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9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 20
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 23 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 25 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 42 }
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 105Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 106configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 107more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 108B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 109for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 110name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 111this argument.
110 112
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 113=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 114
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 115Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
276 278
277=back 279=back
278 280
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 281=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 282
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 283An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 284is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 285I<function>).
286
287The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
288supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
289not.
284 290
285=over 4 291=over 4
286 292
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 293=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 294
294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 300If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
295function. 301function.
296 302
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 303Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 304from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 305as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
300 306
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 307The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 308C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 309for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 310create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 386=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 387
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 388For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 389but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 390like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 391epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 392
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 393The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 394of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
395dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
396descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
397so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
398I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
399take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
400hard to detect.
401
402Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
403of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
404I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
405even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
406on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
407employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
408events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
389 409
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 410While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 411will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 412incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 413I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 414file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 415file descriptors.
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 416
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 417Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 418watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 419i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause 420starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead. 421extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
422as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
423take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
424
425All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
426faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
427the usage. So sad.
405 428
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 429While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
407all kernel versions tested so far. 430all kernel versions tested so far.
408 431
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 432This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 433C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411 434
412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 435=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
413 436
414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was 437Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with 438was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's 439with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless 440it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or 441is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD. 442without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
443"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
444C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
445system like NetBSD.
420 446
421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 447You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 448only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 449the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
424 450
425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 451It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 452kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 453course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 454cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 455two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 456sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
457cases
431 458
432This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 459This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
433 460
434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 461While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 462everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 463almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 464(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it, 465(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
439using it only for sockets. 466also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
440 467
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 468This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with 469C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>. 470C<NOTE_EOF>.
444 471
464might perform better. 491might perform better.
465 492
466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 493On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification 494notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 495in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends. 496OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
470 497
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 498This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 499C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
473 500
474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 501=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 554responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 555calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 556the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 557for example).
531 558
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 559Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 560handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 561as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 562
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 563In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 564rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 565pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 566C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
607very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 634very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea. 635the current time is a good idea.
609 636
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 637See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
611 638
639=item ev_suspend (loop)
640
641=item ev_resume (loop)
642
643These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
644not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
645
646A 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
648would 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>
650in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
651C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
652
653Effectively, 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
655will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
656occured while suspended).
657
658After 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>
660without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
661
662Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
663event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
664
612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 665=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
613 666
614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 667Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 668after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
616events. 669events.
631the loop. 684the loop.
632 685
633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 686A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 687necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 688will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a 689be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 690user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop. 691iteration of the loop.
639 692
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 693This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 694with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 738C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 739C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
687 740
688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 741This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
689 742
743It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
744
690=item ev_ref (loop) 745=item ev_ref (loop)
691 746
692=item ev_unref (loop) 747=item ev_unref (loop)
693 748
694Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 749Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
697 752
698If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 753If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
699from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 754from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
700stopping it. 755stopping it.
701 756
702As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 757As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
703not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 758is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
704if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 759exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
705way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 760excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
706libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 761third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
707(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 762before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
708respectively). 763before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
764(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
765in the callback).
709 766
710Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 767Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
711running when nothing else is active. 768running when nothing else is active.
712 769
713 struct ev_signal exitsig; 770 ev_signal exitsig;
714 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 771 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
715 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 772 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
716 evf_unref (loop); 773 evf_unref (loop);
717 774
718Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 775Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
766they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 823they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
767 824
768=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 825=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
769 826
770This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 827This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
771compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 828compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
772through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 829through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
773is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 830is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
774error and call C<abort ()>. 831error and call C<abort ()>.
775 832
776This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 833This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
780=back 837=back
781 838
782 839
783=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 840=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
784 841
842In 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
844watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
845
785A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 846A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
786interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 847interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
787become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 848become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
788 849
789 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 850 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
790 { 851 {
791 ev_io_stop (w); 852 ev_io_stop (w);
792 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 853 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
793 } 854 }
794 855
795 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 856 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
857
796 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 858 ev_io stdin_watcher;
859
797 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 860 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
798 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 861 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
799 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 862 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
863
800 ev_loop (loop, 0); 864 ev_loop (loop, 0);
801 865
802As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 866As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
803watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 867watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
804although this can sometimes be quite valid). 868stack).
869
870Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
871or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
805 872
806Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 873Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
807(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 874(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
808callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 875callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
809watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 876watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
810is readable and/or writable). 877is readable and/or writable).
811 878
812Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 879Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
813with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 880macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
814to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 881is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
815(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 882ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
816 883
817To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 884To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
818with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 885with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
819*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 886*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
820corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 887corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
821 888
822As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 889As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
823must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 890must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
824reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 891reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
825 892
826Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 893Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
827registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 894registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
828third argument. 895third argument.
829 896
887 954
888=item C<EV_ASYNC> 955=item C<EV_ASYNC>
889 956
890The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 957The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
891 958
959=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
960
961Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
962by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
963
892=item C<EV_ERROR> 964=item C<EV_ERROR>
893 965
894An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 966An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
895happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 967happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
896ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 968ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
969problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
970
897problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 971You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
898with the watcher being stopped. 972watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
973an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
974bug in your program.
899 975
900Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 976Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
901example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 977example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
902callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 978callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
903the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 979the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
906 982
907=back 983=back
908 984
909=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 985=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
910 986
911In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
912e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
913
914=over 4 987=over 4
915 988
916=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 989=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
917 990
918This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 991This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
923which rolls both calls into one. 996which rolls both calls into one.
924 997
925You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 998You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
926(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 999(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
927 1000
928The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1001The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
929int revents)>. 1002int revents)>.
930 1003
931Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 1004Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
932 1005
933 ev_io w; 1006 ev_io w;
967 1040
968 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1041 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
969 1042
970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1043=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
971 1044
972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1045Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1046the watcher was active or not).
1047
973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1048It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
974non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1049non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
975C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1050calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
976you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1051pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
977good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1052therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
978 1053
979=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1054=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
980 1055
981Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1056Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
982and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1057and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1008integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1083integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1009(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1084(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1010before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1085before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1011from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1086from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1012 1087
1088See L<
1089
1013This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback 1090This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1014invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for 1091invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1015example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two 1092example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1016watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first. 1093watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1017 1094
1024The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1101The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1025always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1102always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1026 1103
1027Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1104Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1028fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1105fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1029or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1106or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1030 1107
1031=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1108=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1032 1109
1033Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1110Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1034C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1111C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1056member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1133member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1057data: 1134data:
1058 1135
1059 struct my_io 1136 struct my_io
1060 { 1137 {
1061 struct ev_io io; 1138 ev_io io;
1062 int otherfd; 1139 int otherfd;
1063 void *somedata; 1140 void *somedata;
1064 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1141 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1065 }; 1142 };
1066 1143
1069 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1146 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1070 1147
1071And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1148And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1072can cast it back to your own type: 1149can cast it back to your own type:
1073 1150
1074 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1151 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1075 { 1152 {
1076 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1153 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1077 ... 1154 ...
1078 } 1155 }
1079 1156
1097programmers): 1174programmers):
1098 1175
1099 #include <stddef.h> 1176 #include <stddef.h>
1100 1177
1101 static void 1178 static void
1102 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1179 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1103 { 1180 {
1104 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1181 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1105 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1182 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1106 } 1183 }
1107 1184
1108 static void 1185 static void
1109 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1186 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1110 { 1187 {
1111 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1188 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1112 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1189 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1113 } 1190 }
1114 1191
1249Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1326Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1250readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1327readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1251attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1328attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1252 1329
1253 static void 1330 static void
1254 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1331 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1255 { 1332 {
1256 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1333 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1257 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1334 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1258 } 1335 }
1259 1336
1260 ... 1337 ...
1261 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1338 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1262 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1339 ev_io stdin_readable;
1263 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1340 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1264 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1341 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1265 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1342 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1266 1343
1267 1344
1275year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1352year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1276detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1353detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1277monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1354monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1278 1355
1279The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1356The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1280passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1357passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1281then order of execution is undefined. 1358then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with
1359later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls
1360C<ev_loop> recursively).
1361
1362=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1363
1364Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1365recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1366you want to raise some error after a while.
1367
1368What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1369inefficient to smart and efficient.
1370
1371In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1372gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1373data or other life sign was received).
1374
1375=over 4
1376
1377=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1378
1379This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1380start the watcher:
1381
1382 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1383 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1384
1385Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1386and start it again:
1387
1388 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1389 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1390 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1391
1392This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1393some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1394data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1395still not a constant-time operation.
1396
1397=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1398
1399This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1400C<ev_timer_start>.
1401
1402To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1403of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1404successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1405you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1406the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1407
1408That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1409C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1410member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1411
1412At start:
1413
1414 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1415 timer->repeat = 60.;
1416 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1417
1418Each time there is some activity:
1419
1420 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1421
1422It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1423whether the watcher is active or not:
1424
1425 timer->repeat = 30.;
1426 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1427
1428This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1429you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1430remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1431
1432It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1433
1434=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1435
1436This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1437relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1438our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1439associated activity resets.
1440
1441In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1442but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1443within the callback:
1444
1445 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1446
1447 static void
1448 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1449 {
1450 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1451 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1452
1453 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1454 if (timeout < now)
1455 {
1456 // timeout occured, take action
1457 }
1458 else
1459 {
1460 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1461 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1462 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1463 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1464 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1465 }
1466 }
1467
1468To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1469as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1470been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1471the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1472re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1473a timeout then.
1474
1475Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1476C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1477
1478This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1479minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1480libev to change the timeout.
1481
1482To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1483to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1484callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1485
1486 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1487 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1488 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1489
1490And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1491C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1492
1493 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1494
1495This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1496time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1497
1498Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1499callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1500fix things for you.
1501
1502=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1503
1504If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1505employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1506do even better:
1507
1508When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1509at the I<end> of the list.
1510
1511Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1512the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1513
1514When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1515the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1516update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1517
1518This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1519starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1520complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1521ensures that the list stays sorted.
1522
1523=back
1524
1525So which method the best?
1526
1527Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1528situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1529better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1530one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1531
1532Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1533rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1534off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1535overkill :)
1282 1536
1283=head3 The special problem of time updates 1537=head3 The special problem of time updates
1284 1538
1285Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1539Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1286least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1540least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1330If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1584If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1331 1585
1332If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1586If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1333C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1587C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1334 1588
1335This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1589This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1336example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1590usage example.
1337timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1338seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1339configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1340C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1341you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1342socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1343automatically restart it if need be.
1344
1345That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1346altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1347
1348 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1349 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1350 ...
1351 timer->again = 17.;
1352 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1353 ...
1354 timer->again = 10.;
1355 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1356
1357This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1358you want to modify its timeout value.
1359
1360Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1361time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1362callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1363some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1364timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1365 1591
1366=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1592=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1367 1593
1368The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1594The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1369or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1595or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1374=head3 Examples 1600=head3 Examples
1375 1601
1376Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1602Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1377 1603
1378 static void 1604 static void
1379 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1605 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1380 { 1606 {
1381 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1607 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1382 } 1608 }
1383 1609
1384 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1610 ev_timer mytimer;
1385 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1611 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1386 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1612 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1387 1613
1388Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1614Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1389inactivity. 1615inactivity.
1390 1616
1391 static void 1617 static void
1392 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1618 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1393 { 1619 {
1394 .. ten seconds without any activity 1620 .. ten seconds without any activity
1395 } 1621 }
1396 1622
1397 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1623 ev_timer mytimer;
1398 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1624 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1399 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1625 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1400 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1626 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1401 1627
1402 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1628 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1407=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1633=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1408 1634
1409Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1635Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1410(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1636(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1411 1637
1412Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1638Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1413but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1639relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1414to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1640(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1415periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 1641difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1416+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 1642time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1417clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 1643wrist-watch).
1418to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1419roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1420 1644
1645You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1646in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1647seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1648not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1649year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1650C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1651it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1652
1421C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1653C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1422such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1654timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1423complicated rules. 1655other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1656those cannot react to time jumps.
1424 1657
1425As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 1658As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1426time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1659point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1427during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 1660timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1661earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1662(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1428 1663
1429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1664=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1430 1665
1431=over 4 1666=over 4
1432 1667
1433=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1668=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1434 1669
1435=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1670=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1436 1671
1437Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1672Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1438operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 1673operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1439 1674
1440=over 4 1675=over 4
1441 1676
1442=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1677=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1443 1678
1444In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 1679In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1445time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 1680time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1446jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1681time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1447only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 1682will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1683this point in time.
1448 1684
1449=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1685=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1450 1686
1451In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1687In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1452C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1688C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1453and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1689negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1690argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1454 1691
1455This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 1692This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1456system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 1693system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1457hour, on the hour: 1694hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1458 1695
1459 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1696 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1460 1697
1461This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1698This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1462but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1699but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1463full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1700full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1464by 3600. 1701by 3600.
1465 1702
1466Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1703Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1467C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1704C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1468time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1705time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1469 1706
1470For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1707For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1471C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1708C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1472this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1709this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1473 1710
1474Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 1711Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1475speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 1712speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1476will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 1713will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1477millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 1714millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1478 1715
1479=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1716=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1480 1717
1481In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1718In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1482ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1719ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1483reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1720reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1484current time as second argument. 1721current time as second argument.
1485 1722
1486NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1723NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1487ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 1724or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1725allowed by documentation here>.
1488 1726
1489If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1727If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1490it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 1728it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1491only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1729only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1492 1730
1493The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1731The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1494*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1732*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1495 1733
1734 static ev_tstamp
1496 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1735 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1497 { 1736 {
1498 return now + 60.; 1737 return now + 60.;
1499 } 1738 }
1500 1739
1501It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1740It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1521a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1760a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1522program when the crontabs have changed). 1761program when the crontabs have changed).
1523 1762
1524=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 1763=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1525 1764
1526When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 1765When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1527trigger next. 1766to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
1767C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
1768rescheduling modes.
1528 1769
1529=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1770=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1530 1771
1531When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1772When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1532absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1773absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
1774although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1533 1775
1534Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 1776Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1535timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1777timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1536 1778
1537=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1779=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1538 1780
1539The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1781The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1540take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1782take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1541called. 1783called.
1542 1784
1543=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1785=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1544 1786
1545The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1787The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1546switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1788switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1547the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1789the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1548 1790
1553Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1795Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1554system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1796system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1555potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1797potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1556 1798
1557 static void 1799 static void
1558 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1800 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1559 { 1801 {
1560 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1802 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1561 } 1803 }
1562 1804
1563 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1805 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1564 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1806 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1565 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1807 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1566 1808
1567Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1809Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1568 1810
1569 #include <math.h> 1811 #include <math.h>
1570 1812
1571 static ev_tstamp 1813 static ev_tstamp
1572 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1814 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1573 { 1815 {
1574 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 1816 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1575 } 1817 }
1576 1818
1577 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1819 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1578 1820
1579Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1821Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1580 1822
1581 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1823 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1582 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1824 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1583 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1825 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1584 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1826 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1585 1827
1586 1828
1628=head3 Examples 1870=head3 Examples
1629 1871
1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 1872Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1631 1873
1632 static void 1874 static void
1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1875 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1634 { 1876 {
1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1877 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1636 } 1878 }
1637 1879
1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1880 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1881 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 1882 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1641 1883
1642 1884
1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1885=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1718its completion. 1960its completion.
1719 1961
1720 ev_child cw; 1962 ev_child cw;
1721 1963
1722 static void 1964 static void
1723 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1965 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1724 { 1966 {
1725 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1967 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1726 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1968 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1727 } 1969 }
1728 1970
1743 1985
1744 1986
1745=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1987=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1746 1988
1747This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1989This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1748C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1990C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1749compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1991and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1992it did.
1750 1993
1751The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1994The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1752not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1995not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1753not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1996exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1754otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1997C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1755the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1998least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
1999contents.
1756 2000
1757The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2001The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2002C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1758relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2003your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1759 2004
1760Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable 2005Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1761implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if 2006portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1762it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for 2007to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1763this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) 2008interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1764then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which 2009recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1765you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change 2010(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1766dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently 2011change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1767around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill. 2012currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1768 2013
1769This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2014This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1770as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2015as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1771resource-intensive. 2016resource-intensive.
1772 2017
1773At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented 2018At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1774is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as 2019is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1775an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way 2020exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1776of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue). 2021implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1777 2022
1778=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 2023=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1779 2024
1780Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 2025Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1781compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 2026compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1782support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 2027support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1783structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 2028structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1784use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 2029use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1785compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 2030compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1786obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 2031obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1787most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 2032most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1788 2033
1789The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 2034The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1790file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 2035file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1791optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 2036optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1792to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 2037to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1793default compilation environment. 2038default compilation environment.
1794 2039
1795=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 2040=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1796 2041
1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2042When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1798available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2043runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2044inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2045watcher is being started.
1801 2046
1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2047Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1803except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2048except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 2049making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1805there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling, 2050there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1806but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling. 2051but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2052many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2053a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2054xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1807 2055
1808There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2056There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1809implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2057implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1810descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 2058descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1811etc. is difficult. 2059etc. is difficult.
1812 2060
2061=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2062
2063Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2064the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2065()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2066
2067For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2068busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2069as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2070watcher).
2071
2072For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2073time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2074often takes multiple milliseconds.
2075
2076Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2077paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
2078
1813=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2079=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1814 2080
1815The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2081The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1816even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still 2082and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1817only support whole seconds. 2083still only support whole seconds.
1818 2084
1819That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2085That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1820easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2086easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1821calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2087calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1822within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the 2088within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1965 2231
1966=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2232=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1967 2233
1968=over 4 2234=over 4
1969 2235
1970=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2236=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1971 2237
1972Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2238Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1973kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2239kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1974believe me. 2240believe me.
1975 2241
1979 2245
1980Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2246Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1981callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2247callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1982 2248
1983 static void 2249 static void
1984 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2250 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1985 { 2251 {
1986 free (w); 2252 free (w);
1987 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2253 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1988 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2254 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1989 } 2255 }
1990 2256
1991 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2257 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1992 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2258 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1993 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2259 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1994 2260
1995 2261
1996=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2262=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2077 2343
2078 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2344 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2079 static ev_timer tw; 2345 static ev_timer tw;
2080 2346
2081 static void 2347 static void
2082 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2348 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2083 { 2349 {
2084 } 2350 }
2085 2351
2086 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2352 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2087 static void 2353 static void
2088 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2354 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2089 { 2355 {
2090 int timeout = 3600000; 2356 int timeout = 3600000;
2091 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2357 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2092 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2358 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2093 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2359 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2108 } 2374 }
2109 } 2375 }
2110 2376
2111 // stop all watchers after blocking 2377 // stop all watchers after blocking
2112 static void 2378 static void
2113 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2379 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2114 { 2380 {
2115 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2381 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2116 2382
2117 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2383 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2118 { 2384 {
2214some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 2480some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2215and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 2481and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2216this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all 2482this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2217the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2483the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2218 2484
2219As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2485As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2220there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2486time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2221call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2487must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2222their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2488sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2223loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2489C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2224to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2490to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2225embedded loop sweep.
2226 2491
2227As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2492You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2228callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2493will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2229set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2230interested in that.
2231 2494
2232Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2495Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2233when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2496is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2234but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2497embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2235yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 2498C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2236and future versions of libev might do just that.
2237 2499
2238Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 2500Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2239C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2501C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2240portable one. 2502portable one.
2241 2503
2286C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2548C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2287used). 2549used).
2288 2550
2289 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2551 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2290 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2552 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2291 struct ev_embed embed; 2553 ev_embed embed;
2292 2554
2293 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2555 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2294 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2556 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2295 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2557 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2296 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2558 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2310kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2572kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2311C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2573C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2312 2574
2313 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2575 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2314 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2576 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2315 struct ev_embed embed; 2577 ev_embed embed;
2316 2578
2317 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2579 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2318 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2580 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2319 { 2581 {
2320 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2582 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2461=over 4 2723=over 4
2462 2724
2463=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2725=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2464 2726
2465Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2727Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2466kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2728kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2467trust me. 2729trust me.
2468 2730
2469=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2731=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2470 2732
2471Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2733Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2472an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2734an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2473C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 2735C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2474similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2736similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2475section below on what exactly this means). 2737section below on what exactly this means).
2476 2738
2739Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
2740compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
2741is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
2742reset when the event loop detects that).
2743
2477This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 2744This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2478so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2745iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2479calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2746repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2480 2747
2481=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2748=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2482 2749
2483Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2750Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2484watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 2751watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2487C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2754C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2488the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2755the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2489it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2756it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2490quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2757quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2491 2758
2492Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 2759Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2493whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2760only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
2761is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
2762notification, and the callback being invoked.
2494 2763
2495=back 2764=back
2496 2765
2497 2766
2498=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2767=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2502=over 4 2771=over 4
2503 2772
2504=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2773=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2505 2774
2506This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2775This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2507callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2776callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2508watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2777watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2509or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2778or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2510more watchers yourself. 2779more watchers yourself.
2511 2780
2512If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2781If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2513is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2782C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2514C<events> set will be created and started. 2783the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2515 2784
2516If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2785If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2517started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2786started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2518repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2787repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2519dubious value.
2520 2788
2521The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2789The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2522passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2790passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2523C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2791C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2524value passed to C<ev_once>: 2792value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2793a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2794events precedence.
2795
2796Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2525 2797
2526 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2798 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2527 { 2799 {
2800 if (revents & EV_READ)
2801 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2528 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2802 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2529 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2803 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2530 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2531 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2532 } 2804 }
2533 2805
2534 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2806 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2535 2807
2536=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2808=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2537 2809
2538Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2810Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2539had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2811had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2540initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2812initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2541 2813
2542=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2814=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2543 2815
2544Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2816Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2545the given events it. 2817the given events it.
2546 2818
2547=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2819=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2548 2820
2549Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2821Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2550loop!). 2822loop!).
2551 2823
2552=back 2824=back
2673 } 2945 }
2674 2946
2675 myclass obj; 2947 myclass obj;
2676 ev::io iow; 2948 ev::io iow;
2677 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2949 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2950
2951=item w->set (object *)
2952
2953This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
2954
2955This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
2956will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
2957functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
2958the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
2959list.
2960
2961The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
2962int revents)>.
2963
2964See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2965
2966Example: use a functor object as callback.
2967
2968 struct myfunctor
2969 {
2970 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
2971 {
2972 ...
2973 }
2974 }
2975
2976 myfunctor f;
2977
2978 ev::io w;
2979 w.set (&f);
2678 2980
2679=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2981=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2680 2982
2681Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2983Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2682callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2984callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2769L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3071L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2770 3072
2771=item Python 3073=item Python
2772 3074
2773Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3075Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2774seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the 3076seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
2775patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2776for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2777libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2778libev).
2779 3077
2780=item Ruby 3078=item Ruby
2781 3079
2782Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3080Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2783of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3081of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2784more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 3082more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2785L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3083L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2786 3084
3085Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3086makes rev work even on mingw.
3087
3088=item Haskell
3089
3090A haskell binding to libev is available at
3091L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3092
2787=item D 3093=item D
2788 3094
2789Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3095Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2790be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3096be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3097
3098=item Ocaml
3099
3100Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3101L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2791 3102
2792=back 3103=back
2793 3104
2794 3105
2795=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3106=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2896 3207
2897 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3208 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2898 #include "ev.h" 3209 #include "ev.h"
2899 3210
2900Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3211Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2901compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3212compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2902as a bug). 3213as a bug).
2903 3214
2904You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3215You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2905in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3216in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2906 3217
2962keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3273keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2963implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3274implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2964supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3275supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2965F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3276F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2966 3277
3278In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3279configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3280
2967=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3281=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2968 3282
2969If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3283If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2970monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use 3284monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2971of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3285use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2972usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3286you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2973the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3287when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2974to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3288to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2975function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3289function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2976 3290
2977=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3291=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2978 3292
2979If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3293If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2980real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at 3294real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2981runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3295at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2982be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3296option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2983(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3297by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2984note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3298correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3299C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3300C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3301
3302=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3303
3304If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3305of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3306exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3307unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3308programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3309theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3310the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3311higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2985 3312
2986=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3313=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2987 3314
2988If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3315If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2989and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3316and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
3005 3332
3006=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3333=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
3007 3334
3008If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3335If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
3009structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3336structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
3010C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on 3337C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
3011exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3338on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3012low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3339some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3013allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3340only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3014influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3341configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3015 3342
3016=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3343=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3017 3344
3018When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3345When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3019select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3346select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3378loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3705loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3379you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3706you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3380 3707
3381Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 3708Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3382C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 3709C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3383they do not clal any callbacks. 3710they do not call any callbacks.
3384 3711
3385=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 3712=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3386 3713
3387Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3714Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3388lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3715lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3422 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3749 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3423 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3750 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3424 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks. 3751 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3425 3752
3426Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables 3753Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3427is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak. 3754is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3428 3755
3429Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs 3756Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3430as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend, 3757as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3431although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be 3758although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3432confused. 3759confused.
3670=back 3997=back
3671 3998
3672 3999
3673=head1 AUTHOR 4000=head1 AUTHOR
3674 4001
3675Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4002Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3676 4003

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