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 1.350 by sf-exg, Mon Jan 10 08:36:41 2011 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
274 } 299 }
275 300
276 ... 301 ...
277 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
278 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
279=back 317=back
280 318
281=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
282 320
283An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 321An 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> 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
285I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
286 324
287The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
288supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
289not. 327do not.
290 328
291=over 4 329=over 4
292 330
293=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
294 332
295This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
296yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally 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 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
298flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
299 343
300If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
301function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
302 346
303Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note 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, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
305as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
306 351
307The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The 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 353and 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 354a 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 355C<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 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
312C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
313 376
314The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The 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>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
316 379
317The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
332useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 395useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
333around bugs. 396around bugs.
334 397
335=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
336 399
337Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 400Instead 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 401make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
339enabling this flag.
340 402
341This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 403This 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 404and 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 405iterations 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 406GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
350flag. 412flag.
351 413
352This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 414This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
353environment variable. 415environment variable.
354 416
417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
418
419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
423
424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
425
426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
431threads that are not interested in handling them.
432
433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448
355=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
356 450
357This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This 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, 452libev 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 453but 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 477This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
384C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 478C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
385 479
386=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
387 481
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels).
484
388For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
389but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 486but 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), 487like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
391epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
392 489
393The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
394of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
395dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
396descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(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 4960.1ms) 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 497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
399take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
400hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
401 500
402Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll 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 502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
404I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
405even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
406on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
407employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
408events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
409 512
410While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While 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 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
412incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (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 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
502 605
503Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 606Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
504with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 607with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
505C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 608C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
506 609
507It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 610It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
611C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
612at all.
613
614=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
615
616Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
617C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
618value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
508 619
509=back 620=back
510 621
511If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 622If 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 623then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
513specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 624here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
514 625()> 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.
542 626
543Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 627Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
544 628
545 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 629 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
546 if (!epoller) 630 if (!epoller)
547 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 631 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
548 632
633Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
634used if available.
635
636 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
637
549=item ev_default_destroy () 638=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
550 639
551Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 640Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
552etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 641etc.). 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 642sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
554responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 643responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
555calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 644calling 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 645the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
558 647
559Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 648Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
560handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 649handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
561as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 650as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
562 651
563In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 652This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
564rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 653C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
654C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
655
656Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
657except 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 658If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
566C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 659and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
567 660
568=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 661=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
569 662
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 663This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
576to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 664reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
577name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 665name, 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 666the 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 667child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
580functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 668
669Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
670a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
671because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
672during fork.
581 673
582On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 674On 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 675process 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. 676you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
677call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
678difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
679costly reset of the backend).
585 680
586The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 681The 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 682it just in case after a fork.
588quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
589 683
684Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
685using pthreads.
686
687 static void
688 post_fork_child (void)
689 {
690 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
691 }
692
693 ...
590 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 694 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.
598 695
599=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 696=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
600 697
601Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 698Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
602otherwise. 699otherwise.
603 700
604=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 701=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
605 702
606Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 703Returns 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 704to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
608happily wraps around with enough iterations. 705and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
609 706
610This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 707This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
611"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 708"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
612C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 709C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
710prepare and check phases.
711
712=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
713
714Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
715times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
716
717Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
718C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
719in which case it is higher.
720
721Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
722throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
723as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
724convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
613 725
614=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 726=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
615 727
616Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 728Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
617use. 729use.
626 738
627=item ev_now_update (loop) 739=item ev_now_update (loop)
628 740
629Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 741Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
630returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 742returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
631is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 743is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
632 744
633This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 745This 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 746very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
635the current time is a good idea. 747the current time is a good idea.
636 748
637See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 749See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
638 750
639=item ev_suspend (loop) 751=item ev_suspend (loop)
640 752
641=item ev_resume (loop) 753=item ev_resume (loop)
642 754
643These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 755These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
644not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 756loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
645 757
646A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 758A 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 759the 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 760would 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> 761the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
651C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 763C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
652 764
653Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 765Effectively, 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 766between 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 767will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
656occured while suspended). 768occurred while suspended).
657 769
658After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 770After 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> 771given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
660without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 772without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
661 773
662Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 774Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
663event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 775event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
664 776
665=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 777=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
666 778
667Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 779Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
668after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 780after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
669events. 781handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
782the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
783is why event loops are called I<loops>.
670 784
671If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 785If 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. 786until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
787called.
673 788
674Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 789Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
675relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 790relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
676finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 791finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
677that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 792that 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 793of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
679beauty. 794beauty.
680 795
796This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
797a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
798exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
799will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
800
681A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 801A 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 802those 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 803block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
684the loop. 804iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
805events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
685 806
686A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 807A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
687necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 808necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
688will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 809will 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 810be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
690user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 811user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
691iteration of the loop. 812iteration of the loop.
692 813
693This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 814This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
694with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 815with 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 816own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
696usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 817usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
697 818
698Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 819Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
699 820
821 - Increment loop depth.
822 - Reset the ev_break status.
700 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 823 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
824 LOOP:
701 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 825 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
702 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 826 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
703 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 827 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
828 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
704 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 829 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
705 as to not disturb the other process. 830 as to not disturb the other process.
706 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 831 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
707 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 832 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
708 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 833 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
709 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 834 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
710 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 835 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
711 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 836 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
837 - Increment loop iteration counter.
