ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.231 by root, Wed Apr 15 19:35:53 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.345 by root, Wed Nov 10 14:36:42 2010 UTC

26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
68 70
69The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
70web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
71time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
72 92
73Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
74file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
75these event sources and provide your program with events. 95these event sources and provide your program with events.
76 96
86=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
87 107
88Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
89BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
90for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
91(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
92with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
93(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
94watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
95C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
96file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
97(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
98 119
99It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
100L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
101for example). 122for example).
102 123
105Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
106configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
107more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
108B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
109for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
110name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
111this argument. 132this argument.
112 133
113=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
114 135
115Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
116(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
117the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
118called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
119to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
120it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
121component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
122throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
123 145
124=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
125 147
126Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
127and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
151 173
152=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
153 175
154Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
155C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
156you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
157 180
158=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
159 182
160Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
161either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
178as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
179compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
180not a problem. 203not a problem.
181 204
182Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
183version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
184 208
185 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
186 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
187 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
188 212
199 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
200 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
201 225
202=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
203 227
204Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
205recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
206returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
207most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
208(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
209libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
210 235
211=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
212 237
213Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
214is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
215might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
216C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
217recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
218 243
219See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
220 245
221=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
222 247
223Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
224semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
225used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
226when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
252 } 277 }
253 278
254 ... 279 ...
255 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
256 281
257=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
258 283
259Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
260as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
261indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
262callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
276 ... 301 ...
277 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
278 303
279=back 304=back
280 305
281=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
282 307
283An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
284is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
285I<function>). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
286 311
287The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
288supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
289not. 314do not.
290 315
291=over 4 316=over 4
292 317
293=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
294 319
295This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
296yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
297false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
298flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
299 330
300If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
301function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
302 333
303Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
304from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
305as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
306 338
307The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
308C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
309for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
310create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
311can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
312C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
361threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
362loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
313 363
314The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
315backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
316 366
317The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
332useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
333around bugs. 383around bugs.
334 384
335=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
336 386
337Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
338a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
339enabling this flag.
340 389
341This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
342and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
343iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
344GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
350flag. 399flag.
351 400
352This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
353environment variable. 402environment variable.
354 403
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them.
419
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
423
355=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
356 425
357This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
358libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
359but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 428but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
383This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 452This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
384C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 453C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
385 454
386=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
387 456
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels).
459
388For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
389but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
390like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
391epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
392 464
393The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
394of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
395dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
396descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
470(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
397so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4710.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
398I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 472forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
399take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 473set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
400hard to detect. 474and is of course hard to detect.
401 475
402Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 476Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
403of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 477of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
404I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 478I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
405even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 479even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
406on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 480on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
407employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 481employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
408events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 482events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
483not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
484perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
485
486Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
409 487
410While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 488While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
411will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 489will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
412incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 490incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
413I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 491I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
506 584
507It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 585It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
508 586
509=back 587=back
510 588
511If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 589If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
512backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 590then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
513specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 591here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
514 592()> will be tried.
515Example: This is the most typical usage.
516
517 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
518 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
519
520Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
521environment settings to be taken into account:
522
523 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
524
525Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
526used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
527private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
528fds):
529
530 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
531
532=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
533
534Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
535always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
536handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
537undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
538
539Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
540libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
541default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
542 593
543Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 594Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
544 595
545 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 596 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
546 if (!epoller) 597 if (!epoller)
547 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 598 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
548 599
600Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
601used if available.
602
603 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
604
549=item ev_default_destroy () 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
550 606
551Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 607Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
552etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 608etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
553sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 609sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
554responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 610responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
555calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 611calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
556the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 612the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
558 614
559Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 615Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
560handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 616handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
561as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 617as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
562 618
563In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 619This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
564rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 620C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
621C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
622
623Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
624except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
565pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 625If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
566C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 626and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
567 627
568=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 628=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
569 629
570Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
571earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
572
573=item ev_default_fork ()
574
575This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 630This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
576to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 631reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
577name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 632name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
578the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 633the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
579sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 634child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
580functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 635
636Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
637a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
638because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
639during fork.
581 640
582On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 641On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
583process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 642process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
584you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 643you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
644call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
645difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
646costly reset of the backend).
585 647
586The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 648The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
587it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 649it just in case after a fork.
588quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
589 650
651Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
652using pthreads.
653
654 static void
655 post_fork_child (void)
656 {
657 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
658 }
659
660 ...
590 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 661 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
591
592=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
593
594Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
595C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
596after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
597entirely your own problem.
598 662
599=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 663=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
600 664
601Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 665Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
602otherwise. 666otherwise.
603 667
604=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 668=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
605 669
606Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 670Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
607the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 671to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
608happily wraps around with enough iterations. 672and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
609 673
610This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 674This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
611"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 675"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
612C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 676C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
677prepare and check phases.
678
679=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
680
681Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
682times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
683
684Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
685C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
686in which case it is higher.
687
688Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
689throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
690as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
691convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
613 692
614=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 693=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
615 694
616Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 695Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
617use. 696use.
626 705
627=item ev_now_update (loop) 706=item ev_now_update (loop)
628 707
629Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 708Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
630returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 709returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
631is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 710is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
632 711
633This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 712This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
634very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 713very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
635the current time is a good idea. 714the current time is a good idea.
636 715
637See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 716See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
638 717
639=item ev_suspend (loop) 718=item ev_suspend (loop)
640 719
641=item ev_resume (loop) 720=item ev_resume (loop)
642 721
643These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 722These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
644not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 723loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
645 724
646A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 725A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
647the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 726the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
648would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 727would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
649the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 728the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
651C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 730C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
652 731
653Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 732Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
654between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 733between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
655will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 734will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
656occured while suspended). 735occurred while suspended).
657 736
658After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 737After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
659given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 738given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
660without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 739without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
661 740
662Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 741Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
663event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 742event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
664 743
665=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 744=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
666 745
667Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 746Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
668after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 747after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
669events. 748handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
749the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
750is why event loops are called I<loops>.
670 751
671If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 752If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
672either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 753until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
754called.
673 755
674Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 756Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
675relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 757relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
676finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 758finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
677that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 759that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
678of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 760of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
679beauty. 761beauty.
680 762
763This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
764a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
765exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
766will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
767
681A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 768A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
682those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 769those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
683process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 770block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
684the loop. 771iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
772events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
685 773
686A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 774A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
687necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 775necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
688will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 776will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
689be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 777be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
690user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 778user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
691iteration of the loop. 779iteration of the loop.
692 780
693This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 781This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
694with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 782with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
695own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 783own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
696usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 784usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
697 785
698Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 786Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
699 787
788 - Increment loop depth.
789 - Reset the ev_break status.
700 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 790 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
791 LOOP:
701 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 792 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
702 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 793 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
703 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 794 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
795 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
704 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 796 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
705 as to not disturb the other process. 797 as to not disturb the other process.
706 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 798 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
707 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 799 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
708 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 800 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
709 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 801 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
710 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 802 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
711 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 803 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
804 - Increment loop iteration counter.
712 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 805 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
713 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 806 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
714 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 807 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
715 - Queue all expired timers. 808 - Queue all expired timers.
716 - Queue all expired periodics. 809 - Queue all expired periodics.
717 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 810 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
718 - Queue all check watchers. 811 - Queue all check watchers.
719 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 812 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
720 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 813 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
721 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 814 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
722 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 815 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
723 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 816 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
724 continue with step *. 817 continue with step LOOP.
818 FINISH:
819 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
820 - Decrement the loop depth.
821 - Return.
725 822
726Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 823Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
727anymore. 824anymore.
728 825
729 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 826 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
730 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 827 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
731 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 828 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
732 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 829 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
733 830
734=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 831=item ev_break (loop, how)
735 832
736Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 833Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
737has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 834has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
738C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 835C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
739C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 836C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
740 837
741This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 838This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
742 839
743It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 840It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
841which case it will have no effect.
744 842
745=item ev_ref (loop) 843=item ev_ref (loop)
746 844
747=item ev_unref (loop) 845=item ev_unref (loop)
748 846
749Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 847Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
750loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 848loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
751count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 849count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
752 850
753If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 851This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
754from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 852unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
853returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
755stopping it. 854before stopping it.
756 855
757As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 856As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
758is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 857is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
759exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 858exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
760excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 859excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
761third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 860third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
762before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 861before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
763before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 862before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
764(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 863(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
765in the callback). 864in the callback).
766 865
767Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 866Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
768running when nothing else is active. 867running when nothing else is active.
769 868
770 ev_signal exitsig; 869 ev_signal exitsig;
771 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 870 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
772 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 871 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
799 898
800By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 899By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
801time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 900time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
802at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 901at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
803C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 902C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
804introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 903introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
904sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
905once per this interval, on average.
805 906
806Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 907Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
807to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 908to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
808latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 909latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
809later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 910later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
811 912
812Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 913Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
813interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 914interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
814interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 915interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
815usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 916usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
816as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 917as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
918you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
919parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
920need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
921then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
817 922
818Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 923Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
819saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 924saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
820are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 925are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
821times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 926times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
822reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 927reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
823they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 928they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
824 929
930Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
931more often than 100 times per second:
932
933 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
934 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
935
936=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
937
938This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
939pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
940but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
941function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
942when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
943event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
944thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
945
946=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
947
948Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
949are pending.
950
951=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
952
953This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
954invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
955this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
956invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
957
958If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
959callback.
960
961=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
962
963Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
964can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
965each call to a libev function.
966
967However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
968to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
969loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
970I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
971
972When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
973suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
974afterwards.
975
976Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
977C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
978
979While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
980C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
981modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
982have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
983waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
984to take note of any changes you made.
985
986In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
987invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
988
989See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
990document.
991
992=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
993
994=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
995
996Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
997C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
998C<0>.
999
1000These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
1001and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
1002C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
1003any other purpose as well.
1004
825=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1005=item ev_verify (loop)
826 1006
827This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1007This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
828compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1008compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
829through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1009through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
830is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1010is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
841 1021
842In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1022In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
843watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1023watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
844watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1024watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
845 1025
846A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1026A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
847interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1027your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
848become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1028to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1029for that:
849 1030
850 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1031 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
851 { 1032 {
852 ev_io_stop (w); 1033 ev_io_stop (w);
853 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1034 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
854 } 1035 }
855 1036
856 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1037 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
857 1038
858 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1039 ev_io stdin_watcher;
859 1040
860 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1041 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
861 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1042 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
862 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1043 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
863 1044
864 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1045 ev_run (loop, 0);
865 1046
866As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1047As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
867watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1048watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
868stack). 1049stack).
869 1050
870Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1051Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
871or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1052or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
872 1053
873Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1054Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
874(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1055*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
875callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1056invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
876watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1057time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
877is readable and/or writable). 1058and/or writable).
878 1059
879Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1060Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
880macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1061macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
881is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1062is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
882ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1063ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
905=item C<EV_WRITE> 1086=item C<EV_WRITE>
906 1087
907The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1088The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
908writable. 1089writable.
909 1090
910=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1091=item C<EV_TIMER>
911 1092
912The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1093The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
913 1094
914=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1095=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
915 1096
933 1114
934=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1115=item C<EV_PREPARE>
935 1116
936=item C<EV_CHECK> 1117=item C<EV_CHECK>
937 1118
938All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1119All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
939to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1120to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
940C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1121C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
941received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1122received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
942many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1123many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
943(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1124(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
944C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1125C<ev_run> from blocking).
945 1126
946=item C<EV_EMBED> 1127=item C<EV_EMBED>
947 1128
948The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1129The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
949 1130
950=item C<EV_FORK> 1131=item C<EV_FORK>
951 1132
952The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1133The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
953C<ev_fork>). 1134C<ev_fork>).
1135
1136=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1137
1138The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
954 1139
955=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1140=item C<EV_ASYNC>
956 1141
957The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1142The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
958 1143
1005 1190
1006 ev_io w; 1191 ev_io w;
1007 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1192 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1008 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1193 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1009 1194
1010=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1195=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1011 1196
1012This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1197This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1013call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1198call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1014call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1199call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1015macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1200macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1028 1213
1029Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1214Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1030 1215
1031 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1216 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1032 1217
1033=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1218=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1034 1219
1035Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1220Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1036events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1221events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1037 1222
1038Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1223Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1039whole section. 1224whole section.
1040 1225
1041 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1226 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1042 1227
1043=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1228=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1044 1229
1045Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1230Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1046the watcher was active or not). 1231the watcher was active or not).
1047 1232
1048It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1233It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1073=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1258=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1074 1259
1075Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1260Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1076(modulo threads). 1261(modulo threads).
1077 1262
1078=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1263=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1079 1264
1080=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1265=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1081 1266
1082Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1267Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1083integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1268integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1084(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1269(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1085before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1270before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1086from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1271from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1087 1272
1088This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1089invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1090example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1091watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1092
1093If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1273If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1094you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1274you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1095 1275
1096You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1276You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1097pending. 1277pending.
1098
1099The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1100always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1101 1278
1102Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1279Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1103fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1280fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1104or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1281or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1282
1283The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1284always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1285
1286See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1287priorities.
1105 1288
1106=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1289=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1107 1290
1108Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1291Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1109C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1292C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1117watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1300watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1118 1301
1119Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1302Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1120callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1303callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1121 1304
1305=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1306
1307Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1308had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1309initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1310not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1311
1312Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1313C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1314not started in the first place.
1315
1316See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1317functions that do not need a watcher.
1318
1122=back 1319=back
1123
1124 1320
1125=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1321=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1126 1322
1127Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1323Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1128and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1324and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1174 #include <stddef.h> 1370 #include <stddef.h>
1175 1371
1176 static void 1372 static void
1177 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1373 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1178 { 1374 {
1179 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1375 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1180 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1376 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1181 } 1377 }
1182 1378
1183 static void 1379 static void
1184 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1380 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1185 { 1381 {
1186 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1382 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1187 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1383 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1188 } 1384 }
1385
1386=head2 WATCHER STATES
1387
1388There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1389active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1390transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1391rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1392
1393=over 4
1394
1395=item initialiased
1396
1397Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1398initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1399C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1400
1401In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1402in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1403
1404=item started/running/active
1405
1406Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1407property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1408this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1409freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1410and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1411
1412=item pending
1413
1414If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1415in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1416stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1417about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1418callback.
1419
1420The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1421an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1422is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1423but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1424moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1425previous item still apply.
1426
1427It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1428via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1429active.
1430
1431=item stopped
1432
1433A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1434be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1435latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1436of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1437freeing it is often a good idea.
1438
1439While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1440initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1441you wish.
1442
1443=back
1444
1445=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1446
1447Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1448integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1449between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1450
1451In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1452description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1453range.
1454
1455There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1456by event loops:
1457
1458In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1459of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1460watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1461
1462The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1463callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1464watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1465before polling for new events.
1466
1467Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1468except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1469
1470The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1471watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1472libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1473their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1474common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1475priority ones.
1476
1477Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1478watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1479C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1480timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1481other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1482handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1483the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1484handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1485always, what you want).
1486
1487Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1488will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1489received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1490required.
1491
1492For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1493you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1494the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1495processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1496continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1497the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1498workable.
1499
1500Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1501miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1502it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1503idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1504the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1505
1506Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1507priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1508other events are pending:
1509
1510 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1511 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1512
1513 static void
1514 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1515 {
1516 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1517 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1518 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1519
1520 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1521 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1522 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1523 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1524 }
1525
1526 static void
1527 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1528 {
1529 // actual processing
1530 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1531
1532 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1533 // we have handled the event
1534 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1535 }
1536
1537 // initialisation
1538 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1539 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1540 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1541
1542In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1543low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1544enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1545during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1546important ones.
1189 1547
1190 1548
1191=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1549=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1192 1550
1193This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1551This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1219descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1577descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1220required if you know what you are doing). 1578required if you know what you are doing).
1221 1579
1222If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1580If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1223known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1581known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1224C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1582C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1583descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1584files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1225 1585
1226Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1586Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1227receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1587receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1228be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1588be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1229because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1589because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1294 1654
1295So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1655So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1296ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1656ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1297somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1657somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1298 1658
1659=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1660
1661Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1662found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1663connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1664
1665For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1666of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1667rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1668the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1669typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1670
1671Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1672operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1673situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1674cope with overload is known (to me).
1675
1676One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1677- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1678situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1679event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1680
1681A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1682C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1683messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1684what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1685the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1686usage.
1687
1688If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1689descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1690when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1691close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1692clients under typical overload conditions.
1693
1694The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1695is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1696opportunity for a DoS attack.
1299 1697
1300=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1698=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1301 1699
1302=over 4 1700=over 4
1303 1701
1335 ... 1733 ...
1336 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1734 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1337 ev_io stdin_readable; 1735 ev_io stdin_readable;
1338 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1736 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1339 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1737 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1340 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1738 ev_run (loop, 0);
1341 1739
1342 1740
1343=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1741=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1344 1742
1345Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1743Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1350year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1748year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1351detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1749detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1352monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1750monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1353 1751
1354The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1752The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1355passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1753passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1356then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with 1754might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1357later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls 1755same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1358C<ev_loop> recursively). 1756before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1757no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1359 1758
1360=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1759=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1361 1760
1362Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1761Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1363recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1762recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1407C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat> 1806C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1408member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1807member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1409 1808
1410At start: 1809At start:
1411 1810
1412 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1811 ev_init (timer, callback);
1413 timer->repeat = 60.; 1812 timer->repeat = 60.;
1414 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1813 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1415 1814
1416Each time there is some activity: 1815Each time there is some activity:
1417 1816
1449 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1848 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1450 1849
1451 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1850 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1452 if (timeout < now) 1851 if (timeout < now)
1453 { 1852 {
1454 // timeout occured, take action 1853 // timeout occurred, take action
1455 } 1854 }
1456 else 1855 else
1457 { 1856 {
1458 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1857 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1459 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1858 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1479 1878
1480To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1879To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1481to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1880to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1482callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1881callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1483 1882
1484 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1883 ev_init (timer, callback);
1485 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1884 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1486 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1885 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1487 1886
1488And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1887And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1489C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1888C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1490 1889
1491 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1890 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1492 1891
1493This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1892This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1494time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1893time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1495 1894
1496Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1895Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1534 1933
1535=head3 The special problem of time updates 1934=head3 The special problem of time updates
1536 1935
1537Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1936Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1538least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1937least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1539time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1938time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1540growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1939growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1541lots of events in one iteration. 1940lots of events in one iteration.
1542 1941
1543The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1942The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1544time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1943time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1550 1949
1551If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1950If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1552update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1951update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1553()>. 1952()>.
1554 1953
1954=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1955
1956When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1957can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1958
1959Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1960all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1961to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1962system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1963was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1964towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1965clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1966long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1967be adjusted accordingly.
1968
1969I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1970operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1971
1972The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1973time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1974is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1975then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1976will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1977use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1978
1979It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1980and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1981deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1982C<SIGSTOP>).
1983
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1984=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 1985
1557=over 4 1986=over 4
1558 1987
1559=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1988=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1582If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2011If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1583 2012
1584If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2013If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1585C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2014C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1586 2015
1587This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a 2016This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1588usage example. 2017usage example.
2018
2019=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2020
2021Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2022then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2023the timeout value currently configured.
2024
2025That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2026C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2027will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2028roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2029too), and so on.
1589 2030
1590=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2031=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1591 2032
1592The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2033The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1593or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2034or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1619 } 2060 }
1620 2061
1621 ev_timer mytimer; 2062 ev_timer mytimer;
1622 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2063 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1623 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2064 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1624 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2065 ev_run (loop, 0);
1625 2066
1626 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2067 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1627 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2068 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1628 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2069 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1629 2070
1655 2096
1656As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2097As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1657point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2098point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1658timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2099timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1659earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2100earlier 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). 2101(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1661 2102
1662=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1663 2104
1664=over 4 2105=over 4
1665 2106
1793Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2234Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1794system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2235system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1795potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2236potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1796 2237
1797 static void 2238 static void
1798 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2239 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1799 { 2240 {
1800 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2241 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1801 } 2242 }
1802 2243
1803 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2244 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1826 2267
1827=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2268=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1828 2269
1829Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2270Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1830signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2271signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1831will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2272will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1832normal event processing, like any other event. 2273normal event processing, like any other event.
1833 2274
1834If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2275If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1835do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2276C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1836C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2277the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2278synchronously wake up an event loop.
1837 2279
1838You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2280You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2281only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2282default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2283C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2284the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2285
1839first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2286When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1840with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2287with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1841you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2288you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1842the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1843signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1844 2289
1845If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2290If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1846C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2291C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1847interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2292not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1848signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2293interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1849them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2294and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2295
2296=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2297
2298Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2299(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2300stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2301and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2302
2303While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2304sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2305C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2306certain signals to be blocked.
2307
2308This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2309the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2310choice usually).
2311
2312The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2313to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2314catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2315
2316In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2317unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2318the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2319I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2320
2321So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2322you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2323is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1850 2324
1851=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1852 2326
1853=over 4 2327=over 4
1854 2328
1870Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2344Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1871 2345
1872 static void 2346 static void
1873 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2347 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1874 { 2348 {
1875 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2349 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1876 } 2350 }
1877 2351
1878 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2352 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1879 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2353 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1880 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2354 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1886some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2360some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1887exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child 2361exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1888has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2362has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1889as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e., 2363as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1890forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2364forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1891but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2365but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1892not. 2366in the next callback invocation is not.
1893 2367
1894Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2368Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1895you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2369you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1896 2370
2371Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2372handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2373libev)
2374
1897=head3 Process Interaction 2375=head3 Process Interaction
1898 2376
1899Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2377Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1900initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2378initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1901the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2379first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1902of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2380of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1903synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2381synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1904children, even ones not watched. 2382children, even ones not watched.
1905 2383
1906=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2384=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1916=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2394=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1917 2395
1918Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2396Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1919child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2397child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1920callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2398callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1921when a child exit is detected. 2399when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2400problem).
1922 2401
1923=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2402=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1924 2403
1925=over 4 2404=over 4
1926 2405
2252 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2731 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2253 } 2732 }
2254 2733
2255 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2734 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2256 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2735 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2257 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2736 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2258 2737
2259 2738
2260=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2739=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2261 2740
2262Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2741Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2263prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2742prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2264afterwards. 2743afterwards.
2265 2744
2266You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2745You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2267the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2746the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2268watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2747watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2269rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2748rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2270those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2749those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2271C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2750C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2355 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2834 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2356 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2835 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2357 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2836 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2358 2837
2359 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2838 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2360 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2839 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2361 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2840 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2362 2841
2363 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2842 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2364 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2843 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2365 { 2844 {
2439 2918
2440 if (timeout >= 0) 2919 if (timeout >= 0)
2441 // create/start timer 2920 // create/start timer
2442 2921
2443 // poll 2922 // poll
2444 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2923 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2445 2924
2446 // stop timer again 2925 // stop timer again
2447 if (timeout >= 0) 2926 if (timeout >= 0)
2448 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2927 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2449 2928
2527if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3006if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2528 3007
2529=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3008=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2530 3009
2531Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3010Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2532similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3011similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2533appropriate way for embedded loops. 3012appropriate way for embedded loops.
2534 3013
2535=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3014=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2536 3015
2537The embedded event loop. 3016The embedded event loop.
2595event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3074event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2596and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3075and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2597C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3076C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2598handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3077handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2599 3078
3079=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3080
3081Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3082up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3083sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3084
3085This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3086in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3087fork.
3088
3089The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3090forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3091when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3092
3093When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3094wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3095supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3096process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3097
3098The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3099simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3100use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3101memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3102disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3103signal watchers).
3104
3105When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3106other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3107C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3108Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3109watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3110those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3111signal watchers.
3112
2600=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3113=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2601 3114
2602=over 4 3115=over 4
2603 3116
2604=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3117=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2605 3118
2606Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3119Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2607kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3120kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2608believe me. 3121really.
2609 3122
2610=back 3123=back
2611 3124
2612 3125
3126=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3127
3128Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3129by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3130
3131While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3132watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3133program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3134loop when you want them to be invoked.
3135
3136Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3137all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3138makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3139can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3140
3141=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3142
3143=over 4
3144
3145=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3146
3147Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3148any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3149pointless, I assure you.
3150
3151=back
3152
3153Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3154cleanup functions are called.
3155
3156 static void
3157 program_exits (void)
3158 {
3159 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3160 }
3161
3162 ...
3163 atexit (program_exits);
3164
3165
2613=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3166=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2614 3167
2615In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3168In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2616asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3169asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2617loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3170loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2618 3171
2619Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3172Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2620control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3173for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2621C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3174watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2622can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3175it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2623safe.
2624 3176
2625This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3177This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2626too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3178too, 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 3179(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2628C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3180C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2633=head3 Queueing 3185=head3 Queueing
2634 3186
2635C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3187C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2636is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3188is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2637multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3189multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2638need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3190need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3191semantics.
2639 3192
2640That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3193That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2641queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3194queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2642queue: 3195queue:
2643 3196
2782 3335
2783If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3336If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2784started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3337started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2785repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3338repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2786 3339
2787The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3340The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2788passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3341passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2789C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3342C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2790value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3343value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2791a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3344a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2792events precedence. 3345events precedence.
2793 3346
2794Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3347Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2795 3348
2796 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3349 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2797 { 3350 {
2798 if (revents & EV_READ) 3351 if (revents & EV_READ)
2799 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3352 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2800 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3353 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2801 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3354 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2802 } 3355 }
2803 3356
2804 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3357 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2805 3358
2806=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2807
2808Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2809had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2810initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2811
2812=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3359=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2813 3360
2814Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3361Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2815the given events it. 3362the given events it.
2816 3363
2817=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3364=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2818 3365
2819Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3366Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2820loop!). 3367loop!).
2821 3368
2822=back 3369=back
2823 3370
2824 3371
3372=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3373
3374This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3375obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3376section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3377
3378=over 4
3379
3380=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3381
3382Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3383I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3384invoking C<ev_run>.
3385
3386This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3387main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3388a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3389and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3390other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3391
3392The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3393invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3394triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3395
3396 // main loop
3397 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3398
3399 while (!exit_main_loop)
3400 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3401
3402 // in a model watcher
3403 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3404
3405 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3406 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3407
3408To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3409
3410 // exit modal loop
3411 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3412
3413 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3414 exit_main_loop = 1;
3415
3416 // exit both
3417 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3418
3419=back
3420
3421
2825=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3422=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
2826 3423
2827Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3424Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
2828emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3425emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
2829 3426
2830=over 4 3427=over 4
3428
3429=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3430
3431This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3432and is still mostly uncanged in 2010.
2831 3433
2832=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3434=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
2833 3435
2834=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3436=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
2835ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3437ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
2841=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3443=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2842will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3444will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2843is an ev_pri field. 3445is an ev_pri field.
2844 3446
2845=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3447=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2846first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3448base that registered the signal gets the signals.
2847 3449
2848=item * Other members are not supported. 3450=item * Other members are not supported.
2849 3451
2850=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3452=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2851to use the libev header file and library. 3453to use the libev header file and library.
2902 3504
2903=over 4 3505=over 4
2904 3506
2905=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3507=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2906 3508
2907=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3509=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2908 3510
2909=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3511=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2910 3512
2911The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3513The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2912with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3514with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2945 myclass obj; 3547 myclass obj;
2946 ev::io iow; 3548 ev::io iow;
2947 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3549 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2948 3550
2949=item w->set (object *) 3551=item w->set (object *)
2950
2951This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
2952 3552
2953This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3553This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
2954will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3554will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
2955functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3555functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
2956the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3556the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
2989Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3589Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2990 3590
2991 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3591 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2992 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3592 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2993 3593
2994=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3594=item w->set (loop)
2995 3595
2996Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3596Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2997do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3597do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2998 3598
2999=item w->set ([arguments]) 3599=item w->set ([arguments])
3000 3600
3001Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3601Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3002called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3602method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3003automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3603C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3004method. 3604when reconfiguring it with this method.
3005 3605
3006=item w->start () 3606=item w->start ()
3007 3607
3008Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3608Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3009constructor already stores the event loop. 3609constructor already stores the event loop.
3010 3610
3611=item w->start ([arguments])
3612
3613Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3614convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3615the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3616
3011=item w->stop () 3617=item w->stop ()
3012 3618
3013Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3619Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3014 3620
3015=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3621=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3027 3633
3028=back 3634=back
3029 3635
3030=back 3636=back
3031 3637
3032Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3638Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3033the constructor. 3639watchers in the constructor.
3034 3640
3035 class myclass 3641 class myclass
3036 { 3642 {
3037 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3643 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3644 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3038 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3645 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3039 3646
3040 myclass (int fd) 3647 myclass (int fd)
3041 { 3648 {
3042 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3649 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3650 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3043 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3651 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3044 3652
3045 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3653 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3654 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3655
3656 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3046 } 3657 }
3047 }; 3658 };
3048 3659
3049 3660
3050=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3661=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3096=item Ocaml 3707=item Ocaml
3097 3708
3098Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3709Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3099L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3710L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3100 3711
3712=item Lua
3713
3714Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3715time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3716L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3717
3101=back 3718=back
3102 3719
3103 3720
3104=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3721=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3105 3722
3118loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3735loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3119C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3736C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3120 3737
3121 ev_unref (EV_A); 3738 ev_unref (EV_A);
3122 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3739 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3123 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3740 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3124 3741
3125It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3742It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3126which is often provided by the following macro. 3743which is often provided by the following macro.
3127 3744
3128=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3745=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3168 } 3785 }
3169 3786
3170 ev_check check; 3787 ev_check check;
3171 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3788 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3172 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3789 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3173 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3790 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3174 3791
3175=head1 EMBEDDING 3792=head1 EMBEDDING
3176 3793
3177Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3794Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3178applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3795applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3258 libev.m4 3875 libev.m4
3259 3876
3260=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3877=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3261 3878
3262Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3879Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3263define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3880define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3264autoconf is documented for every option. 3881the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3882
3883Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3884values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3885to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3886to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3887users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3888settings.
3265 3889
3266=over 4 3890=over 4
3267 3891
3892=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3893
3894Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3895release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3896have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3897
3898You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3899versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3900sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3901from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3902typedef in that case.
3903
3904In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3905and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3906removed completely.
3907
3268=item EV_STANDALONE 3908=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3269 3909
3270Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3910Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3271keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3911keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3272implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3912implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3273supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3913supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3274F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3914F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3275 3915
3276In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3916In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3277configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3917configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3278 3918
3279=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3919=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3280 3920
3281If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3921If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3346be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3986be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3347C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3987C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3348it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3988it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3349on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3989on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3350 3990
3351=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3991=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3352 3992
3353If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3993If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3354file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3994file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3355default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3995default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3356correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3996correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3357in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3997in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3998
3999=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
4000
4001If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
4002using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
4003their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
4004to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
4005
4006=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
4007
4008If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4009macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4010file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4011the underlying OS handle.
3358 4012
3359=item EV_USE_POLL 4013=item EV_USE_POLL
3360 4014
3361If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4015If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3362backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4016backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3409as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4063as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3410 4064
3411In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4065In 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. 4066(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3413 4067
3414=item EV_H 4068=item EV_H (h)
3415 4069
3416The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4070The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3417undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4071undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3418used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4072used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3419 4073
3420=item EV_CONFIG_H 4074=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3421 4075
3422If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4076If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3423F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4077F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3424C<EV_H>, above. 4078C<EV_H>, above.
3425 4079
3426=item EV_EVENT_H 4080=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3427 4081
3428Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4082Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3429of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4083of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3430 4084
3431=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4085=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3432 4086
3433If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4087If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3434prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4088prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3435occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4089occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3436around libev functions. 4090around libev functions.
3458fine. 4112fine.
3459 4113
3460If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4114If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3461both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4115both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3462 4116
3463=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4117=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4118EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4119EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3464 4120
3465If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4121If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3466defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4122the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3467code. 4123is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3468 4124
3469=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4125=item EV_FEATURES
3470
3471If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3472defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3473code.
3474
3475=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3476
3477If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3478defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3479watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3480
3481=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3482
3483If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3484defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3485
3486=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3487
3488If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3489defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3490
3491=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3492
3493If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3494defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3495
3496=item EV_MINIMAL
3497 4126
3498If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4127If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3499speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4128speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3500inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4129certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3501much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4130that can be enabled on the platform.
4131
4132A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4133with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4134additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4135but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4136backend, use this:
4137
4138 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4139 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4140 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4141 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4142 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4143
4144The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4145values:
4146
4147=over 4
4148
4149=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4150
4151Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4152
4153Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4154code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4155
4156When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4157gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4158assertions.
4159
4160=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4161
4162Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4163hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4164and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4165runtime.
4166
4167=item C<4> - full API configuration
4168
4169This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4170enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4171
4172=item C<8> - full API
4173
4174This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4175details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4176feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4177
4178=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4179
4180Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4181only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4182embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4183C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4184
4185=item C<32> - enable all backends
4186
4187This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4188least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4189
4190=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4191
4192Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4193default.
4194
4195=back
4196
4197Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4198reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4199code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4200watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4201
4202With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4203when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4204your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4205I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4206
4207=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4208
4209If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4210functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4211somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4212libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4213big.
4214
4215Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4216enabled.
4217
4218=item EV_NSIG
4219
4220The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4221signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4222automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4223specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4224good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4225statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3502 4226
3503=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4227=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3504 4228
3505C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4229C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3506pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4230pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3507than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4231usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3508increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4232might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3509 4233
3510=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4234=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3511 4235
3512C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4236C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3513inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4237inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3514usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4238disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3515watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4239C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3516two). 4240power of two).
3517 4241
3518=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4242=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3519 4243
3520Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4244Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3521timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4245timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3522to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4246to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3523faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4247faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3524 4248
3525The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4249The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3526(disabled). 4250will be C<0>.
3527 4251
3528=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4252=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3529 4253
3530Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4254Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3531timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4255timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3532the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4256the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3533which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4257which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3534but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4258but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3535noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4259noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3536 4260
3537The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4261The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3538(disabled). 4262will be C<0>.
3539 4263
3540=item EV_VERIFY 4264=item EV_VERIFY
3541 4265
3542Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4266Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3543be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4267be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3544in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4268in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3545called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4269called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3546called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4270called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3547verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4271verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3548libev considerably. 4272libev considerably.
3549 4273
3550The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4274The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3551C<0>. 4275will be C<0>.
3552 4276
3553=item EV_COMMON 4277=item EV_COMMON
3554 4278
3555By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4279By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3556this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4280this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3557members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4281members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3558though, and it must be identical each time. 4282though, and it must be identical each time.
3559 4283
3560For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4284For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3561 4285
3614file. 4338file.
3615 4339
3616The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4340The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3617that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4341that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3618 4342
3619 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4343 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3620 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4344 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3621 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3622 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4345 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4346 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3623 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4347 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3624 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4348 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4349 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3625 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4350 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3626 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3627 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3628 4351
3629 #include "ev++.h" 4352 #include "ev++.h"
3630 4353
3631And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4354And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3632 4355
3692default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4415default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3693watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4416watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3694 4417
3695=back 4418=back
3696 4419
4420=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4421
4422Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4423thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4424created/added/removed.
4425
4426For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4427which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4428languages).
4429
4430The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4431variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4432event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4433
4434First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4435
4436 typedef struct {
4437 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4438 ev_async async_w;
4439 thread_t tid;
4440 cond_t invoke_cv;
4441 } userdata;
4442
4443 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4444 {
4445 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4446 static userdata u;
4447
4448 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4449 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4450
4451 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4452 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4453
4454 // now associate this with the loop
4455 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4456 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4457 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4458
4459 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4460 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4461 }
4462
4463The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4464solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4465that might have been added:
4466
4467 static void
4468 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4469 {
4470 // just used for the side effects
4471 }
4472
4473The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4474protecting the loop data, respectively.
4475
4476 static void
4477 l_release (EV_P)
4478 {
4479 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4480 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4481 }
4482
4483 static void
4484 l_acquire (EV_P)
4485 {
4486 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4487 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4488 }
4489
4490The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4491into C<ev_run>:
4492
4493 void *
4494 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4495 {
4496 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4497
4498 l_acquire (EV_A);
4499 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4500 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4501 l_release (EV_A);
4502
4503 return 0;
4504 }
4505
4506Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4507signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4508writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4509have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4510and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4511watchers is very beneficial):
4512
4513 static void
4514 l_invoke (EV_P)
4515 {
4516 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4517
4518 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4519 {
4520 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4521 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4522 }
4523 }
4524
4525Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4526will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4527thread to continue:
4528
4529 static void
4530 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4531 {
4532 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4533
4534 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4535 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4536 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4537 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4538 }
4539
4540Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4541event loop, you will now have to lock:
4542
4543 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4544 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4545
4546 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4547
4548 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4549 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4550 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4551 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4552
4553Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4554an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4555about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4556watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4557
3697=head3 COROUTINES 4558=head3 COROUTINES
3698 4559
3699Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4560Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3700libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4561libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3701coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4562coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3702different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4563different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3703loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4564the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3704you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4565that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3705 4566
3706Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4567Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3707C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4568C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3708they do not call any callbacks. 4569they do not call any callbacks.
3709 4570
3710=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4571=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3711 4572
3712Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4573Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3723maintainable. 4584maintainable.
3724 4585
3725And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4586And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3726wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4587wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3727seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4588seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3728warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4589warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3729been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4590been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3730such buggy versions. 4591such buggy versions.
3731 4592
3732While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4593While 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 4594"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3769I suggest using suppression lists. 4630I suggest using suppression lists.
3770 4631
3771 4632
3772=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4633=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3773 4634
4635=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4636
4637GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4638interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4639
4640That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4641files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4642
4643Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4644by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4645standard libev compiled for their system.
4646
4647Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4648suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4649i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4650
4651=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4652
4653The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4654you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4655OpenGL drivers.
4656
4657=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4658
4659The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4660only sockets, many support pipes.
4661
4662Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4663rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4664loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4665probably going to work well.
4666
4667=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4668
4669Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4670implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4671release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4672
4673Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4674this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4675a loop.
4676
4677=head3 C<select> is buggy
4678
4679All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4680one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4681descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4682you use more.
4683
4684There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4685C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4686work on OS/X.
4687
4688=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4689
4690=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4691
4692The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4693thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4694without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4695defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4696
4697If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4698it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4699
4700=head3 Event port backend
4701
4702The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4703ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4704releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4705a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4706and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4707are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4708great.
4709
4710If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4711the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4712C<select> backends.
4713
4714=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4715
4716AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4717this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4718compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4719with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4720
3774=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4721=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4722
4723=head3 General issues
3775 4724
3776Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4725Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3777requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4726requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3778model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4727model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3779the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4728the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3780descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4729descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3781e.g. cygwin. 4730e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4731as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4732environment.
3782 4733
3783Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4734Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3784re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4735re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3785things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4736then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3786way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4737also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3787 4738
3788There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4739There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3789embedding it into other applications. 4740embedding it into other applications.
4741
4742Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4743tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3790 4744
3791Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4745Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3792accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4746accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3793either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4747either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3794so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 4748so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3799the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4753the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3800is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4754is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3801more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4755more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3802different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4756different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3803notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4757notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3804(Microsoft monopoly games). 4758(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3805 4759
3806A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4760A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3807section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead 4761section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3808of F<ev.h>: 4762of F<ev.h>:
3809 4763
3816you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4770you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3817 4771
3818 #include "evwrap.h" 4772 #include "evwrap.h"
3819 #include "ev.c" 4773 #include "ev.c"
3820 4774
3821=over 4
3822
3823=item The winsocket select function 4775=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3824 4776
3825The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4777The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3826requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4778requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3827also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4779also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3828requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4780requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3837 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4789 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3838 4790
3839Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4791Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3840complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4792complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3841 4793
3842=item Limited number of file descriptors 4794=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3843 4795
3844Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4796Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3845 4797
3846Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4798Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3847of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4799of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3848can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4800can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3849recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4801recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3850previous thread in each. Great). 4802previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3851 4803
3852Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4804Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3853to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4805to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3854call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4806call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3855select emulation on windows). 4807other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3856 4808
3857Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4809Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3858libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4810libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3859or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4811fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3860C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4812by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3861arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4813(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3862libraries.
3863
3864This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4814runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3865windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4815(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3866wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4816you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3867calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4817the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3868
3869=back
3870 4818
3871=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4819=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3872 4820
3873In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4821In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3874backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4822backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3881Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4829Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3882structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4830structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3883assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4831assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3884callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4832callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3885calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4833calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4834
4835=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4836
4837Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4838writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
3886 4839
3887=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4840=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3888 4841
3889The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4842The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3890C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4843C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3913watchers. 4866watchers.
3914 4867
3915=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4868=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3916 4869
3917The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4870The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3918have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4871have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
3919enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4872good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4873(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3920implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4874implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4875IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3921 4876
3922=back 4877=back
3923 4878
3924If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4879If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3925 4880
3993involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4948involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3994 4949
3995=back 4950=back
3996 4951
3997 4952
4953=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4954
4955The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4956
4957At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4958for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4959layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4960new API early than late.
4961
4962=over 4
4963
4964=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4965
4966The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4967C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4968section.
4969
4970=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4971
4972These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4973
4974 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4975 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4976
4977=item function/symbol renames
4978
4979A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4980
4981 ev_loop => ev_run
4982 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4983 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4984
4985 ev_unloop => ev_break
4986 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4987 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4988 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4989
4990 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4991
4992 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4993 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4994 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4995
4996Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4997C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4998associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4999ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5000as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5001C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5002typedef.
5003
5004=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5005
5006The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5007mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5008and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5009
5010=back
5011
5012
5013=head1 GLOSSARY
5014
5015=over 4
5016
5017=item active
5018
5019A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5020See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5021
5022=item application
5023
5024In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5025
5026=item backend
5027
5028The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
5029
5030=item callback
5031
5032The address of a function that is called when some event has been
5033detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
5034received the event, and the actual event bitset.
5035
5036=item callback/watcher invocation
5037
5038The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
5039
5040=item event
5041
5042A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
5043for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
5044any other events happening anymore.
5045
5046In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
5047C<EV_TIMER>).
5048
5049=item event library
5050
5051A software package implementing an event model and loop.
5052
5053=item event loop
5054
5055An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
5056into callback invocations.
5057
5058=item event model
5059
5060The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
5061watchers and events.
5062
5063=item pending
5064
5065A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5066detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5067
5068=item real time
5069
5070The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5071
5072=item wall-clock time
5073
5074The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5075be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5076clock.
5077
5078=item watcher
5079
5080A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5081to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5082
5083=back
5084
3998=head1 AUTHOR 5085=head1 AUTHOR
3999 5086
4000Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5087Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5088Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4001 5089

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines