	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as	894	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
714	third argument.	895	third argument.
715		896
…		…
769	=item C<EV_FORK>	950	=item C<EV_FORK>
770		951
771	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see	952	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
772	C<ev_fork>).	953	C<ev_fork>).
773		954
		955	=item C<EV_ASYNC>
		956
		957	The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
		958
		959	=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
		960
		961	Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
		962	by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
		963
774	=item C<EV_ERROR>	964	=item C<EV_ERROR>
775		965
776	An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might	966	An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
777	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev	967	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
778	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other	968	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
		969	problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
		970
779	problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping	971	You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
780	with the watcher being stopped.	972	watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
		973	an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
		974	bug in your program.
781		975
782	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,	976	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
783	for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if	977	example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
784	your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope	978	callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
785	with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded	979	the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
786	programs, though, so beware.	980	programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
		981	thing, so beware.
787		982
788	=back	983	=back
789		984
790	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS	985	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
791
792	In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
793	e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
794		986
795	=over 4	987	=over 4
796		988
797	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)	989	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
798		990
…		…
804	which rolls both calls into one.	996	which rolls both calls into one.
805		997
806	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped	998	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
807	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.	999	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
808		1000
809	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,	1001	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
810	int revents)>.	1002	int revents)>.
		1003
		1004	Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
		1005
		1006	ev_io w;
		1007	ev_init (&w, my_cb);
		1008	ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
811		1009
812	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])	1010	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
813		1011
814	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to	1012	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
815	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can	1013	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
…		…
818	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).	1016	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
819		1017
820	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments	1018	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
821	(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.	1019	(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
822		1020
		1021	See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
		1022
823	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])	1023	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
824		1024
825	This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro	1025	This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
826	calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise	1026	calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
827	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.	1027	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
		1028
		1029	Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
		1030
		1031	ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
828		1032
829	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1033	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
830		1034
831	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive	1035	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
832	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.	1036	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
833		1037
		1038	Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
		1039	whole section.
		1040
		1041	ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
		1042
834	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1043	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
835		1044
836	Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending	1045	Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
		1046	the watcher was active or not).
		1047
837	status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,	1048	It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
838	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but	1049	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
839	C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If	1050	calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
840	you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a	1051	pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
841	good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.	1052	therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
842		1053
843	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)	1054	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
844		1055
845	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started	1056	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
846	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify	1057	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
…		…
888	The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is	1099	The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
889	always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).	1100	always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
890		1101
891	Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is	1102	Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
892	fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might	1103	fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
893	or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.	1104	or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
894		1105
895	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)	1106	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
896		1107
897	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither	1108	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
898	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback	1109	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
899	can deal with that fact.	1110	can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
		1111	callback.
900		1112
901	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1113	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
902		1114
903	If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status	1115	If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
904	and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the	1116	returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
905	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.	1117	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
906		1118
		1119	Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
		1120	callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
		1121
907	=back	1122	=back
908		1123
909		1124
910	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER	1125	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
911		1126
912	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change	1127	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
913	and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used	1128	and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
914	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and	1129	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
915	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data	1130	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
916	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own	1131	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
917	data:	1132	data:
918		1133
919	struct my_io	1134	struct my_io
920	{	1135	{
921	struct ev_io io;	1136	ev_io io;
922	int otherfd;	1137	int otherfd;
923	void *somedata;	1138	void *somedata;
924	struct whatever *mostinteresting;	1139	struct whatever *mostinteresting;
925	}	1140	};
		1141
		1142	...
		1143	struct my_io w;
		1144	ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
926		1145
927	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you	1146	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
928	can cast it back to your own type:	1147	can cast it back to your own type:
929		1148
930	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)	1149	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
931	{	1150	{
932	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;	1151	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
933	...	1152	...
934	}	1153	}
935		1154
936	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type	1155	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
937	instead have been omitted.	1156	instead have been omitted.
938		1157
939	Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple	1158	Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
940	watchers:	1159	embedded watchers:
941		1160
942	struct my_biggy	1161	struct my_biggy
943	{	1162	{
944	int some_data;	1163	int some_data;
945	ev_timer t1;	1164	ev_timer t1;
946	ev_timer t2;	1165	ev_timer t2;
947	}	1166	}
948		1167
949	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,	1168	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
950	you need to use C<offsetof>:	1169	complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
		1170	in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
		1171	some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
		1172	programmers):
951		1173
952	#include <stddef.h>	1174	#include <stddef.h>
953		1175
954	static void	1176	static void
955	t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1177	t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
956	{	1178	{
957	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1179	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
958	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));	1180	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
959	}	1181	}
960		1182
961	static void	1183	static void
962	t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1184	t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
963	{	1185	{
964	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1186	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
965	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));	1187	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
966	}	1188	}
967		1189
968		1190
969	=head1 WATCHER TYPES	1191	=head1 WATCHER TYPES
970		1192
971	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat	1193	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
…		…
995	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per	1217	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
996	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file	1218	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
997	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not	1219	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
998	required if you know what you are doing).	1220	required if you know what you are doing).
999		1221
1000	If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend	1222	If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1001	(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and	1223	known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1002	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).	1224	C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1003		1225
1004	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to	1226	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1005	receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might	1227	receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1006	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block	1228	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1007	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a	1229	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1008	lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into	1230	lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1009	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus	1231	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1010	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning	1232	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1011	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.	1233	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1012		1234
1013	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not	1235	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1014	play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test	1236	not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1015	whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface	1237	re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1016	such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on	1238	interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1017	its own, so its quite safe to use).	1239	does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
		1240	use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
		1241	indefinitely.
		1242
		1243	But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1018		1244
1019	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors	1245	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1020		1246
1021	Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file	1247	Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1022	descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,	1248	descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1023	such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file	1249	such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1024	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop	1250	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1025	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is	1251	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1026	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in	1252	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1027	fact, a different file descriptor.	1253	fact, a different file descriptor.
1028		1254
…		…
1057	To support fork in your programs, you either have to call	1283	To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1058	C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,	1284	C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1059	enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or	1285	enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1060	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.	1286	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1061		1287
		1288	=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
		1289
		1290	While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
		1291	when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
		1292	sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
		1293	this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
		1294
		1295	So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
		1296	ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
		1297	somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
		1298
1062		1299
1063	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions	1300	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1064		1301
1065	=over 4	1302	=over 4
1066		1303
1067	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)	1304	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1068		1305
1069	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)	1306	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1070		1307
1071	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to	1308	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1072	rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or	1309	receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1073	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.	1310	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1074		1311
1075	=item int fd [read-only]	1312	=item int fd [read-only]
1076		1313
1077	The file descriptor being watched.	1314	The file descriptor being watched.
1078		1315
…		…
1086		1323
1087	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well	1324	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1088	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could	1325	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1089	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.	1326	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1090		1327
1091	static void	1328	static void
1092	stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	1329	stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1093	{	1330	{
1094	ev_io_stop (loop, w);	1331	ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1095	.. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors	1332	.. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1096	}	1333	}
1097		1334
1098	...	1335	...
1099	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	1336	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1100	struct ev_io stdin_readable;	1337	ev_io stdin_readable;
1101	ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	1338	ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1102	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);	1339	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1103	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1340	ev_loop (loop, 0);
1104		1341
1105		1342
1106	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts	1343	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1107		1344
1108	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a	1345	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1109	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.	1346	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1110		1347
1111	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that	1348	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1112	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years	1349	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1113	time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because	1350	year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1114	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the	1351	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1115	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).	1352	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
		1353
		1354	The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
		1355	passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
		1356	then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with
		1357	later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls
		1358	C<ev_loop> recursively).
		1359
		1360	=head3 Be smart about timeouts
		1361
		1362	Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
		1363	recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
		1364	you want to raise some error after a while.
		1365
		1366	What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
		1367	inefficient to smart and efficient.
		1368
		1369	In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
		1370	gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
		1371	data or other life sign was received).
		1372
		1373	=over 4
		1374
		1375	=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
		1376
		1377	This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
		1378	start the watcher:
		1379
		1380	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
		1381	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1382
		1383	Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
		1384	and start it again:
		1385
		1386	ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
		1387	ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
		1388	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1389
		1390	This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
		1391	some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
		1392	data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
		1393	still not a constant-time operation.
		1394
		1395	=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
		1396
		1397	This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
		1398	C<ev_timer_start>.
		1399
		1400	To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
		1401	of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
		1402	successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
		1403	you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
		1404	the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
		1405
		1406	That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
		1407	C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
		1408	member and C<ev_timer_again>.
		1409
		1410	At start:
		1411
		1412	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
		1413	timer->repeat = 60.;
		1414	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1415
		1416	Each time there is some activity:
		1417
		1418	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1419
		1420	It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
		1421	whether the watcher is active or not:
		1422
		1423	timer->repeat = 30.;
		1424	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1425
		1426	This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
		1427	you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
		1428	remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
		1429
		1430	It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
		1431
		1432	=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
		1433
		1434	This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
		1435	relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
		1436	our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
		1437	associated activity resets.
		1438
		1439	In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
		1440	but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
		1441	within the callback:
		1442
		1443	ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
		1444
		1445	static void
		1446	callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
		1447	{
		1448	ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
		1449	ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
		1450
		1451	// if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
		1452	if (timeout < now)
		1453	{
		1454	// timeout occured, take action
		1455	}
		1456	else
		1457	{
		1458	// callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
		1459	// the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
		1460	// guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
		1461	w->repeat = timeout - now;
		1462	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
		1463	}
		1464	}
		1465
		1466	To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
		1467	as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
		1468	been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
		1469	the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
		1470	re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
		1471	a timeout then.
		1472
		1473	Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
		1474	C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
		1475
		1476	This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
		1477	minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
		1478	libev to change the timeout.
		1479
		1480	To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
		1481	to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
		1482	callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
		1483
		1484	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
		1485	last_activity = ev_now (loop);
		1486	callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
		1487
		1488	And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
		1489	C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
		1490
		1491	last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
		1492
		1493	This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
		1494	time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
		1495
		1496	Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
		1497	callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
		1498	fix things for you.
		1499
		1500	=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
		1501
		1502	If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
		1503	employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
		1504	do even better:
		1505
		1506	When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
		1507	at the I<end> of the list.
		1508
		1509	Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
		1510	the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
		1511
		1512	When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
		1513	the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
		1514	update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
		1515
		1516	This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
		1517	starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
		1518	complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
		1519	ensures that the list stays sorted.
		1520
		1521	=back
		1522
		1523	So which method the best?
		1524
		1525	Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
		1526	situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
		1527	better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
		1528	one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
		1529
		1530	Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
		1531	rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
		1532	off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
		1533	overkill :)
		1534
		1535	=head3 The special problem of time updates
		1536
		1537	Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
		1538	least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
		1539	time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
		1540	growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
		1541	lots of events in one iteration.
1116		1542
1117	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>	1543	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1118	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time	1544	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1119	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If	1545	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1120	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout	1546	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1121	on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:	1547	timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1122		1548
1123	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);	1549	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1124		1550
1125	The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,	1551	If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1126	but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then	1552	update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1127	order of execution is undefined.	1553	()>.
1128		1554
1129	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1555	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1130		1556
1131	=over 4	1557	=over 4
1132		1558
1133	=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)	1559	=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1134		1560
1135	=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)	1561	=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1136		1562
1137	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is	1563	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1138	C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the	1564	is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1139	timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds	1565	reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1140	later, again, and again, until stopped manually.	1566	configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
		1567	until stopped manually.
1141		1568
1142	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you	1569	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1143	configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at	1570	you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1144	exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with	1571	trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1145	the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the	1572	keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1146	timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.	1573	do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1147		1574
1148	=item ev_timer_again (loop)	1575	=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1149		1576
1150	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is	1577	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1151	repeating. The exact semantics are:	1578	repeating. The exact semantics are:
1152		1579
1153	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.	1580	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1154		1581
1155	If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).	1582	If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1156		1583
1157	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the	1584	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1158	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.	1585	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1159		1586
1160	This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical	1587	This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1161	example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle	1588	usage example.
1162	timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1163	seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1164	configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1165	C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1166	you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1167	socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1168	automatically restart it if need be.
1169
1170	That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1171	altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1172
1173	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1174	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1175	...
1176	timer->again = 17.;
1177	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1178	...
1179	timer->again = 10.;
1180	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1181
1182	This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1183	you want to modify its timeout value.
1184		1589
1185	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]	1590	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1186		1591
1187	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out	1592	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1188	or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),	1593	or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1189	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.	1594	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1190		1595
1191	=back	1596	=back
1192		1597
1193	=head3 Examples	1598	=head3 Examples
1194		1599
1195	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.	1600	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1196		1601
1197	static void	1602	static void
1198	one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1603	one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1199	{	1604	{
1200	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here	1605	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1201	}	1606	}
1202		1607
1203	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1608	ev_timer mytimer;
1204	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);	1609	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1205	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);	1610	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1206		1611
1207	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of	1612	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1208	inactivity.	1613	inactivity.
1209		1614
1210	static void	1615	static void
1211	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1616	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1212	{	1617	{
1213	.. ten seconds without any activity	1618	.. ten seconds without any activity
1214	}	1619	}
1215		1620
1216	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1621	ev_timer mytimer;
1217	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */	1622	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1218	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */	1623	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1219	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1624	ev_loop (loop, 0);
1220		1625
1221	// and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":	1626	// and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1222	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds	1627	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1223	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);	1628	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1224		1629
1225		1630
1226	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?	1631	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1227		1632
1228	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile	1633	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1229	(and unfortunately a bit complex).	1634	(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1230		1635
1231	Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)	1636	Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1232	but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher	1637	relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1233	to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a	1638	(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1234	periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()	1639	difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1235	+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will	1640	time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1236	take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger	1641	wrist-watch).
1237	roughly 10 seconds later).
1238		1642
1239	They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as	1643	You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1240	triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,	1644	in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1241	rules.	1645	seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
		1646	not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
		1647	year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
		1648	C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
		1649	it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1242		1650
		1651	C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
		1652	timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
		1653	other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
		1654	those cannot react to time jumps.
		1655
1243	As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the	1656	As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1244	time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready	1657	point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1245	during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.	1658	timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
		1659	earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
		1660	(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1246		1661
1247	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1662	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1248		1663
1249	=over 4	1664	=over 4
1250		1665
1251	=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)	1666	=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1252		1667
1253	=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)	1668	=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1254		1669
1255	Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of	1670	Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1256	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:	1671	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1257		1672
1258	=over 4	1673	=over 4
1259		1674
1260	=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)	1675	=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1261		1676
1262	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time	1677	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1263	C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,	1678	time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1264	that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the	1679	time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1265	system time reaches or surpasses this time.	1680	will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
		1681	this point in time.
1266		1682
1267	=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)	1683	=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1268		1684
1269	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next	1685	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1270	C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)	1686	C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1271	and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.	1687	negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
		1688	argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1272		1689
1273	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system	1690	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1274	time:	1691	system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
		1692	hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1275		1693
1276	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);	1694	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1277		1695
1278	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,	1696	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1279	but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a	1697	but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1280	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible	1698	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1281	by 3600.	1699	by 3600.
1282		1700
1283	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that	1701	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1284	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible	1702	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1285	time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.	1703	time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1286		1704
1287	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near	1705	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1288	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for	1706	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1289	this value.	1707	this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1290		1708
		1709	Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
		1710	speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
		1711	will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
		1712	millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
		1713
1291	=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)	1714	=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1292		1715
1293	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being	1716	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1294	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the	1717	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1295	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the	1718	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1296	current time as second argument.	1719	current time as second argument.
1297		1720
1298	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,	1721	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1299	ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,	1722	or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1300	return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by	1723	allowed by documentation here>.
1301	starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1302		1724
		1725	If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
		1726	it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
		1727	only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
		1728
1303	Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,	1729	The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1304	ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:	1730	*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1305		1731
		1732	static ev_tstamp
1306	static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1733	my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1307	{	1734	{
1308	return now + 60.;	1735	return now + 60.;
1309	}	1736	}
1310		1737
1311	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value	1738	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1312	(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It	1739	(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1313	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but	1740	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1314	might be called at other times, too.	1741	might be called at other times, too.
1315		1742
1316	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the	1743	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1317	passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.	1744	equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1318		1745
1319	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that	1746	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1320	triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the	1747	triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1321	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How	1748	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1322	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main	1749	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1323	reason I omitted it as an example).	1750	reason I omitted it as an example).
1324		1751
1325	=back	1752	=back
…		…
1329	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful	1756	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1330	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return	1757	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1331	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like	1758	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1332	program when the crontabs have changed).	1759	program when the crontabs have changed).
1333		1760
		1761	=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
		1762
		1763	When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
		1764	to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
		1765	C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
		1766	rescheduling modes.
		1767
1334	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]	1768	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1335		1769
1336	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the	1770	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1337	absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).	1771	absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
		1772	although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1338		1773
1339	Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic	1774	Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1340	timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.	1775	timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1341		1776
1342	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]	1777	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1343		1778
1344	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only	1779	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1345	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being	1780	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1346	called.	1781	called.
1347		1782
1348	=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]	1783	=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1349		1784
1350	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is	1785	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1351	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when	1786	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1352	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.	1787	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1353		1788
1354	=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1355
1356	When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1357	trigger next.
1358
1359	=back	1789	=back
1360		1790
1361	=head3 Examples	1791	=head3 Examples
1362		1792
1363	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the	1793	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1364	system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have	1794	system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1365	potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.	1795	potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1366		1796
1367	static void	1797	static void
1368	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	1798	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1369	{	1799	{
1370	... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)	1800	... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1371	}	1801	}
1372		1802
1373	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1803	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1374	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);	1804	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1375	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1805	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1376		1806
1377	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:	1807	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1378		1808
1379	#include <math.h>	1809	#include <math.h>
1380		1810
1381	static ev_tstamp	1811	static ev_tstamp
1382	my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1812	my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1383	{	1813	{
1384	return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;	1814	return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1385	}	1815	}
1386		1816
1387	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);	1817	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1388		1818
1389	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:	1819	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1390		1820
1391	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1821	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1392	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,	1822	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1393	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);	1823	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1394	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1824	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1395		1825
1396		1826
1397	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!	1827	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1398		1828
1399	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific	1829	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1400	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev	1830	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1401	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the	1831	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1402	normal event processing, like any other event.	1832	normal event processing, like any other event.
1403		1833
		1834	If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
		1835	do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
		1836	C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
		1837
1404	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the	1838	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1405	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher	1839	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1406	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long	1840	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1407	as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal	1841	you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1408	watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to	1842	the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1409	SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).	1843	signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
		1844
		1845	If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
		1846	C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
		1847	interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
		1848	signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
		1849	them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1410		1850
1411	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1851	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1412		1852
1413	=over 4	1853	=over 4
1414		1854
…		…
1423		1863
1424	The signal the watcher watches out for.	1864	The signal the watcher watches out for.
1425		1865
1426	=back	1866	=back
1427		1867
		1868	=head3 Examples
		1869
		1870	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
		1871
		1872	static void
		1873	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
		1874	{
		1875	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
		1876	}
		1877
		1878	ev_signal signal_watcher;
		1879	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
		1880	ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
		1881
1428		1882
1429	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes	1883	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1430		1884
1431	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to	1885	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1432	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).	1886	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
		1887	exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
		1888	has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
		1889	as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
		1890	forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
		1891	but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
		1892	not.
		1893
		1894	Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
		1895	you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
		1896
		1897	=head3 Process Interaction
		1898
		1899	Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
		1900	initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
		1901	the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
		1902	of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
		1903	synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
		1904	children, even ones not watched.
		1905
		1906	=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
		1907
		1908	Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
		1909	processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
		1910	handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
		1911	C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
		1912	default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
		1913	event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
		1914	that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
		1915
		1916	=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
		1917
		1918	Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
		1919	child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
		1920	callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
		1921	when a child exit is detected.
1433		1922
1434	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1923	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1435		1924
1436	=over 4	1925	=over 4
1437		1926
1438	=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)	1927	=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1439		1928
1440	=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)	1929	=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1441		1930
1442	Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or	1931	Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1443	I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look	1932	I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1444	at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see	1933	at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1445	the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems	1934	the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1446	C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the	1935	C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1447	process causing the status change.	1936	process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
		1937	activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
		1938	activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1448		1939
1449	=item int pid [read-only]	1940	=item int pid [read-only]
1450		1941
1451	The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.	1942	The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1452		1943
…		…
1461		1952
1462	=back	1953	=back
1463		1954
1464	=head3 Examples	1955	=head3 Examples
1465		1956
1466	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.	1957	Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
		1958	its completion.
1467		1959
		1960	ev_child cw;
		1961
1468	static void	1962	static void
1469	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)	1963	child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1470	{	1964	{
1471	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	1965	ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
		1966	printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1472	}	1967	}
1473		1968
1474	struct ev_signal signal_watcher;	1969	pid_t pid = fork ();
1475	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);	1970
1476	ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);	1971	if (pid < 0)
		1972	// error
		1973	else if (pid == 0)
		1974	{
		1975	// the forked child executes here
		1976	exit (1);
		1977	}
		1978	else
		1979	{
		1980	ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
		1981	ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
		1982	}
1477		1983
1478		1984
1479	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?	1985	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1480		1986
1481	This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls	1987	This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1482	C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed	1988	C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1483	compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.	1989	and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
		1990	it did.
1484		1991
1485	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does	1992	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1486	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does	1993	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1487	not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is	1994	exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1488	otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of	1995	C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1489	the stat buffer having unspecified contents.	1996	least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
		1997	contents.
1490		1998
1491	The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is	1999	The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
		2000	C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1492	relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.	2001	your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1493		2002
1494	Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply	2003	Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1495	calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You	2004	portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1496	can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify	2005	to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1497	a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,	2006	interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1498	unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around	2007	recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1499	five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also	2008	(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1500	impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats	2009	change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1501	usually overkill.	2010	currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1502		2011
1503	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,	2012	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1504	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be	2013	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1505	resource-intensive.	2014	resource-intensive.
1506		2015
1507	At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is	2016	At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1508	implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the	2017	is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1509	reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the	2018	exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1510	semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs	2019	implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1511	to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1512	usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1513	polling.
1514		2020
1515	=head3 Inotify	2021	=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1516		2022
		2023	Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
		2024	compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
		2025	support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
		2026	structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
		2027	use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
		2028	compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
		2029	obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
		2030	most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
		2031
		2032	The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
		2033	file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
		2034	optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
		2035	to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
		2036	default compilation environment.
		2037
		2038	=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
		2039
1517	When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only	2040	When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1518	available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up	2041	runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1519	change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily	2042	inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1520	when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.	2043	watcher is being started.
1521		2044
1522	Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers	2045	Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1523	except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid	2046	except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1524	making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support	2047	making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1525	there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.	2048	there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
		2049	but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
		2050	many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
		2051	a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
		2052	xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1526		2053
1527	(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to	2054	There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1528	implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file	2055	implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1529	descriptor open on the object at all times).	2056	descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
		2057	etc. is difficult.
		2058
		2059	=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
		2060
		2061	Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
		2062	the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
		2063	()>, which is a synchronous operation.
		2064
		2065	For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
		2066	busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
		2067	as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
		2068	watcher).
		2069
		2070	For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
		2071	time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
		2072	often takes multiple milliseconds.
		2073
		2074	Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
		2075	paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1530		2076
1531	=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution	2077	=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1532		2078
1533	The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and	2079	The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1534	even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still	2080	and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1535	only support whole seconds.	2081	still only support whole seconds.
1536		2082
1537	That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might	2083	That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1538	miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls	2084	easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1539	your callback, which does something. When there is another update within	2085	calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1540	the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.	2086	within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
		2087	stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1541		2088
1542	The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till	2089	The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1543	the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>	2090	than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1544	(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>	2091	a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1545	is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating	2092	ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1546	systems.	2093
		2094	The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
		2095	of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
		2096	might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
		2097	C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
		2098	a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
		2099	update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
		2100	the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
		2101	the timer callback).
1547		2102
1548	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2103	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1549		2104
1550	=over 4	2105	=over 4
1551		2106
…		…
1557	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to	2112	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1558	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose	2113	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1559	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same	2114	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1560	path for as long as the watcher is active.	2115	path for as long as the watcher is active.
1561		2116
1562	The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,	2117	The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1563	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the	2118	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1564	last change was detected).	2119	last change was detected).
1565		2120
1566	=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)	2121	=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1567		2122
1568	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the	2123	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1569	watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid	2124	watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1570	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be	2125	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1571	useful simply to find out the new values.	2126	the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
		2127	new values.
1572		2128
1573	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]	2129	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1574		2130
1575	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of	2131	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1576	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types	2132	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1577	suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there	2133	suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
		2134	members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1578	was some error while C<stat>ing the file.	2135	some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1579		2136
1580	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]	2137	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1581		2138
1582	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever	2139	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1583	C<prev> != C<attr>.	2140	C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
		2141	differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
		2142	C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1584		2143
1585	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]	2144	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1586		2145
1587	The specified interval.	2146	The specified interval.
1588		2147
1589	=item const char *path [read-only]	2148	=item const char *path [read-only]
1590		2149
1591	The filesystem path that is being watched.	2150	The file system path that is being watched.
1592		2151
1593	=back	2152	=back
1594		2153
1595	=head3 Examples	2154	=head3 Examples
1596		2155
1597	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.	2156	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1598		2157
1599	static void	2158	static void
1600	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)	2159	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1601	{	2160	{
1602	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */	2161	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1603	if (w->attr.st_nlink)	2162	if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1604	{	2163	{
1605	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);	2164	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1606	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2165	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1607	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2166	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1608	}	2167	}
1609	else	2168	else
1610	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */	2169	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1611	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "	2170	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1612	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");	2171	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1613	}	2172	}
1614		2173
1615	...	2174	...
1616	ev_stat passwd;	2175	ev_stat passwd;
1617		2176
1618	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);	2177	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1619	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);	2178	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1620		2179
1621	Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not	2180	Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1622	miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so	2181	miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1623	one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on	2182	one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1624	C<ev_timer> callback invocation).	2183	C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1625		2184
1626	static ev_stat passwd;	2185	static ev_stat passwd;
1627	static ev_timer timer;	2186	static ev_timer timer;
1628		2187
1629	static void	2188	static void
1630	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	2189	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1631	{	2190	{
1632	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);	2191	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1633		2192
1634	/* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */	2193	/* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1635	}	2194	}
1636		2195
1637	static void	2196	static void
1638	stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)	2197	stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1639	{	2198	{
1640	/* reset the one-second timer */	2199	/* reset the one-second timer */
1641	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);	2200	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1642	}	2201	}
1643		2202
1644	...	2203	...
1645	ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);	2204	ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1646	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);	2205	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1647	ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);	2206	ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1648		2207
1649		2208
1650	=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...	2209	=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1651		2210
1652	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher	2211	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1653	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not	2212	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1654	count).	2213	as receiving "events").
1655		2214
1656	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts	2215	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1657	(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be	2216	(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1658	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers	2217	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1659	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop	2218	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
…		…
1670		2229
1671	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2230	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1672		2231
1673	=over 4	2232	=over 4
1674		2233
1675	=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)	2234	=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1676		2235
1677	Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any	2236	Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1678	kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,	2237	kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1679	believe me.	2238	believe me.
1680		2239
…		…
1683	=head3 Examples	2242	=head3 Examples
1684		2243
1685	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the	2244	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1686	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.	2245	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1687		2246
1688	static void	2247	static void
1689	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)	2248	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1690	{	2249	{
1691	free (w);	2250	free (w);
1692	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has	2251	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1693	// no longer asnything immediate to do.	2252	// no longer anything immediate to do.
1694	}	2253	}
1695		2254
1696	struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));	2255	ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1697	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);	2256	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1698	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);	2257	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1699		2258
1700		2259
1701	=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!	2260	=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1702		2261
1703	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:	2262	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1704	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers	2263	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1705	afterwards.	2264	afterwards.
1706		2265
1707	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter	2266	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1708	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>	2267	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
…		…
1711	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,	2270	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1712	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be	2271	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1713	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.	2272	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1714		2273
1715	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and	2274	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1716	their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track	2275	their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1717	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a	2276	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1718	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if	2277	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1719	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,	2278	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1720	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>	2279	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1721	watcher).	2280	watcher).
1722		2281
1723	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need	2282	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1724	to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for	2283	need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1725	them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries	2284	for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1726	provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for	2285	libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1727	any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers	2286	you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1728	and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer	2287	of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1729	callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,	2288	I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1730	because you never know, you know?).	2289	nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1731		2290
1732	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate	2291	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1733	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines	2292	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1734	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines	2293	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1735	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines	2294	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
…		…
1738	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping	2297	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1739	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).	2298	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1740		2299
1741	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)	2300	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1742	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers	2301	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
		2302	after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
		2303
1743	after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,	2304	Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1744	too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully	2305	activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1745	supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers	2306	might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1746	did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other	2307	C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1747	(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable	2308	loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1748	state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to	2309	C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1749	coexist peacefully with others).	2310	others).
1750		2311
1751	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2312	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1752		2313
1753	=over 4	2314	=over 4
1754		2315
…		…
1756		2317
1757	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)	2318	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1758		2319
1759	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no	2320	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1760	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>	2321	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1761	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.	2322	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
		2323	pointless.
1762		2324
1763	=back	2325	=back
1764		2326
1765	=head3 Examples	2327	=head3 Examples
1766		2328
1767	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules	2329	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1768	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev	2330	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1769	(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could	2331	(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1770	use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>	2332	use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1771	embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV	2333	Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1772	into the Glib event loop).	2334	Glib event loop).
1773		2335
1774	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,	2336	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1775	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows	2337	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1776	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low	2338	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1777	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as	2339	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1778	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.	2340	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1779		2341
1780	static ev_io iow [nfd];	2342	static ev_io iow [nfd];
1781	static ev_timer tw;	2343	static ev_timer tw;
1782		2344
1783	static void	2345	static void
1784	io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)	2346	io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1785	{	2347	{
1786	}	2348	}
1787		2349
1788	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking	2350	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1789	static void	2351	static void
1790	adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)	2352	adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1791	{	2353	{
1792	int timeout = 3600000;	2354	int timeout = 3600000;
1793	struct pollfd fds [nfd];	2355	struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1794	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.	2356	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1795	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));	2357	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1796		2358
1797	/* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */	2359	/* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1798	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);	2360	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1799	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);	2361	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1800		2362
1801	// create one ev_io per pollfd	2363	// create one ev_io per pollfd
1802	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2364	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1803	{	2365	{
1804	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,	2366	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1805	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)	2367	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1806	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));	2368	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1807		2369
1808	fds [i].revents = 0;	2370	fds [i].revents = 0;
1809	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);	2371	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1810	}	2372	}
1811	}	2373	}
1812		2374
1813	// stop all watchers after blocking	2375	// stop all watchers after blocking
1814	static void	2376	static void
1815	adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)	2377	adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1816	{	2378	{
1817	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);	2379	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1818		2380
1819	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2381	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1820	{	2382	{
1821	// set the relevant poll flags	2383	// set the relevant poll flags
1822	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here	2384	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1823	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;	2385	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1824	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);	2386	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1825	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;	2387	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1826	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;	2388	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1827		2389
1828	// now stop the watcher	2390	// now stop the watcher
1829	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);	2391	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1830	}	2392	}
1831		2393
1832	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));	2394	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1833	}	2395	}
1834		2396
1835	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>	2397	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1836	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.	2398	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1837		2399
1838	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event	2400	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1839	notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher	2401	notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1840	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.	2402	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1841		2403
1842	static void	2404	static void
1843	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	2405	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1844	{	2406	{
1845	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2407	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1846	update_now (EV_A);	2408	update_now (EV_A);
1847		2409
1848	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);	2410	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1849	}	2411	}
1850		2412
1851	static void	2413	static void
1852	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)	2414	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1853	{	2415	{
1854	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2416	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1855	update_now (EV_A);	2417	update_now (EV_A);
1856		2418
1857	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2419	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1858	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2420	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1859	}	2421	}
1860		2422
1861	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll	2423	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1862		2424
1863	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you	2425	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1864	want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override	2426	want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1865	their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main	2427	override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1866	loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does	2428	main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1867	this.	2429	this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
		2430	libglib event loop.
1868		2431
1869	static gint	2432	static gint
1870	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)	2433	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1871	{	2434	{
1872	int got_events = 0;	2435	int got_events = 0;
1873		2436
1874	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2437	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1875	// create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events	2438	// create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1876		2439
1877	if (timeout >= 0)	2440	if (timeout >= 0)
1878	// create/start timer	2441	// create/start timer
1879		2442
1880	// poll	2443	// poll
1881	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	2444	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1882		2445
1883	// stop timer again	2446	// stop timer again
1884	if (timeout >= 0)	2447	if (timeout >= 0)
1885	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);	2448	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1886		2449
1887	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set	2450	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1888	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2451	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1889	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);	2452	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1890		2453
1891	return got_events;	2454	return got_events;
1892	}	2455	}
1893		2456
1894		2457
1895	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...	2458	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1896		2459
1897	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop	2460	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
…		…
1903	prioritise I/O.	2466	prioritise I/O.
1904		2467
1905	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support	2468	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1906	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you	2469	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1907	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales	2470	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1908	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it	2471	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1909	into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will	2472	it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1910	be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but	2473	will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1911	at least you can use both at what they are best.	2474	C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
		2475	best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1912		2476
1913	As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have	2477	As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1914	to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even	2478	some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1915	priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case	2479	and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1916	you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in	2480	this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1917	a second one, and embed the second one in the first.	2481	the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1918		2482
1919	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time	2483	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1920	there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then	2484	time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1921	call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke	2485	must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1922	their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded	2486	sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1923	loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback	2487	C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1924	to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the	2488	to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1925	embedded loop sweep.
1926		2489
1927	As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The	2490	You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1928	callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can	2491	will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1929	set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1930	interested in that.
1931		2492
1932	Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:	2493	Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1933	when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,	2494	is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1934	but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers	2495	embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1935	yourself.	2496	C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1936		2497
1937	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by	2498	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1938	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any	2499	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1939	portable one.	2500	portable one.
1940		2501
1941	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared	2502	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1942	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around	2503	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1943	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to	2504	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1944	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.	2505	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1945		2506
		2507	=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
		2508
		2509	While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
		2510	automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
		2511	fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
		2512	however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
		2513	as applicable.
		2514
1946	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2515	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1947		2516
1948	=over 4	2517	=over 4
1949		2518
1950	=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)	2519	=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
…		…
1953		2522
1954	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be	2523	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1955	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be	2524	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1956	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback	2525	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1957	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,	2526	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1958	if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).	2527	if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1959		2528
1960	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)	2529	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1961		2530
1962	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works	2531	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1963	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most	2532	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1964	apropriate way for embedded loops.	2533	appropriate way for embedded loops.
1965		2534
1966	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]	2535	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1967		2536
1968	The embedded event loop.	2537	The embedded event loop.
1969		2538
…		…
1971		2540
1972	=head3 Examples	2541	=head3 Examples
1973		2542
1974	Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default	2543	Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1975	event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default	2544	event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1976	loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in	2545	loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1977	C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be	2546	C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1978	used).	2547	used).
1979		2548
1980	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);	2549	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1981	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;	2550	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1982	struct ev_embed embed;	2551	ev_embed embed;
1983		2552
1984	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works	2553	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1985	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)	2554	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1986	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()	2555	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1987	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())	2556	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1988	: 0;	2557	: 0;
1989		2558
1990	// if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi	2559	// if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1991	if (loop_lo)	2560	if (loop_lo)
1992	{	2561	{
1993	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);	2562	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1994	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);	2563	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1995	}	2564	}
1996	else	2565	else
1997	loop_lo = loop_hi;	2566	loop_lo = loop_hi;
1998		2567
1999	Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create	2568	Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2000	a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any	2569	a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2001	kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in	2570	kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2002	C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).	2571	C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2003		2572
2004	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	2573	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2005	struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;	2574	struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2006	struct ev_embed embed;	2575	ev_embed embed;
2007		2576
2008	if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)	2577	if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2009	if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))	2578	if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2010	{	2579	{
2011	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);	2580	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2012	ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);	2581	ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2013	}	2582	}
2014		2583
2015	if (!loop_socket)	2584	if (!loop_socket)
2016	loop_socket = loop;	2585	loop_socket = loop;
2017		2586
2018	// now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else	2587	// now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2019		2588
2020		2589
2021	=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork	2590	=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2022		2591
2023	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because	2592	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
…		…
2039	believe me.	2608	believe me.
2040		2609
2041	=back	2610	=back
2042		2611
2043		2612
		2613	=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
		2614
		2615	In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
		2616	asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
		2617	loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
		2618
		2619	Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
		2620	control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
		2621	C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
		2622	can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
		2623	safe.
		2624
		2625	This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
		2626	too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
		2627	(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
		2628	C<ev_async_sent> calls).
		2629
		2630	Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
		2631	just the default loop.
		2632
		2633	=head3 Queueing
		2634
		2635	C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
		2636	is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
		2637	multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
		2638	need elaborate support such as pthreads.
		2639
		2640	That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
		2641	queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
		2642	queue:
		2643
		2644	=over 4
		2645
		2646	=item queueing from a signal handler context
		2647
		2648	To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
		2649	handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
		2650	an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
		2651
		2652	static ev_async mysig;
		2653
		2654	static void
		2655	sigusr1_handler (void)
		2656	{
		2657	sometype data;
		2658
		2659	// no locking etc.
		2660	queue_put (data);
		2661	ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
		2662	}
		2663
		2664	static void
		2665	mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
		2666	{
		2667	sometype data;
		2668	sigset_t block, prev;
		2669
		2670	sigemptyset (&block);
		2671	sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
		2672	sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
		2673
		2674	while (queue_get (&data))
		2675	process (data);
		2676
		2677	if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
		2678	sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
		2679	}
		2680
		2681	(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
		2682	instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
		2683	either...).
		2684
		2685	=item queueing from a thread context
		2686
		2687	The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
		2688	threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
		2689	employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
		2690
		2691	static ev_async mysig;
		2692	static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
		2693
		2694	static void
		2695	otherthread (void)
		2696	{
		2697	// only need to lock the actual queueing operation
		2698	pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
		2699	queue_put (data);
		2700	pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
		2701
		2702	ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
		2703	}
		2704
		2705	static void
		2706	mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
		2707	{
		2708	pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
		2709
		2710	while (queue_get (&data))
		2711	process (data);
		2712
		2713	pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
		2714	}
		2715
		2716	=back
		2717
		2718
		2719	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
		2720
		2721	=over 4
		2722
		2723	=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
		2724
		2725	Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
		2726	kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
		2727	trust me.
		2728
		2729	=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
		2730
		2731	Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
		2732	an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
		2733	C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
		2734	similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
		2735	section below on what exactly this means).
		2736
		2737	Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
		2738	compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
		2739	is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
		2740	reset when the event loop detects that).
		2741
		2742	This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
		2743	iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
		2744	repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
		2745
		2746	=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
		2747
		2748	Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
		2749	watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
		2750	event loop.
		2751
		2752	C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
		2753	the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
		2754	it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
		2755	quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
		2756
		2757	Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
		2758	only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
		2759	is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
		2760	notification, and the callback being invoked.
		2761
		2762	=back
		2763
		2764
2044	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS	2765	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2045		2766
2046	There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.	2767	There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2047		2768
2048	=over 4	2769	=over 4
2049		2770
2050	=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)	2771	=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2051		2772
2052	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your	2773	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2053	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both	2774	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2054	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd	2775	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2055	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or	2776	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2056	more watchers yourself.	2777	more watchers yourself.
2057		2778
2058	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events	2779	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2059	is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and	2780	C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2060	C<events> set will be craeted and started.	2781	the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2061		2782
2062	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be	2783	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2063	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and	2784	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2064	repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of	2785	repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2065	dubious value.
2066		2786
2067	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets	2787	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2068	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of	2788	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2069	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>	2789	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2070	value passed to C<ev_once>:	2790	value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
		2791	a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
		2792	events precedence.
2071		2793
		2794	Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
		2795
2072	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)	2796	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2073	{	2797	{
2074	if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2075	/* doh, nothing entered */;
2076	else if (revents & EV_READ)	2798	if (revents & EV_READ)
2077	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;	2799	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
		2800	else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
		2801	/* doh, nothing entered */;
2078	}	2802	}
2079		2803
2080	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);	2804	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2081		2805
2082	=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)	2806	=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2083		2807
2084	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event	2808	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2085	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an	2809	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2086	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).	2810	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2087		2811
2088	=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)	2812	=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2089		2813
2090	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected	2814	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2091	the given events it.	2815	the given events it.
2092		2816
2093	=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)	2817	=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2094		2818
2095	Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default	2819	Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2096	loop!).	2820	loop!).
2097		2821
2098	=back	2822	=back
2099		2823
2100		2824
…		…
2116		2840
2117	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities	2841	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2118	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there	2842	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2119	is an ev_pri field.	2843	is an ev_pri field.
2120		2844
		2845	=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
		2846	first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
		2847
2121	=item * Other members are not supported.	2848	=item * Other members are not supported.
2122		2849
2123	=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need	2850	=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2124	to use the libev header file and library.	2851	to use the libev header file and library.
2125		2852
2126	=back	2853	=back
2127		2854
2128	=head1 C++ SUPPORT	2855	=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2129		2856
2130	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow	2857	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2131	you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change	2858	you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2132	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.	2859	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2133		2860
2134	To use it,	2861	To use it,
2135		2862
2136	#include <ev++.h>	2863	#include <ev++.h>
2137		2864
2138	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many	2865	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2139	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are	2866	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2140	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding	2867	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2141	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.	2868	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
…		…
2208	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the	2935	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2209	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.	2936	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2210		2937
2211	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation	2938	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2212		2939
2213	struct myclass	2940	struct myclass
2214	{	2941	{
2215	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	2942	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2216	}	2943	}
2217		2944
2218	myclass obj;	2945	myclass obj;
2219	ev::io iow;	2946	ev::io iow;
2220	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);	2947	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
		2948
		2949	=item w->set (object *)
		2950
		2951	This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
		2952
		2953	This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
		2954	will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
		2955	functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
		2956	the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
		2957	list.
		2958
		2959	The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
		2960	int revents)>.
		2961
		2962	See the method-C<set> above for more details.
		2963
		2964	Example: use a functor object as callback.
		2965
		2966	struct myfunctor
		2967	{
		2968	void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
		2969	{
		2970	...
		2971	}
		2972	}
		2973
		2974	myfunctor f;
		2975
		2976	ev::io w;
		2977	w.set (&f);
2221		2978
2222	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)	2979	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2223		2980
2224	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as	2981	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2225	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's	2982	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
…		…
2227		2984
2228	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.	2985	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2229		2986
2230	See the method-C<set> above for more details.	2987	See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2231		2988
2232	Example:	2989	Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2233		2990
2234	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	2991	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2235	iow.set <io_cb> ();	2992	iow.set <io_cb> ();
2236		2993
2237	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)	2994	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2238		2995
2239	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only	2996	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2240	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).	2997	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2241		2998
2242	=item w->set ([args])	2999	=item w->set ([arguments])
2243		3000
2244	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be	3001	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2245	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets	3002	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2246	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this	3003	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2247	method.	3004	method.
2248		3005
2249	=item w->start ()	3006	=item w->start ()
…		…
2273	=back	3030	=back
2274		3031
2275	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in	3032	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2276	the constructor.	3033	the constructor.
2277		3034
2278	class myclass	3035	class myclass
2279	{	3036	{
2280	ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);	3037	ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2281	ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);	3038	ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2282		3039
2283	myclass ();	3040	myclass (int fd)
2284	}	3041	{
2285
2286	myclass::myclass (int fd)
2287	{
2288	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);	3042	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2289	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);	3043	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2290		3044
2291	io.start (fd, ev::READ);	3045	io.start (fd, ev::READ);
		3046	}
2292	}	3047	};
		3048
		3049
		3050	=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
		3051
		3052	Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
		3053	number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
		3054	any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
		3055	me a note.
		3056
		3057	=over 4
		3058
		3059	=item Perl
		3060
		3061	The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
		3062	libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
		3063	there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
		3064	to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
		3065	C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
		3066	and C<EV::Glib>).
		3067
		3068	It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
		3069	L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
		3070
		3071	=item Python
		3072
		3073	Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
		3074	seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
		3075
		3076	=item Ruby
		3077
		3078	Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
		3079	of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
		3080	more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
		3081	L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
		3082
		3083	Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
		3084	makes rev work even on mingw.
		3085
		3086	=item Haskell
		3087
		3088	A haskell binding to libev is available at
		3089	L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
		3090
		3091	=item D
		3092
		3093	Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
		3094	be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
		3095
		3096	=item Ocaml
		3097
		3098	Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
		3099	L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
		3100
		3101	=back
2293		3102
2294		3103
2295	=head1 MACRO MAGIC	3104	=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2296		3105
2297	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal	3106	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2298	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)	3107	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2299	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.	3108	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2300		3109
2301	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the	3110	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2302	following macros are defined:	3111	following macros are defined:
…		…
2307		3116
2308	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev	3117	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2309	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,	3118	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2310	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:	3119	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2311		3120
2312	ev_unref (EV_A);	3121	ev_unref (EV_A);
2313	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);	3122	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2314	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	3123	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2315		3124
2316	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,	3125	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2317	which is often provided by the following macro.	3126	which is often provided by the following macro.
2318		3127
2319	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>	3128	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2320		3129
2321	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev	3130	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2322	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,	3131	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2323	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:	3132	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2324		3133
2325	// this is how ev_unref is being declared	3134	// this is how ev_unref is being declared
2326	static void ev_unref (EV_P);	3135	static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2327		3136
2328	// this is how you can declare your typical callback	3137	// this is how you can declare your typical callback
2329	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3138	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2330		3139
2331	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite	3140	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2332	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.	3141	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2333		3142
2334	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>	3143	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2335		3144
2336	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default	3145	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2337	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").	3146	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
		3147
		3148	=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
		3149
		3150	Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
		3151	default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
		3152	is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
		3153	execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
		3154
		3155	It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
		3156	watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2338		3157
2339	=back	3158	=back
2340		3159
2341	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above	3160	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2342	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported	3161	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2343	or not.	3162	or not.
2344		3163
2345	static void	3164	static void
2346	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3165	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2347	{	3166	{
2348	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);	3167	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2349	}	3168	}
2350		3169
2351	ev_check check;	3170	ev_check check;
2352	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);	3171	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2353	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);	3172	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2354	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);	3173	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2355		3174
2356	=head1 EMBEDDING	3175	=head1 EMBEDDING
2357		3176
2358	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host	3177	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2359	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra	3178	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
…		…
2366	libev somewhere in your source tree).	3185	libev somewhere in your source tree).
2367		3186
2368	=head2 FILESETS	3187	=head2 FILESETS
2369		3188
2370	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files	3189	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2371	in your app.	3190	in your application.
2372		3191
2373	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP	3192	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2374		3193
2375	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual	3194	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2376	configuration (no autoconf):	3195	configuration (no autoconf):
2377		3196
2378	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3197	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2379	#include "ev.c"	3198	#include "ev.c"
2380		3199
2381	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a	3200	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2382	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use	3201	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2383	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best	3202	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2384	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and	3203	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2385	where you can put other configuration options):	3204	where you can put other configuration options):
2386		3205
2387	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3206	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2388	#include "ev.h"	3207	#include "ev.h"
2389		3208
2390	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++	3209	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2391	compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated	3210	compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2392	as a bug).	3211	as a bug).
2393		3212
2394	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory	3213	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2395	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):	3214	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2396		3215
2397	ev.h	3216	ev.h
2398	ev.c	3217	ev.c
2399	ev_vars.h	3218	ev_vars.h
2400	ev_wrap.h	3219	ev_wrap.h
2401		3220
2402	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only	3221	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2403		3222
2404	ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)	3223	ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2405	ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3224	ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2406	ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3225	ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2407	ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3226	ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2408	ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3227	ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2409		3228
2410	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need	3229	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2411	to compile this single file.	3230	to compile this single file.
2412		3231
2413	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API	3232	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2414		3233
2415	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:	3234	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2416		3235
2417	#include "event.c"	3236	#include "event.c"
2418		3237
2419	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:	3238	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2420		3239
2421	#include "event.h"	3240	#include "event.h"
2422		3241
2423	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.	3242	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2424		3243
2425	You need the following additional files for this:	3244	You need the following additional files for this:
2426		3245
2427	event.h	3246	event.h
2428	event.c	3247	event.c
2429		3248
2430	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT	3249	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2431		3250
2432	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in	3251	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2433	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your	3252	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2434	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then	3253	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2435	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.	3254	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2436		3255
2437	For this of course you need the m4 file:	3256	For this of course you need the m4 file:
2438		3257
2439	libev.m4	3258	libev.m4
2440		3259
2441	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS	3260	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2442		3261
2443	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define	3262	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2444	before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity	3263	define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2445	and only include the select backend.	3264	autoconf is documented for every option.
2446		3265
2447	=over 4	3266	=over 4
2448		3267
2449	=item EV_STANDALONE	3268	=item EV_STANDALONE
2450		3269
…		…
2452	keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy	3271	keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2453	implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not	3272	implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2454	supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in	3273	supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2455	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.	3274	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2456		3275
		3276	In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
		3277	configuration, but has to be more conservative.
		3278
2457	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC	3279	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2458		3280
2459	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3281	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2460	monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use	3282	monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2461	of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you	3283	use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2462	usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when	3284	you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2463	the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have	3285	when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2464	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>	3286	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2465	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).	3287	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2466		3288
2467	=item EV_USE_REALTIME	3289	=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2468		3290
2469	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3291	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2470	realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at	3292	real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2471	runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will	3293	at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2472	be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get	3294	option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2473	(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the	3295	by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2474	note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.	3296	correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
		3297	C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
		3298	C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
		3299
		3300	=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
		3301
		3302	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
		3303	of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
		3304	exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
		3305	unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
		3306	programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
		3307	theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
		3308	the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
		3309	higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2475		3310
2476	=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP	3311	=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2477		3312
2478	If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available	3313	If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2479	and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.	3314	and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2480		3315
		3316	=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
		3317
		3318	If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
		3319	available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
		3320	C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
		3321	If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
		3322	2.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
		3323
2481	=item EV_USE_SELECT	3324	=item EV_USE_SELECT
2482		3325
2483	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the	3326	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2484	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no	3327	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2485	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend	3328	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2486	will not be compiled in.	3329	will not be compiled in.
2487		3330
2488	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET	3331	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2489		3332
2490	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>	3333	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2491	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing	3334	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2492	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on	3335	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2493	exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some	3336	on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2494	low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only	3337	some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2495	allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might	3338	only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2496	influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.	3339	configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2497		3340
2498	=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET	3341	=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2499		3342
2500	When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that	3343	When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2501	select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but	3344	select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
…		…
2521		3364
2522	=item EV_USE_EPOLL	3365	=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2523		3366
2524	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux	3367	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2525	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,	3368	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2526	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the	3369	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2527	preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.	3370	backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
		3371	headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2528		3372
2529	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE	3373	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2530		3374
2531	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style	3375	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2532	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,	3376	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
…		…
2545	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred	3389	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2546	backend for Solaris 10 systems.	3390	backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2547		3391
2548	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL	3392	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2549		3393
2550	reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.	3394	Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2551		3395
2552	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY	3396	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2553		3397
2554	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify	3398	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2555	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will	3399	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2556	be detected at runtime.	3400	be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
		3401	indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
		3402
		3403	=item EV_ATOMIC_T
		3404
		3405	Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
		3406	access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
		3407	type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
		3408	that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
		3409	as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
		3410
		3411	In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
		3412	(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2557		3413
2558	=item EV_H	3414	=item EV_H
2559		3415
2560	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if	3416	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2561	undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to	3417	undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2562	virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.	3418	used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2563		3419
2564	=item EV_CONFIG_H	3420	=item EV_CONFIG_H
2565		3421
2566	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override	3422	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2567	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to	3423	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2568	C<EV_H>, above.	3424	C<EV_H>, above.
2569		3425
2570	=item EV_EVENT_H	3426	=item EV_EVENT_H
2571		3427
2572	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea	3428	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2573	of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.	3429	of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2574		3430
2575	=item EV_PROTOTYPES	3431	=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2576		3432
2577	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function	3433	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2578	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is	3434	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
…		…
2599	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search	3455	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2600	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space	3456	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2601	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually	3457	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2602	fine.	3458	fine.
2603		3459
2604	If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to	3460	If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2605	C<0> will save some memory and cpu.	3461	both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2606		3462
2607	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE	3463	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2608		3464
2609	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If	3465	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2610	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of	3466	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
…		…
2617	code.	3473	code.
2618		3474
2619	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE	3475	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2620		3476
2621	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If	3477	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2622	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3478	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
		3479	watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2623		3480
2624	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE	3481	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2625		3482
2626	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If	3483	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2627	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3484	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
…		…
2629	=item EV_FORK_ENABLE	3486	=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2630		3487
2631	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If	3488	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2632	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3489	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2633		3490
		3491	=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
		3492
		3493	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
		3494	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
		3495
2634	=item EV_MINIMAL	3496	=item EV_MINIMAL
2635		3497
2636	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some	3498	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2637	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override	3499	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2638	some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.	3500	inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
		3501	much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2639		3502
2640	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE	3503	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2641		3504
2642	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by	3505	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2643	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more	3506	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
…		…
2650	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),	3513	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2651	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>	3514	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2652	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of	3515	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2653	two).	3516	two).
2654		3517
		3518	=item EV_USE_4HEAP
		3519
		3520	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3521	timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
		3522	to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
		3523	faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
		3524
		3525	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
		3526	(disabled).
		3527
		3528	=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
		3529
		3530	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3531	timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
		3532	the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
		3533	which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
		3534	but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
		3535	noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
		3536
		3537	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
		3538	(disabled).
		3539
		3540	=item EV_VERIFY
		3541
		3542	Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
		3543	be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
		3544	in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
		3545	called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
		3546	called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
		3547	verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
		3548	libev considerably.
		3549
		3550	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
		3551	C<0>.
		3552
2655	=item EV_COMMON	3553	=item EV_COMMON
2656		3554
2657	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining	3555	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2658	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of	3556	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2659	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,	3557	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2660	though, and it must be identical each time.	3558	though, and it must be identical each time.
2661		3559
2662	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:	3560	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2663		3561
2664	#define EV_COMMON \	3562	#define EV_COMMON \
2665	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \	3563	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2666	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */	3564	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2667		3565
2668	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)	3566	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2669		3567
2670	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)	3568	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2671		3569
…		…
2676	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for	3574	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2677	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to	3575	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2678	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use	3576	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2679	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.	3577	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2680		3578
		3579	=back
		3580
2681	=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS	3581	=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2682		3582
2683	If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of	3583	If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2684	exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list	3584	exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2685	all public symbols, one per line:	3585	all public symbols, one per line:
2686		3586
2687	Symbols.ev for libev proper	3587	Symbols.ev for libev proper
2688	Symbols.event for the libevent emulation	3588	Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2689		3589
2690	This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with	3590	This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2691	multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in	3591	multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2692	itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).	3592	itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2693		3593
2694	A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to	3594	A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2695	include before including F<ev.h>:	3595	include before including F<ev.h>:
2696		3596
2697	<Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h	3597	<Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
…		…
2714	file.	3614	file.
2715		3615
2716	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file	3616	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2717	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:	3617	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2718		3618
2719	#define EV_MINIMAL 1	3619	#define EV_MINIMAL 1
2720	#define EV_USE_POLL 0	3620	#define EV_USE_POLL 0
2721	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0	3621	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2722	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0	3622	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2723	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0	3623	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2724	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0	3624	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2725	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>	3625	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2726	#define EV_MINPRI 0	3626	#define EV_MINPRI 0
2727	#define EV_MAXPRI 0	3627	#define EV_MAXPRI 0
2728		3628
2729	#include "ev++.h"	3629	#include "ev++.h"
2730		3630
2731	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:	3631	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2732		3632
2733	#include "ev_cpp.h"	3633	#include "ev_cpp.h"
2734	#include "ev.c"	3634	#include "ev.c"
2735		3635
		3636	=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2736		3637
2737	=head1 COMPLEXITIES	3638	=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2738		3639
2739	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside	3640	=head3 THREADS
2740	libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2741	documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2742		3641
2743	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be	3642	All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2744	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this	3643	documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2745	happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might	3644	that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2746	mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average	3645	are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2747	it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.	3646	parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
		3647	of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
		3648	structures that need any locking.
		3649
		3650	Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
		3651	concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
		3652	must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
		3653	only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
		3654	a mutex per loop).
		3655
		3656	Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
		3657	so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
		3658	concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
		3659	outside".
		3660
		3661	If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
		3662	without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
		3663	help you, but here is some generic advice:
2748		3664
2749	=over 4	3665	=over 4
2750		3666
2751	=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)	3667	=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
		3668	in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2752		3669
2753	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and	3670	This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2754	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will	3671	themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2755	have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2756		3672
2757	=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)	3673	=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2758		3674
2759	That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them	3675	Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2760	as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.	3676	exists, but it is always a good start.
2761		3677
2762	=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)	3678	=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
		3679	loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2763		3680
2764	These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.	3681	Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
		3682	better than you currently do :-)
2765		3683
2766	=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)	3684	=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
		3685	event loop.
2767		3686
2768	=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))	3687	C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
		3688	(or from signal contexts...).
2769		3689
2770	These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the	3690	An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2771	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually	3691	work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2772	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).	3692	default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2773		3693	watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2774	=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2775
2776	By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2777	beginning of the storage array.
2778
2779	=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2780
2781	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2782	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2783	on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2784
2785	=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2786
2787	=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2788
2789	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2790	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2791	linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2792	watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2793		3694
2794	=back	3695	=back
2795		3696
		3697	=head3 COROUTINES
2796		3698
2797	=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds	3699	Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
		3700	libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
		3701	coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
		3702	different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
		3703	loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
		3704	you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
		3705
		3706	Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
		3707	C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
		3708	they do not call any callbacks.
		3709
		3710	=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
		3711
		3712	Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
		3713	lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
		3714	scared by this.
		3715
		3716	However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
		3717	has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
		3718	warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
		3719	targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
		3720
		3721	Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
		3722	workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
		3723	maintainable.
		3724
		3725	And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
		3726	wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
		3727	seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
		3728	warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
		3729	been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
		3730	such buggy versions.
		3731
		3732	While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
		3733	"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
		3734	with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
		3735	them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
		3736	warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
		3737
		3738
		3739	=head2 VALGRIND
		3740
		3741	Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
		3742	highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
		3743
		3744	If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
		3745	in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
		3746
		3747	==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
		3748	==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
		3749	==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
		3750
		3751	Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
		3752	is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
		3753
		3754	Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
		3755	as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
		3756	although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
		3757	confused.
		3758
		3759	Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
		3760	make it into some kind of religion.
		3761
		3762	If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
		3763	with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
		3764	is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
		3765	annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
		3766	of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
		3767
		3768	If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
		3769	I suggest using suppression lists.
		3770
		3771
		3772	=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
		3773
		3774	=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2798		3775
2799	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev	3776	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2800	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX	3777	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2801	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in	3778	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2802	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket	3779	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2803	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using	3780	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2804	e.g. cygwin.	3781	e.g. cygwin.
2805		3782
		3783	Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
		3784	re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
		3785	things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
		3786	way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
		3787
2806	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except	3788	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2807	embedding it into other applications.	3789	embedding it into other applications.
2808		3790
		3791	Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
		3792	accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
		3793	either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
		3794	so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
		3795	megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
		3796	available).
		3797
2809	Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the	3798	Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2810	abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not	3799	the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2811	recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than	3800	is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2812	a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different	3801	more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2813	implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot	3802	different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2814	be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).	3803	notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
		3804	(Microsoft monopoly games).
		3805
		3806	A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
		3807	section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
		3808	of F<ev.h>:
		3809
		3810	#define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
		3811	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
		3812
		3813	#include "ev.h"
		3814
		3815	And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
		3816	you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
		3817
		3818	#include "evwrap.h"
		3819	#include "ev.c"
2815		3820
2816	=over 4	3821	=over 4
2817		3822
2818	=item The winsocket select function	3823	=item The winsocket select function
2819		3824
2820	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires	3825	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2821	socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select	3826	requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2822	very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors	3827	also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2823	to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,	3828	requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2824	C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor	3829	C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2825	symbols for more info.	3830	discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
		3831	C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2826		3832
2827	The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime	3833	The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2828	libraries and raw winsocket select is:	3834	libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2829		3835
2830	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1	3836	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2831	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */	3837	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2832		3838
2833	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a	3839	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2834	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.	3840	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2835		3841
2836	=item Limited number of file descriptors	3842	=item Limited number of file descriptors
2837		3843
2838	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions	3844	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2839	of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles	3845
		3846	Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2840	(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for	3847	of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2841	C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a	3848	can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2842	chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).	3849	recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
		3850	previous thread in each. Great).
2843		3851
2844	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>	3852	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2845	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select	3853	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2846	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own	3854	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2847	select emulation on windows).	3855	select emulation on windows).
2848		3856
2849	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime	3857	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2850	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish	3858	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2851	or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling	3859	or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2852	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another	3860	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2853	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime	3861	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
2854	libraries.	3862	libraries.
2855		3863
2856	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on	3864	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2857	windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to	3865	windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2858	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of	3866	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2859	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.	3867	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2860		3868
2861	=back	3869	=back
2862		3870
		3871	=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
		3872
		3873	In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
		3874	backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
		3875
		3876	=over 4
		3877
		3878	=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
		3879	calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
		3880
		3881	Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
		3882	structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
		3883	assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
		3884	callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
		3885	calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
		3886
		3887	=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
		3888
		3889	The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
		3890	C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
		3891	threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
		3892	believed to be sufficiently portable.
		3893
		3894	=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
		3895
		3896	Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
		3897	allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
		3898	pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
		3899	thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
		3900	be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
		3901	C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
		3902
		3903	The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
		3904	except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
		3905	well.
		3906
		3907	=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
		3908
		3909	To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
		3910	instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
		3911	systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
		3912	least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
		3913	watchers.
		3914
		3915	=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
		3916
		3917	The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
		3918	have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
		3919	enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
		3920	implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
		3921
		3922	=back
		3923
		3924	If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
		3925
		3926
		3927	=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
		3928
		3929	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
		3930	libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
		3931	the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
		3932
		3933	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
		3934	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
		3935	happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
		3936	mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
		3937	average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
		3938
		3939	=over 4
		3940
		3941	=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
		3942
		3943	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
		3944	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
		3945	have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
		3946
		3947	=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
		3948
		3949	That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
		3950	as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
		3951
		3952	=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
		3953
		3954	These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
		3955
		3956	=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
		3957
		3958	=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
		3959
		3960	These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
		3961	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
		3962	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
		3963	is rare).
		3964
		3965	=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
		3966
		3967	By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
		3968	fixed position in the storage array.
		3969
		3970	=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
		3971
		3972	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
		3973	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
		3974	on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
		3975
		3976	=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
		3977
		3978	=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
		3979
		3980	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
		3981	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
		3982	linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
		3983	watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
		3984
		3985	=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
		3986
		3987	=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
		3988
		3989	=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
		3990
		3991	Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
		3992	calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
		3993	involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
		3994
		3995	=back
		3996
2863		3997
2864	=head1 AUTHOR	3998	=head1 AUTHOR
2865		3999
2866	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.	4000	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
2867		4001

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