712 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 838 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
713 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 839 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
714 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 840 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
715 - Queue all expired timers. 841 - Queue all expired timers.
716 - Queue all expired periodics. 842 - Queue all expired periodics.
717 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 843 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
718 - Queue all check watchers. 844 - Queue all check watchers.
719 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 845 - 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 846 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
721 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 847 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
722 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 848 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
723 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 849 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
724 continue with step *. 850 continue with step LOOP.
851 FINISH:
852 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
853 - Decrement the loop depth.
854 - Return.
725 855
726Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 856Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
727anymore. 857anymore.
728 858
729 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 859 ... 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..) 860 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
731 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 861 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
732 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 862 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
733 863
734=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 864=item ev_break (loop, how)
735 865
736Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 866Can 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 867has 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 868C<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. 869C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
740 870
741This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 871This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
742 872
743It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 873It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
874which case it will have no effect.
744 875
745=item ev_ref (loop) 876=item ev_ref (loop)
746 877
747=item ev_unref (loop) 878=item ev_unref (loop)
748 879
749Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 880Ref/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 881loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
751count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 882count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
752 883
753If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 884This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
754from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 885unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
886returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
755stopping it. 887before stopping it.
756 888
757As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 889As 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 890is 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 891exiting 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 892excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
761third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 893third-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 894before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
763before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 895before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
764(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 896(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
765in the callback). 897in the callback).
766 898
767Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 899Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
768running when nothing else is active. 900running when nothing else is active.
769 901
770 ev_signal exitsig; 902 ev_signal exitsig;
771 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 903 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
772 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 904 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
773 evf_unref (loop); 905 ev_unref (loop);
774 906
775Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 907Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
776 908
777 ev_ref (loop); 909 ev_ref (loop);
778 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
799 931
800By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 932By 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, 933time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
802at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 934at 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 935C<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. 936introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
937sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
938once per this interval, on average.
805 939
806Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 940Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
807to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 941to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
808latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 942latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
809later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 943later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
811 945
812Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 946Many (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 947interval 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 948interactive 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>, 949usually 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. 950as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
951you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
952parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
953need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
954then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
817 955
818Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 956Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
819saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 957saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
820are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 958are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
821times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 959times 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 960reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
823they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 961they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
824 962
963Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
964more often than 100 times per second:
965
966 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
967 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
968
969=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
970
971This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
972pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
973but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
974function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
975when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
976event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
977thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
978
979=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
980
981Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
982are pending.
983
984=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
985
986This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
987invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
988this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
989invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
990
991If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
992callback.
993
994=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
995
996Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
997can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
998each call to a libev function.
999
1000However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1001to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1002loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
1003I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1004
1005When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1006suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1007afterwards.
1008
1009Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
1010C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
1011
1012While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
1013C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
1014modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
1015have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
1016waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
1017to take note of any changes you made.
1018
1019In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
1020invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
1021
1022See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
1023document.
1024
1025=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
1026
1027=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
1028
1029Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
1030C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
1031C<0>.
1032
1033These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
1034and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
1035C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
1036any other purpose as well.
1037
825=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1038=item ev_verify (loop)
826 1039
827This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1040This 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 1041compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
829through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1042through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
830is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1043is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
841 1054
842In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1055In 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 1056watcher 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. 1057watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
845 1058
846A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1059A 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 1060your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
848become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1061to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1062for that:
849 1063
850 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1064 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
851 { 1065 {
852 ev_io_stop (w); 1066 ev_io_stop (w);
853 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1067 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
854 } 1068 }
855 1069
856 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1070 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
857 1071
858 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1072 ev_io stdin_watcher;
859 1073
860 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1074 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
861 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1075 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
862 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1076 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
863 1077
864 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1078 ev_run (loop, 0);
865 1079
866As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1080As 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 1081watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
868stack). 1082stack).
869 1083
870Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1084Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
871or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1085or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
872 1086
873Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1087Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
874(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1088*, 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 1089invoked 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 1090time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
877is readable and/or writable). 1091and/or writable).
878 1092
879Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1093Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
880macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1094macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
881is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1095is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
882ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1096ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
905=item C<EV_WRITE> 1119=item C<EV_WRITE>
906 1120
907The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1121The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
908writable. 1122writable.
909 1123
910=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1124=item C<EV_TIMER>
911 1125
912The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1126The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
913 1127
914=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1128=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
915 1129
933 1147
934=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1148=item C<EV_PREPARE>
935 1149
936=item C<EV_CHECK> 1150=item C<EV_CHECK>
937 1151
938All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1152All 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 1153to 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 1154C<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 1155received 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 1156many 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 1157(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
944C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1158C<ev_run> from blocking).
945 1159
946=item C<EV_EMBED> 1160=item C<EV_EMBED>
947 1161
948The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1162The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
949 1163
950=item C<EV_FORK> 1164=item C<EV_FORK>
951 1165
952The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1166The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
953C<ev_fork>). 1167C<ev_fork>).
1168
1169=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1170
1171The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
954 1172
955=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1173=item C<EV_ASYNC>
956 1174
957The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1175The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
958 1176
1005 1223
1006 ev_io w; 1224 ev_io w;
1007 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1225 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1008 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1226 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1009 1227
1010=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1228=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1011 1229
1012This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1230This 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 1231call 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 1232call 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 1233macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1028 1246
1029Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1247Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1030 1248
1031 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1249 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1032 1250
1033=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1251=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1034 1252
1035Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1253Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1036events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1254events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1037 1255
1038Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1256Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1039whole section. 1257whole section.
1040 1258
1041 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1259 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1042 1260
1043=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1261=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1044 1262
1045Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1263Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1046the watcher was active or not). 1264the watcher was active or not).
1047 1265
1048It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1266It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1073=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1291=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1074 1292
1075Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1293Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1076(modulo threads). 1294(modulo threads).
1077 1295
1078=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1296=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1079 1297
1080=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1298=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1081 1299
1082Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1300Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1083integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1301integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1084(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1302(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1085before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1303before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1086from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1304from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1087 1305
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 1306If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1094you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1307you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1095 1308
1096You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1309You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1097pending. 1310pending.
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 1311
1102Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1312Setting 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 1313fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1104or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1314or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1315
1316The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1317always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1318
1319See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1320priorities.
1105 1321
1106=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1322=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1107 1323
1108Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1324Invoke 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 1325C<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>. 1333watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1118 1334
1119Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1335Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1120callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1336callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1121 1337
1338=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1339
1340Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1341had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1342initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1343not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1344
1345Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1346C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1347not started in the first place.
1348
1349See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1350functions that do not need a watcher.
1351
1122=back 1352=back
1123
1124 1353
1125=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1354=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1126 1355
1127Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1356Each 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 1357and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1174 #include <stddef.h> 1403 #include <stddef.h>
1175 1404
1176 static void 1405 static void
1177 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1406 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1178 { 1407 {
1179 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1408 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1180 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1409 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1181 } 1410 }
1182 1411
1183 static void 1412 static void
1184 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1413 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1185 { 1414 {
1186 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1415 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1187 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1416 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1188 } 1417 }
1418
1419=head2 WATCHER STATES
1420
1421There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1422active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1423transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1424rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1425
1426=over 4
1427
1428=item initialiased
1429
1430Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1431initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1432C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1433
1434In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1435in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1436
1437=item started/running/active
1438
1439Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1440property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1441this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1442freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1443and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1444
1445=item pending
1446
1447If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1448in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1449stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1450about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1451callback.
1452
1453The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1454an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1455is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1456but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1457moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1458previous item still apply.
1459
1460It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1461via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1462active.
1463
1464=item stopped
1465
1466A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1467be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1468latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1469of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1470freeing it is often a good idea.
1471
1472While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1473initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1474you wish.
1475
1476=back
1477
1478=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1479
1480Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1481integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1482between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1483
1484In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1485description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1486range.
1487
1488There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1489by event loops:
1490
1491In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1492of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1493watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1494
1495The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1496callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1497watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1498before polling for new events.
1499
1500Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1501except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1502
1503The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1504watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1505libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1506their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1507common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1508priority ones.
1509
1510Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1511watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1512C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1513timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1514other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1515handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1516the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1517handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1518always, what you want).
1519
1520Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1521will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1522received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1523required.
1524
1525For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1526you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1527the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1528processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1529continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1530the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1531workable.
1532
1533Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1534miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1535it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1536idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1537the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1538
1539Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1540priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1541other events are pending:
1542
1543 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1544 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1545
1546 static void
1547 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1548 {
1549 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1550 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1551 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1552
1553 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1554 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1555 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1556 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1557 }
1558
1559 static void
1560 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1561 {
1562 // actual processing
1563 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1564
1565 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1566 // we have handled the event
1567 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1568 }
1569
1570 // initialisation
1571 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1572 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1573 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1574
1575In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1576low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1577enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1578during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1579important ones.
1189 1580
1190 1581
1191=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1582=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1192 1583
1193This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1584This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1219descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1610descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1220required if you know what you are doing). 1611required if you know what you are doing).
1221 1612
1222If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1613If 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 1614known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1224C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1615C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1616descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1617files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1225 1618
1226Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1619Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1227receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1620receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1228be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1621be 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 1622because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1294 1687
1295So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1688So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1296ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1689ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1297somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1690somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1298 1691
1692=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1693
1694Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1695found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1696connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1697
1698For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1699of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1700rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1701the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1702typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1703
1704Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1705operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1706situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1707cope with overload is known (to me).
1708
1709One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1710- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1711situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1712event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1713
1714A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1715C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1716messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1717what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1718the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1719usage.
1720
1721If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1722descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1723when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1724close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1725clients under typical overload conditions.
1726
1727The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1728is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1729opportunity for a DoS attack.
1299 1730
1300=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1731=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1301 1732
1302=over 4 1733=over 4
1303 1734
1335 ... 1766 ...
1336 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1767 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1337 ev_io stdin_readable; 1768 ev_io stdin_readable;
1338 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1769 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1339 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1770 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1340 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1771 ev_run (loop, 0);
1341 1772
1342 1773
1343=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1774=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1344 1775
1345Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1776Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1350year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1781year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1351detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1782detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1352monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1783monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1353 1784
1354The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1785The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1355passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1786passed (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 1787might 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 1788same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1358C<ev_loop> recursively). 1789before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1790no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1359 1791
1360=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1792=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1361 1793
1362Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1794Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1363recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1795recovery. 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> 1839C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1408member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1840member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1409 1841
1410At start: 1842At start:
1411 1843
1412 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1844 ev_init (timer, callback);
1413 timer->repeat = 60.; 1845 timer->repeat = 60.;
1414 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1846 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1415 1847
1416Each time there is some activity: 1848Each time there is some activity:
1417 1849
1449 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1881 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1450 1882
1451 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1883 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1452 if (timeout < now) 1884 if (timeout < now)
1453 { 1885 {
1454 // timeout occured, take action 1886 // timeout occurred, take action
1455 } 1887 }
1456 else 1888 else
1457 { 1889 {
1458 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1890 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1459 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1891 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1479 1911
1480To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1912To 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 1913to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1482callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1914callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1483 1915
1484 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1916 ev_init (timer, callback);
1485 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1917 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1486 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1918 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1487 1919
1488And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1920And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1489C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1921C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1490 1922
1491 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1923 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1492 1924
1493This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1925This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1494time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1926time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1495 1927
1496Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1928Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1534 1966
1535=head3 The special problem of time updates 1967=head3 The special problem of time updates
1536 1968
1537Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1969Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1538least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1970least 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 1971time 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 1972growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1541lots of events in one iteration. 1973lots of events in one iteration.
1542 1974
1543The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1975The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1544time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1976time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1550 1982
1551If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1983If 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 1984update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1553()>. 1985()>.
1554 1986
1987=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1988
1989When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1990can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1991
1992Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1993all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1994to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1995system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1996was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1997towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1998clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1999long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
2000be adjusted accordingly.
2001
2002I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
2003operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
2004
2005The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
2006time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
2007is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
2008then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
2009will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
2010use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
2011
2012It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
2013and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
2014deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
2015C<SIGSTOP>).
2016
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2017=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 2018
1557=over 4 2019=over 4
1558 2020
1559=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2021=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). 2044If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1583 2045
1584If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2046If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1585C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2047C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1586 2048
1587This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a 2049This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1588usage example. 2050usage example.
2051
2052=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2053
2054Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2055then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2056the timeout value currently configured.
2057
2058That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2059C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2060will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2061roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2062too), and so on.
1589 2063
1590=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2064=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1591 2065
1592The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2066The 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), 2067or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1619 } 2093 }
1620 2094
1621 ev_timer mytimer; 2095 ev_timer mytimer;
1622 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2096 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1623 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2097 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1624 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2098 ev_run (loop, 0);
1625 2099
1626 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2100 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1627 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2101 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1628 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2102 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1629 2103
1655 2129
1656As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2130As 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 2131point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1658timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2132timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1659earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2133earlier 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). 2134(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1661 2135
1662=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2136=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1663 2137
1664=over 4 2138=over 4
1665 2139
1793Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2267Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1794system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2268system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1795potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2269potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1796 2270
1797 static void 2271 static void
1798 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2272 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1799 { 2273 {
1800 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2274 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1801 } 2275 }
1802 2276
1803 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2277 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1826 2300
1827=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2301=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1828 2302
1829Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2303Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1830signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2304signal 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 2305will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1832normal event processing, like any other event. 2306normal event processing, like any other event.
1833 2307
1834If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2308If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1835do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2309C<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. 2310the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2311synchronously wake up an event loop.
1837 2312
1838You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2313You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2314only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2315default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2316C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2317the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2318
1839first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2319When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1840with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2320with 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 2321you 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 2322
1845If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2323If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1846C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2324C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1847interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2325not 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 2326interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1849them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2327and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2328
2329=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2330
2331Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2332(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2333stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2334and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2335
2336While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2337sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2338C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2339certain signals to be blocked.
2340
2341This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2342the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2343choice usually).
2344
2345The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2346to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2347catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2348
2349In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2350unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2351the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2352I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2353
2354So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2355you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2356is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2357
2358=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2359
2360POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2361a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2362threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2363
2364When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2365for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2366all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2367sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2368loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2369these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2370in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
1850 2371
1851=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2372=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1852 2373
1853=over 4 2374=over 4
1854 2375
1870Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2391Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1871 2392
1872 static void 2393 static void
1873 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2394 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1874 { 2395 {
1875 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2396 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1876 } 2397 }
1877 2398
1878 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2399 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1879 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2400 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1880 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2401 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1886some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2407some 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 2408exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1888has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2409has 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., 2410as 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, 2411forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1891but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2412but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1892not. 2413in the next callback invocation is not.
1893 2414
1894Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2415Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1895you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2416you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1896 2417
2418Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2419handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2420libev)
2421
1897=head3 Process Interaction 2422=head3 Process Interaction
1898 2423
1899Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2424Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1900initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2425initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1901the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2426first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1902of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2427of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1903synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2428synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1904children, even ones not watched. 2429children, even ones not watched.
1905 2430
1906=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2431=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1916=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2441=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1917 2442
1918Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2443Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1919child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2444child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1920callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2445callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1921when a child exit is detected. 2446when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2447problem).
1922 2448
1923=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2449=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1924 2450
1925=over 4 2451=over 4
1926 2452
2252 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2778 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2253 } 2779 }
2254 2780
2255 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2781 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2256 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2782 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2257 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2783 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2258 2784
2259 2785
2260=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2786=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2261 2787
2262Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2788Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2263prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2789prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2264afterwards. 2790afterwards.
2265 2791
2266You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2792You 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> 2793the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2268watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2794watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2269rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2795rationale 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, 2796those 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 2797C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2355 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2881 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2356 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2882 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2357 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2883 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2358 2884
2359 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2885 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2360 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2886 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2361 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2887 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2362 2888
2363 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2889 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2364 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2890 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2365 { 2891 {
2439 2965
2440 if (timeout >= 0) 2966 if (timeout >= 0)
2441 // create/start timer 2967 // create/start timer
2442 2968
2443 // poll 2969 // poll
2444 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2970 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2445 2971
2446 // stop timer again 2972 // stop timer again
2447 if (timeout >= 0) 2973 if (timeout >= 0)
2448 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2974 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2449 2975
2527if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3053if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2528 3054
2529=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3055=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2530 3056
2531Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3057Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2532similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3058similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2533appropriate way for embedded loops. 3059appropriate way for embedded loops.
2534 3060
2535=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3061=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2536 3062
2537The embedded event loop. 3063The embedded event loop.
2595event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3121event 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 3122and 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 3123C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2598handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3124handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2599 3125
3126=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3127
3128Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3129up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3130sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3131
3132This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3133in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3134fork.
3135
3136The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3137forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3138when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3139
3140When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3141wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3142supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3143process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3144
3145The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3146simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3147use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3148memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3149disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3150signal watchers).
3151
3152When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3153other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3154C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3155Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3156watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3157those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3158signal watchers.
3159
2600=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3160=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2601 3161
2602=over 4 3162=over 4
2603 3163
2604=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3164=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2605 3165
2606Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3166Initialises 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, 3167kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2608believe me. 3168really.
2609 3169
2610=back 3170=back
2611 3171
2612 3172
3173=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3174
3175Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3176by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3177
3178While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3179watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3180program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3181loop when you want them to be invoked.
3182
3183Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3184all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3185makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3186can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3187
3188=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3189
3190=over 4
3191
3192=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3193
3194Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3195any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3196pointless, I assure you.
3197
3198=back
3199
3200Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3201cleanup functions are called.
3202
3203 static void
3204 program_exits (void)
3205 {
3206 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3207 }
3208
3209 ...
3210 atexit (program_exits);
3211
3212
2613=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3213=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2614 3214
2615In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3215In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2616asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3216asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2617loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3217loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2618 3218
2619Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3219Sometimes, 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 3220for 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 3221watchers 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 3222it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2623safe.
2624 3223
2625This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3224This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2626too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3225too, 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 3226(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2628C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3227C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3228of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3229signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3230even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
2629 3231
2630Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3232Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2631just the default loop. 3233just the default loop.
2632 3234
2633=head3 Queueing 3235=head3 Queueing
2634 3236
2635C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3237C<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 3238is 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 3239multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2638need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3240need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3241semantics.
2639 3242
2640That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3243That 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 3244queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2642queue: 3245queue:
2643 3246
2782 3385
2783If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3386If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2784started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3387started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2785repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3388repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2786 3389
2787The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3390The 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 3391passed 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> 3392C<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> 3393value 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 3394a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2792events precedence. 3395events precedence.
2793 3396
2794Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3397Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2795 3398
2796 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3399 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2797 { 3400 {
2798 if (revents & EV_READ) 3401 if (revents & EV_READ)
2799 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3402 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2800 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3403 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2801 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3404 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2802 } 3405 }
2803 3406
2804 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3407 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2805 3408
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) 3409=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2813 3410
2814Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3411Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2815the given events it. 3412the given events it.
2816 3413
2817=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3414=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2818 3415
2819Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3416Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
2820loop!). 3417which is async-safe.
3418
3419=back
3420
3421
3422=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3423
3424This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3425obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3426section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3427
3428=over 4
3429
3430=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3431
3432Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3433I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3434invoking C<ev_run>.
3435
3436This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3437main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3438a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3439and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3440other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3441
3442The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3443invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3444triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3445
3446 // main loop
3447 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3448
3449 while (!exit_main_loop)
3450 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3451
3452 // in a model watcher
3453 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3454
3455 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457
3458To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3459
3460 // exit modal loop
3461 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3462
3463 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3464 exit_main_loop = 1;
3465
3466 // exit both
3467 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
2821 3468
2822=back 3469=back
2823 3470
2824 3471
2825=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3472=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
2826 3473
2827Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3474Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
2828emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3475emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
2829 3476
2830=over 4 3477=over 4
3478
3479=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3480
3481This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3482and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
2831 3483
2832=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3484=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
2833 3485
2834=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3486=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
2835ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3487ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
2841=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3493=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2842will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3494will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2843is an ev_pri field. 3495is an ev_pri field.
2844 3496
2845=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3497=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2846first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3498base that registered the signal gets the signals.
2847 3499
2848=item * Other members are not supported. 3500=item * Other members are not supported.
2849 3501
2850=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3502=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2851to use the libev header file and library. 3503to use the libev header file and library.
2870Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3522Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
2871classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3523classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2872that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3524that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2873you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3525you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2874 3526
2875Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3527Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
2876used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3528with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
2877need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3529to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
2878types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3530you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
2879it). 3531(preferably after implementing it).
2880 3532
2881Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3533Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
2882 3534
2883=over 4 3535=over 4
2884 3536
2902 3554
2903=over 4 3555=over 4
2904 3556
2905=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3557=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2906 3558
2907=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3559=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2908 3560
2909=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3561=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2910 3562
2911The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3563The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2912with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3564with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2945 myclass obj; 3597 myclass obj;
2946 ev::io iow; 3598 ev::io iow;
2947 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3599 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2948 3600
2949=item w->set (object *) 3601=item w->set (object *)
2950
2951This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
2952 3602
2953This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3603This 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 3604will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
2955functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3605functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
2956the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3606the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
2989Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3639Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2990 3640
2991 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3641 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2992 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3642 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2993 3643
2994=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3644=item w->set (loop)
2995 3645
2996Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3646Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2997do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3647do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2998 3648
2999=item w->set ([arguments]) 3649=item w->set ([arguments])
3000 3650
3001Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3651Basically 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 3652method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3003automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3653C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3004method. 3654when reconfiguring it with this method.
3005 3655
3006=item w->start () 3656=item w->start ()
3007 3657
3008Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3658Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3009constructor already stores the event loop. 3659constructor already stores the event loop.
3010 3660
3661=item w->start ([arguments])
3662
3663Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3664convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3665the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3666
3011=item w->stop () 3667=item w->stop ()
3012 3668
3013Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3669Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3014 3670
3015=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3671=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3027 3683
3028=back 3684=back
3029 3685
3030=back 3686=back
3031 3687
3032Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3688Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3033the constructor. 3689watchers in the constructor.
3034 3690
3035 class myclass 3691 class myclass
3036 { 3692 {
3037 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3693 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3694 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3038 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3695 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3039 3696
3040 myclass (int fd) 3697 myclass (int fd)
3041 { 3698 {
3042 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3699 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3700 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3043 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3701 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3044 3702
3045 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3703 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3704 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3705
3706 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3046 } 3707 }
3047 }; 3708 };
3048 3709
3049 3710
3050=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3711=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3096=item Ocaml 3757=item Ocaml
3097 3758
3098Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3759Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3099L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3760L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3100 3761
3762=item Lua
3763
3764Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3765time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3766L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3767
3101=back 3768=back
3102 3769
3103 3770
3104=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3771=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3105 3772
3118loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3785loop 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: 3786C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3120 3787
3121 ev_unref (EV_A); 3788 ev_unref (EV_A);
3122 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3789 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3123 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3790 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3124 3791
3125It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3792It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3126which is often provided by the following macro. 3793which is often provided by the following macro.
3127 3794
3128=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3795=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3168 } 3835 }
3169 3836
3170 ev_check check; 3837 ev_check check;
3171 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3838 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3172 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3839 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3173 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3840 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3174 3841
3175=head1 EMBEDDING 3842=head1 EMBEDDING
3176 3843
3177Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3178applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3258 libev.m4 3925 libev.m4
3259 3926
3260=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3927=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3261 3928
3262Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3929Libev 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 3930define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3264autoconf is documented for every option. 3931the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3932
3933Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3934values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3935to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3936to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3937users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3938settings.
3265 3939
3266=over 4 3940=over 4
3267 3941
3942=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3943
3944Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3945release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3946have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3947
3948You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3949versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3950sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3951from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3952typedef in that case.
3953
3954In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3955and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3956removed completely.
3957
3268=item EV_STANDALONE 3958=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3269 3959
3270Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3960Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3271keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3961keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3272implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3962implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3273supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3963supported). 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. 3964F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3275 3965
3276In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3966In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3277configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3967configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3278 3968
3279=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3969=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3280 3970
3281If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3971If 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 4036be 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, 4037C<_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 4038it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3349on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 4039on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3350 4040
3351=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 4041=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3352 4042
3353If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 4043If 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 4044file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3355default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 4045default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3356correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 4046correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3357in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 4047in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
4048
4049=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
4050
4051If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
4052using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
4053their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
4054to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
4055
4056=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
4057
4058If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4059macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4060file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4061the underlying OS handle.
3358 4062
3359=item EV_USE_POLL 4063=item EV_USE_POLL
3360 4064
3361If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4065If 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 4066backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3409as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4113as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3410 4114
3411In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4115In 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. 4116(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3413 4117
3414=item EV_H 4118=item EV_H (h)
3415 4119
3416The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4120The 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 4121undefined 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. 4122used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3419 4123
3420=item EV_CONFIG_H 4124=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3421 4125
3422If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4126If 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 4127F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3424C<EV_H>, above. 4128C<EV_H>, above.
3425 4129
3426=item EV_EVENT_H 4130=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3427 4131
3428Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4132Similarly 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">. 4133of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3430 4134
3431=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4135=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3432 4136
3433If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4137If 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 4138prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3435occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4139occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3436around libev functions. 4140around libev functions.
3458fine. 4162fine.
3459 4163
3460If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4164If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3461both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4165both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3462 4166
3463=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4167=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4168EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4169EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3464 4170
3465If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4171If 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 4172the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3467code. 4173is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3468 4174
3469=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4175=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 4176
3498If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4177If 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 4178speed (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 4179certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3501much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4180that can be enabled on the platform.
4181
4182A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4183with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4184additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4185but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4186backend, use this:
4187
4188 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4189 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4190 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4191 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4192 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4193
4194The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4195values:
4196
4197=over 4
4198
4199=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4200
4201Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4202
4203Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4204code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4205
4206When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4207gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4208assertions.
4209
4210=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4211
4212Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4213hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4214and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4215runtime.
4216
4217=item C<4> - full API configuration
4218
4219This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4220enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4221
4222=item C<8> - full API
4223
4224This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4225details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4226feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4227
4228=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4229
4230Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4231only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4232embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4233C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4234
4235=item C<32> - enable all backends
4236
4237This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4238least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4239
4240=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4241
4242Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4243default.
4244
4245=back
4246
4247Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4248reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4249code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4250watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4251
4252With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4253when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4254your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4255I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4256
4257=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4258
4259If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4260functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4261somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4262libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4263big.
4264
4265Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4266enabled.
4267
4268=item EV_NSIG
4269
4270The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4271signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4272automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4273specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4274good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4275statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3502 4276
3503=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4277=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3504 4278
3505C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4279C<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 4280pid. 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 4281usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3508increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4282might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3509 4283
3510=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4284=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3511 4285
3512C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4286C<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>), 4287inotify 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> 4288disabled), 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 4289C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3516two). 4290power of two).
3517 4291
3518=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4292=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3519 4293
3520Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4294Heaps 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 4295timer 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 4296to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3523faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4297faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3524 4298
3525The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4299The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3526(disabled). 4300will be C<0>.
3527 4301
3528=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4302=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3529 4303
3530Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4304Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3531timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4305timer 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>), 4306the 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, 4307which 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 4308but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3535noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4309noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3536 4310
3537The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4311The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3538(disabled). 4312will be C<0>.
3539 4313
3540=item EV_VERIFY 4314=item EV_VERIFY
3541 4315
3542Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4316Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3543be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4317be 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 4318in. 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 4319called. 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 4320called 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 4321verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3548libev considerably. 4322libev considerably.
3549 4323
3550The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4324The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3551C<0>. 4325will be C<0>.
3552 4326
3553=item EV_COMMON 4327=item EV_COMMON
3554 4328
3555By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4329By 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 4330this 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, 4331members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3558though, and it must be identical each time. 4332though, and it must be identical each time.
3559 4333
3560For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4334For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3561 4335
3614file. 4388file.
3615 4389
3616The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4390The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3617that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4391that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3618 4392
3619 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4393 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3620 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4394 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3621 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3622 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4395 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4396 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3623 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4397 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3624 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4398 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4399 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3625 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4400 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3626 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3627 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3628 4401
3629 #include "ev++.h" 4402 #include "ev++.h"
3630 4403
3631And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4404And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3632 4405
3692default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4465default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3693watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4466watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3694 4467
3695=back 4468=back
3696 4469
4470=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4471
4472Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4473thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4474created/added/removed.
4475
4476For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4477which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4478languages).
4479
4480The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4481variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4482event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4483
4484First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4485
4486 typedef struct {
4487 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4488 ev_async async_w;
4489 thread_t tid;
4490 cond_t invoke_cv;
4491 } userdata;
4492
4493 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4494 {
4495 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4496 static userdata u;
4497
4498 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4499 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4500
4501 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4502 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4503
4504 // now associate this with the loop
4505 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4506 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4507 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4508
4509 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4510 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4511 }
4512
4513The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4514solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4515that might have been added:
4516
4517 static void
4518 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4519 {
4520 // just used for the side effects
4521 }
4522
4523The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4524protecting the loop data, respectively.
4525
4526 static void
4527 l_release (EV_P)
4528 {
4529 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4530 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4531 }
4532
4533 static void
4534 l_acquire (EV_P)
4535 {
4536 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4537 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4538 }
4539
4540The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4541into C<ev_run>:
4542
4543 void *
4544 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4545 {
4546 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4547
4548 l_acquire (EV_A);
4549 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4550 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4551 l_release (EV_A);
4552
4553 return 0;
4554 }
4555
4556Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4557signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4558writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4559have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4560and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4561watchers is very beneficial):
4562
4563 static void
4564 l_invoke (EV_P)
4565 {
4566 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4567
4568 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4569 {
4570 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4571 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4572 }
4573 }
4574
4575Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4576will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4577thread to continue:
4578
4579 static void
4580 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4581 {
4582 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4583
4584 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4585 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4586 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4587 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4588 }
4589
4590Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4591event loop, you will now have to lock:
4592
4593 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4594 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4595
4596 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4597
4598 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4599 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4600 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4601 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4602
4603Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4604an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4605about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4606watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4607
3697=head3 COROUTINES 4608=head3 COROUTINES
3698 4609
3699Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4610Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3700libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4611libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3701coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4612coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3702different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4613different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3703loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4614the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3704you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4615that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3705 4616
3706Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4617Care 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 4618C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3708they do not call any callbacks. 4619they do not call any callbacks.
3709 4620
3710=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4621=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3711 4622
3712Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4623Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3723maintainable. 4634maintainable.
3724 4635
3725And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4636And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3726wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4637wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3727seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4638seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3728warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4639warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3729been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4640been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3730such buggy versions. 4641such buggy versions.
3731 4642
3732While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4643While 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 4644"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3769I suggest using suppression lists. 4680I suggest using suppression lists.
3770 4681
3771 4682
3772=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4683=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3773 4684
4685=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4686
4687GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4688interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4689
4690That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4691files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4692
4693Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4694by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4695standard libev compiled for their system.
4696
4697Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4698suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4699i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4700
4701=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4702
4703The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4704you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4705OpenGL drivers.
4706
4707=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4708
4709The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4710only sockets, many support pipes.
4711
4712Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4713rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4714loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4715probably going to work well.
4716
4717=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4718
4719Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4720implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4721release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4722
4723Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4724this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4725a loop.
4726
4727=head3 C<select> is buggy
4728
4729All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4730one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4731descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4732you use more.
4733
4734There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4735C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4736work on OS/X.
4737
4738=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4739
4740=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4741
4742The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4743thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4744without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4745defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4746
4747If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4748it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4749
4750=head3 Event port backend
4751
4752The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4753ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4754releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4755a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4756and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4757are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4758great.
4759
4760If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4761the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4762C<select> backends.
4763
4764=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4765
4766AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4767this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4768compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4769with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4770
3774=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4771=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4772
4773=head3 General issues
3775 4774
3776Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4775Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3777requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4776requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3778model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4777model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3779the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4778the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3780descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4779descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3781e.g. cygwin. 4780e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4781as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4782environment.
3782 4783
3783Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4784Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3784re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4785re-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 4786then 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). 4787also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3787 4788
3788There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4789There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3789embedding it into other applications. 4790embedding it into other applications.
4791
4792Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4793tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3790 4794
3791Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4795Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3792accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4796accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3793either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4797either 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 4798so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3799the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4803the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3800is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4804is 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 4805more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3802different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4806different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3803notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4807notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3804(Microsoft monopoly games). 4808(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3805 4809
3806A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4810A 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 4811section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3808of F<ev.h>: 4812of F<ev.h>:
3809 4813
3816you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4820you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3817 4821
3818 #include "evwrap.h" 4822 #include "evwrap.h"
3819 #include "ev.c" 4823 #include "ev.c"
3820 4824
3821=over 4
3822
3823=item The winsocket select function 4825=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3824 4826
3825The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4827The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3826requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4828requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3827also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4829also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3828requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4830requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3837 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4839 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3838 4840
3839Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4841Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3840complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4842complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3841 4843
3842=item Limited number of file descriptors 4844=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3843 4845
3844Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4846Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3845 4847
3846Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4848Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3847of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4849of 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 4850can 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 4851recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3850previous thread in each. Great). 4852previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3851 4853
3852Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4854Newer 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 4855to 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 4856call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3855select emulation on windows). 4857other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3856 4858
3857Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4859Another 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 4860libraries, 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 4861fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3860C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4862by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3861arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4863(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 4864runtime 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 4865(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 4866you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3867calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4867the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3868
3869=back
3870 4868
3871=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4869=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3872 4870
3873In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4871In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3874backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4872backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3881Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4879Libev 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 4880structure (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 4881assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3884callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4882callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3885calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4883calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4884
4885=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4886
4887Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4888writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
3886 4889
3887=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4890=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3888 4891
3889The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4892The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3890C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4893C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3913watchers. 4916watchers.
3914 4917
3915=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4918=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3916 4919
3917The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4920The 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 4921have 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 4922good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4923(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3920implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4924implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4925IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3921 4926
3922=back 4927=back
3923 4928
3924If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4929If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3925 4930
3993involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4998involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3994 4999
3995=back 5000=back
3996 5001
3997 5002
5003=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5004
5005The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
5006
5007At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
5008for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
5009layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5010new API early than late.
5011
5012=over 4
5013
5014=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5015
5016The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5017C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5018section.
5019
5020=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5021
5022These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5023
5024 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5025 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5026
5027=item function/symbol renames
5028
5029A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5030
5031 ev_loop => ev_run
5032 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5033 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5034
5035 ev_unloop => ev_break
5036 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5037 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5038 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5039
5040 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5041
5042 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5043 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5044 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
5045
5046Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
5047C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5048associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5049ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5050as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5051C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5052typedef.
5053
5054=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5055
5056The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5057mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5058and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5059
5060=back
5061
5062
5063=head1 GLOSSARY
5064
5065=over 4
5066
5067=item active
5068
5069A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5070See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5071
5072=item application
5073
5074In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5075
5076=item backend
5077
5078The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
5079
5080=item callback
5081
5082The address of a function that is called when some event has been
5083detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
5084received the event, and the actual event bitset.
5085
5086=item callback/watcher invocation
5087
5088The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
5089
5090=item event
5091
5092A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
5093for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
5094any other events happening anymore.
5095
5096In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
5097C<EV_TIMER>).
5098
5099=item event library
5100
5101A software package implementing an event model and loop.
5102
5103=item event loop
5104
5105An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
5106into callback invocations.
5107
5108=item event model
5109
5110The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
5111watchers and events.
5112
5113=item pending
5114
5115A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5116detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5117
5118=item real time
5119
5120The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5121
5122=item wall-clock time
5123
5124The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5125be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5126clock.
5127
5128=item watcher
5129
5130A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5131to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5132
5133=back
5134
3998=head1 AUTHOR 5135=head1 AUTHOR
3999 5136
4000Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5137Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5138Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4001 5139

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines