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Revision 1.114 by root, Mon Dec 31 01:31:30 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.238 by root, Sat Apr 18 12:10:41 2009 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
17 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 20
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 23 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 25 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 26 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 33 }
24 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 36 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 38 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 39 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 42 }
31 43
32 int 44 int
33 main (void) 45 main (void)
34 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 49
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 54
55 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 59
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 60 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 64 return 0;
49 } 65 }
50 66
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
52 68
69This document documents the libev software package.
70
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
56 84
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 88
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 113for example).
86 114
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 115=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 116
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 119more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument.
95 124
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 126
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 134throughout libev.
135
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs).
140
141When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
142a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
143set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
144abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
145()>.
146
147When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
148it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
149so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
150the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
151
152Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
153extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
154circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
155
106 156
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 157=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 158
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 159These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 160library in any way.
119 169
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 171
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 174this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 175
126=item int ev_version_major () 176=item int ev_version_major ()
127 177
128=item int ev_version_minor () 178=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 179
142not a problem. 192not a problem.
143 193
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 195version.
146 196
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 197 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 200
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 201=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 202
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 203Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 204value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 206a description of the set values.
157 207
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 208Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 209a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 210
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 213
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 215
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 222
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 224
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 229recommended ones.
180 230
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 232
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 234
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 236semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 237used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 238when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 239or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 240
241Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
242correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
243C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 244
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 245You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 246free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 247or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 248
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 249Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 250retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 251
199 static void * 252 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 253 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 254 {
202 for (;;) 255 for (;;)
211 } 264 }
212 265
213 ... 266 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 268
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 270
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 271Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 274callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 275matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 276requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 277(such as abort).
225 278
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 279Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 290
238=back 291=back
239 292
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 294
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 297I<function>).
245 298
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 301not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 302
253=over 4 303=over 4
254 304
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 306
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 311
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 313function.
264 314
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
318
319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
324C<ev_default_init>.
325
265The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 327backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267 328
268The following flags are supported: 329The following flags are supported:
269 330
274The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 335The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
275thing, believe me). 336thing, believe me).
276 337
277=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 338=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
278 339
279If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 340If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
280or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 341or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 342C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 343override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
284around bugs. 345around bugs.
290enabling this flag. 351enabling this flag.
291 352
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 357without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 358C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298 359
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 360The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 361forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag. 362flag.
302 363
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable. 365environment variable.
305 366
306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
307 368
308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 372using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 373usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313 374
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 375To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 376parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 377writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 378connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 379a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration. 380readiness notifications you get per iteration.
381
382This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
383C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
384C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
320 385
321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 386=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
322 387
323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 388And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 389than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 390limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 391considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 392i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips. 393performance tips.
329 394
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397
330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
331 399
332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 404
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
338support for dup. 406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
409so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
410I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
412hard to detect.
413
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
415of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
339 421
340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
344very well if you register events for both fds. 426file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
345 427file descriptors.
346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
348(or space) is available.
349 428
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 429Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 430watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 431i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
432starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
433extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
434as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
435take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
353 436
437All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
438faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
439the usage. So sad.
440
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 441While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far. 442all kernel versions tested so far.
443
444This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
445C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
356 446
357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 447=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
358 448
359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 449Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 450was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 451with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 452it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
453is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
454without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 455"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 456C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD. 457system like NetBSD.
366 458
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 459You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 460only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 461the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
370 462
371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 463It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 464kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 465course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 466cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 467two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 468sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
469cases
377 470
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 471This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379 472
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 473While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 474everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 475almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 476(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 477(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
385sockets. 478also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
479
480This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
481C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
482C<NOTE_EOF>.
386 483
387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 484=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
388 485
389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 486This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 487implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
395 492
396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 493This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 494it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
398 495
399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
401blocking when no data (or space) is available. 498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402 499
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better. 503might perform better.
407 504
505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
507in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
508OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
509
510This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
512
408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
409 514
410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 516with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 517C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413 518
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
415 520
416=back 521=back
417 522
418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
420specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
421order of their flag values :)
422 526
423The most typical usage is like this: 527Example: This is the most typical usage.
424 528
425 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
426 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
427 531
428Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
429environment settings to be taken into account: 533environment settings to be taken into account:
430 534
431 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
432 536
433Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
434available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
435event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
436 541
437 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
438 543
439=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
440 545
441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
445 550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554
446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
447 556
448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
449 if (!epoller) 558 if (!epoller)
450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
451 560
452=item ev_default_destroy () 561=item ev_default_destroy ()
453 562
454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
460for example). 569for example).
461 570
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
464would need to be stopped manually. 573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
465 574
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
467rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
468pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
475 584
476=item ev_default_fork () 585=item ev_default_fork ()
477 586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
478This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
479one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
480after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
481again makes little sense). 591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
482 593
483You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
484only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
485fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
486 597
487The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
488it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
489quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
490 601
491 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
492 603
493At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
494without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
495do not need to care.
496
497=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
498 605
499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise.
502 615
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504 617
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 634received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 635change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 636time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 637event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
525 638
639=item ev_now_update (loop)
640
641Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
642returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
643is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
644
645This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
646very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
647the current time is a good idea.
648
649See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
650
651=item ev_suspend (loop)
652
653=item ev_resume (loop)
654
655These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
656not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
657
658A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
659the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
660would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
661the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
662in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
663C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
664
665Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
666between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
667will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
668occured while suspended).
669
670After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
671given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
672without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
673
674Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
675event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
676
526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 677=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
527 678
528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 679Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 680after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
530events. 681events.
532If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 683If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
533either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 684either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
534 685
535Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 686Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
536relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 687relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
537finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 688finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
538automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 689that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
539relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 690of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
691beauty.
540 692
541A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 693A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
542those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 694those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
543case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 695process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
696the loop.
544 697
545A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 698A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
546neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 699necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
547your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 700will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
548one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 701be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
549external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 702user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
703iteration of the loop.
704
705This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
706with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 707own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
551usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 708usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
552 709
553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 710Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
554 711
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 712 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
556 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 713 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 714 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
558 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 715 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
559 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 716 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
717 as to not disturb the other process.
560 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 718 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
561 - Update the "event loop time". 719 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
562 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 720 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
563 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 721 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
564 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 722 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
565 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 723 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
566 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 724 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
567 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 725 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
568 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 726 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
569 - Queue all outstanding timers. 727 - Queue all expired timers.
570 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 728 - Queue all expired periodics.
571 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 729 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
572 - Queue all check watchers. 730 - Queue all check watchers.
573 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 731 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
574 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 732 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
575 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 733 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
576 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 734 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
581anymore. 739anymore.
582 740
583 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 741 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
584 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 742 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
585 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 743 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
586 ... jobs done. yeah! 744 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
587 745
588=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 746=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
589 747
590Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 748Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
591has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 749has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
592C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 750C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
593C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 751C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
594 752
753This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
754
755It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
756
595=item ev_ref (loop) 757=item ev_ref (loop)
596 758
597=item ev_unref (loop) 759=item ev_unref (loop)
598 760
599Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 761Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
600loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 762loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
601count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 763count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
764
602a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 765If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
603returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 766from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
767stopping it.
768
604example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 769As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
605visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 770is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
606no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 771exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
607way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 772excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
608libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 773third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
774before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
775before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
776(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
777in the callback).
609 778
610Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 779Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
611running when nothing else is active. 780running when nothing else is active.
612 781
613 struct ev_signal exitsig; 782 ev_signal exitsig;
614 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 783 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
615 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 784 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
616 evf_unref (loop); 785 evf_unref (loop);
617 786
618Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 787Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
619 788
620 ev_ref (loop); 789 ev_ref (loop);
621 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 790 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
622 791
623=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 792=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
624 793
625=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 794=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
626 795
627These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 796These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
628for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 797for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
629invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 798will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
799latency.
630 800
631Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 801Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
632allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 802allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
633increase efficiency of loop iterations. 803to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
804opportunities).
634 805
635The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 806The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
636handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 807one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
637the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 808program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
638events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 809events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
639overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 810overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
640 811
641By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 812By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
642time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 813time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
644C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 815C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
645introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 816introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
646 817
647Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 818Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
648to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 819to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
649latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 820latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
650will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 821later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
651any overhead in libev. 822value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
652 823
653Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 824Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
654interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 825interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
655interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 826interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
656usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 827usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
657as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 828as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
829
830Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
831saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
832are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
833times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
834reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
835they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
836
837=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
838
839This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
840compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
841through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
842is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
843error and call C<abort ()>.
844
845This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
846circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
847data structures consistent.
658 848
659=back 849=back
660 850
661 851
662=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 852=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
853
854In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
855watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
856watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
663 857
664A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 858A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
665interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 859interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
666become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 860become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
667 861
668 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 862 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
669 { 863 {
670 ev_io_stop (w); 864 ev_io_stop (w);
671 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 865 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
672 } 866 }
673 867
674 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 868 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
869
675 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 870 ev_io stdin_watcher;
871
676 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 872 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
677 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 873 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
678 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 874 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
875
679 ev_loop (loop, 0); 876 ev_loop (loop, 0);
680 877
681As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 878As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
682watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 879watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
683although this can sometimes be quite valid). 880stack).
881
882Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
883or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
684 884
685Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 885Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
686(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 886(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
687callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 887callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
688watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 888watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
689is readable and/or writable). 889is readable and/or writable).
690 890
691Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 891Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
692with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 892macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
693to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 893is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
694(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 894ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
695 895
696To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 896To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
697with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 897with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
698*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 898*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
699corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 899corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
700 900
701As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 901As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
702must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 902must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
703reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 903reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
704 904
705Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 905Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
706registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 906registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
707third argument. 907third argument.
708 908
762=item C<EV_FORK> 962=item C<EV_FORK>
763 963
764The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 964The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
765C<ev_fork>). 965C<ev_fork>).
766 966
967=item C<EV_ASYNC>
968
969The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
970
971=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
972
973Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
974by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
975
767=item C<EV_ERROR> 976=item C<EV_ERROR>
768 977
769An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 978An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
770happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 979happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
771ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 980ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
981problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
982
772problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 983You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
773with the watcher being stopped. 984watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
985an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
986bug in your program.
774 987
775Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 988Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
776for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 989example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
777your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 990callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
778with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 991the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
779programs, though, so beware. 992programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
993thing, so beware.
780 994
781=back 995=back
782 996
783=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 997=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
784
785In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
786e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
787 998
788=over 4 999=over 4
789 1000
790=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1001=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
791 1002
797which rolls both calls into one. 1008which rolls both calls into one.
798 1009
799You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1010You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
800(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1011(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
801 1012
802The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1013The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
803int revents)>. 1014int revents)>.
1015
1016Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1017
1018 ev_io w;
1019 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1020 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
804 1021
805=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1022=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
806 1023
807This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1024This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
808call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1025call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
811difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 1028difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
812 1029
813Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 1030Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
814(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 1031(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
815 1032
1033See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1034
816=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 1035=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
817 1036
818This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 1037This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
819calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 1038calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
820a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 1039a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1040
1041Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1042
1043 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
821 1044
822=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1045=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
823 1046
824Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1047Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
825events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1048events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
826 1049
1050Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1051whole section.
1052
1053 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1054
827=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1055=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
828 1056
829Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1057Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1058the watcher was active or not).
1059
830status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1060It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
831non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1061non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
832C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1062calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
833you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1063pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
834good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1064therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
835 1065
836=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1066=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
837 1067
838Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1068Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
839and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1069and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
865integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1095integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
866(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1096(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
867before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1097before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
868from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1098from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
869 1099
870This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
871invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
872example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
873watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
874
875If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1100If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
876you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1101you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
877 1102
878You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1103You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
879pending. 1104pending.
880 1105
1106Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1107fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1108or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1109
881The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1110The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
882always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1111always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
883 1112
884Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1113See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
885fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1114priorities.
886or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
887 1115
888=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1116=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
889 1117
890Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1118Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
891C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1119C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
892can deal with that fact. 1120can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1121callback.
893 1122
894=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1123=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
895 1124
896If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1125If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
897and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1126returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
898watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1127watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
899 1128
1129Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1130callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1131
900=back 1132=back
901 1133
902 1134
903=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1135=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
904 1136
905Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1137Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
906and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1138and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
907to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1139to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
908don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1140don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
909member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1141member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
910data: 1142data:
911 1143
912 struct my_io 1144 struct my_io
913 { 1145 {
914 struct ev_io io; 1146 ev_io io;
915 int otherfd; 1147 int otherfd;
916 void *somedata; 1148 void *somedata;
917 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1149 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
918 } 1150 };
1151
1152 ...
1153 struct my_io w;
1154 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
919 1155
920And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1156And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
921can cast it back to your own type: 1157can cast it back to your own type:
922 1158
923 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1159 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
924 { 1160 {
925 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1161 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
926 ... 1162 ...
927 } 1163 }
928 1164
929More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1165More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
930instead have been omitted. 1166instead have been omitted.
931 1167
932Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1168Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
933watchers: 1169embedded watchers:
934 1170
935 struct my_biggy 1171 struct my_biggy
936 { 1172 {
937 int some_data; 1173 int some_data;
938 ev_timer t1; 1174 ev_timer t1;
939 ev_timer t2; 1175 ev_timer t2;
940 } 1176 }
941 1177
942In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1178In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
943you need to use C<offsetof>: 1179complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1180in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1181some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1182programmers):
944 1183
945 #include <stddef.h> 1184 #include <stddef.h>
946 1185
947 static void 1186 static void
948 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1187 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
949 { 1188 {
950 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1189 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
951 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1190 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
952 } 1191 }
953 1192
954 static void 1193 static void
955 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1194 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
956 { 1195 {
957 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1196 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
958 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1197 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
959 } 1198 }
1199
1200=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1201
1202Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1203integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1204between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1205
1206In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1207description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1208range.
1209
1210There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1211by event loops:
1212
1213In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1214of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1215watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1216
1217The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1218callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1219watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1220before polling for new events.
1221
1222Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1223except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1224
1225The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1226watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1227libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1228their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1229common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1230priority ones.
1231
1232Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1233watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1234C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1235timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1236other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1237handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1238the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1239handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1240always, what you want).
1241
1242Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1243will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1244received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1245required.
1246
1247For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1248you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1249the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1250processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1251continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1252the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1253workable.
1254
1255Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1256miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1257it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1258idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1259the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1260
1261Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1262priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1263other events are pending:
1264
1265 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1266 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1267
1268 static void
1269 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1270 {
1271 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1272 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1273 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1274
1275 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1276 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1277 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1278 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1279 }
1280
1281 static void
1282 idle-cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1283 {
1284 // actual processing
1285 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1286
1287 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1288 // we have handled the event
1289 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1290 }
1291
1292 // initialisation
1293 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1294 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1295 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1296
1297In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1298low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1299enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1300during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1301important ones.
960 1302
961 1303
962=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1304=head1 WATCHER TYPES
963 1305
964This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1306This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
988In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1330In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
989fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1331fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
990descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1332descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
991required if you know what you are doing). 1333required if you know what you are doing).
992 1334
993If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1335If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
994(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1336known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
995C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1337C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
996 1338
997Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1339Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
998receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1340receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
999be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1341be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1000because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1342because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1001lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1343lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1002this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1344this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1003it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1345it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1004C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1346C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1005 1347
1006If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1348If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1007play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1349not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1008whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1350re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1009such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1351interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1010its own, so its quite safe to use). 1352does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1353use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1354indefinitely.
1355
1356But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1011 1357
1012=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1358=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1013 1359
1014Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1360Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1015descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1361descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1016such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1362such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1017descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1363descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1018this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1364this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1019registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1365registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1020fact, a different file descriptor. 1366fact, a different file descriptor.
1021 1367
1050To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1396To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1051C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1397C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1052enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1398enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1053C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1399C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1054 1400
1401=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1402
1403While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1404when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1405sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1406this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1407
1408So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1409ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1410somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1411
1055 1412
1056=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1413=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1057 1414
1058=over 4 1415=over 4
1059 1416
1060=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1417=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1061 1418
1062=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1419=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1063 1420
1064Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1421Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1065rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1422receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1066C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1423C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1067 1424
1068=item int fd [read-only] 1425=item int fd [read-only]
1069 1426
1070The file descriptor being watched. 1427The file descriptor being watched.
1071 1428
1079 1436
1080Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1437Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1081readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1438readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1082attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1439attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1083 1440
1084 static void 1441 static void
1085 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1442 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1086 { 1443 {
1087 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1444 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1088 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1445 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1089 } 1446 }
1090 1447
1091 ... 1448 ...
1092 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1449 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1093 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1450 ev_io stdin_readable;
1094 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1451 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1095 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1452 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1096 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1453 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1097 1454
1098 1455
1099=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1456=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1100 1457
1101Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1458Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1102given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1459given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1103 1460
1104The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1461The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1105times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1462times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1106time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1463year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1107detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1464detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1108monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1465monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1466
1467The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1468passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1469then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with
1470later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls
1471C<ev_loop> recursively).
1472
1473=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1474
1475Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1476recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1477you want to raise some error after a while.
1478
1479What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1480inefficient to smart and efficient.
1481
1482In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1483gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1484data or other life sign was received).
1485
1486=over 4
1487
1488=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1489
1490This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1491start the watcher:
1492
1493 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1494 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1495
1496Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1497and start it again:
1498
1499 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1500 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1501 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1502
1503This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1504some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1505data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1506still not a constant-time operation.
1507
1508=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1509
1510This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1511C<ev_timer_start>.
1512
1513To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1514of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1515successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1516you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1517the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1518
1519That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1520C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1521member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1522
1523At start:
1524
1525 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1526 timer->repeat = 60.;
1527 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1528
1529Each time there is some activity:
1530
1531 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1532
1533It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1534whether the watcher is active or not:
1535
1536 timer->repeat = 30.;
1537 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1538
1539This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1540you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1541remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1542
1543It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1544
1545=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1546
1547This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1548relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1549our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1550associated activity resets.
1551
1552In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1553but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1554within the callback:
1555
1556 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1557
1558 static void
1559 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1560 {
1561 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1562 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1563
1564 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1565 if (timeout < now)
1566 {
1567 // timeout occured, take action
1568 }
1569 else
1570 {
1571 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1572 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1573 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1574 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1575 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1576 }
1577 }
1578
1579To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1580as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1581been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1582the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1583re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1584a timeout then.
1585
1586Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1587C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1588
1589This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1590minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1591libev to change the timeout.
1592
1593To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1594to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1595callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1596
1597 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1598 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1599 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1600
1601And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1602C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1603
1604 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1605
1606This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1607time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1608
1609Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1610callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1611fix things for you.
1612
1613=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1614
1615If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1616employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1617do even better:
1618
1619When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1620at the I<end> of the list.
1621
1622Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1623the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1624
1625When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1626the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1627update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1628
1629This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1630starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1631complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1632ensures that the list stays sorted.
1633
1634=back
1635
1636So which method the best?
1637
1638Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1639situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1640better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1641one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1642
1643Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1644rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1645off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1646overkill :)
1647
1648=head3 The special problem of time updates
1649
1650Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1651least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1652time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1653growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1654lots of events in one iteration.
1109 1655
1110The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1656The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1111time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1657time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1112of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1658of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1113you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1659you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1114on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1660timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1115 1661
1116 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1662 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1117 1663
1118The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1664If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1119but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1665update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1120order of execution is undefined. 1666()>.
1121 1667
1122=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1668=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1123 1669
1124=over 4 1670=over 4
1125 1671
1126=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1672=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1127 1673
1128=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1674=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1129 1675
1130Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1676Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1131C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1677is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1132timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1678reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1133later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1679configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1680until stopped manually.
1134 1681
1135The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1682The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1136configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1683you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1137exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1684trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1138the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1685keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1139timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1686do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1140 1687
1141=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1688=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1142 1689
1143This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1690This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1144repeating. The exact semantics are: 1691repeating. The exact semantics are:
1145 1692
1146If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1693If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1147 1694
1148If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1695If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1149 1696
1150If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1697If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1151C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1698C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1152 1699
1153This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1700This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1154example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1701usage example.
1155timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1156seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1157configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1158C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1159you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1160socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1161automatically restart it if need be.
1162
1163That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1164altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1165
1166 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1167 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1168 ...
1169 timer->again = 17.;
1170 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1171 ...
1172 timer->again = 10.;
1173 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1174
1175This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1176you want to modify its timeout value.
1177 1702
1178=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1703=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1179 1704
1180The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1705The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1181or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1706or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1182which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1707which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1183 1708
1184=back 1709=back
1185 1710
1186=head3 Examples 1711=head3 Examples
1187 1712
1188Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1713Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1189 1714
1190 static void 1715 static void
1191 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1716 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1192 { 1717 {
1193 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1718 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1194 } 1719 }
1195 1720
1196 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1721 ev_timer mytimer;
1197 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1722 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1198 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1723 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1199 1724
1200Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1725Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1201inactivity. 1726inactivity.
1202 1727
1203 static void 1728 static void
1204 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1729 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1205 { 1730 {
1206 .. ten seconds without any activity 1731 .. ten seconds without any activity
1207 } 1732 }
1208 1733
1209 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1734 ev_timer mytimer;
1210 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1735 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1211 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1736 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1212 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1737 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1213 1738
1214 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1739 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1215 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1740 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1216 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1741 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1217 1742
1218 1743
1219=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1744=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1220 1745
1221Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1746Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1222(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1747(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1223 1748
1224Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1749Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1225but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1750relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1226to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1751(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1227periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1752difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1228+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1753time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1229take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1754wrist-watch).
1230roughly 10 seconds later).
1231 1755
1232They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1756You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1233triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1757in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1234rules. 1758seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1759not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1760year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1761C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1762it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1235 1763
1764C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1765timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1766other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1767those cannot react to time jumps.
1768
1236As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1769As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1237time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1770point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1238during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1771timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1772earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1773(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1239 1774
1240=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1775=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1241 1776
1242=over 4 1777=over 4
1243 1778
1244=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1779=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1245 1780
1246=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1781=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1247 1782
1248Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1783Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1249operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1784operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1250 1785
1251=over 4 1786=over 4
1252 1787
1253=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1788=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1254 1789
1255In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1790In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1256C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1791time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1257that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1792time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1258system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1793will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1794this point in time.
1259 1795
1260=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1796=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1261 1797
1262In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1798In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1263C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1799C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1264and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1800negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1801argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1265 1802
1266This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1803This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1267time: 1804system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1805hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1268 1806
1269 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1807 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1270 1808
1271This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1809This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1272but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1810but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1273full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1811full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1274by 3600. 1812by 3600.
1275 1813
1276Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1814Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1277C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1815C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1278time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1816time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1279 1817
1280For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1818For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1281C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1819C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1282this value. 1820this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1283 1821
1822Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1823speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1824will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1825millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1826
1284=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1827=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1285 1828
1286In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1829In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1287ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1830ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1288reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1831reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1289current time as second argument. 1832current time as second argument.
1290 1833
1291NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1834NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1292ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1835or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1293return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1836allowed by documentation here>.
1294starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1295 1837
1838If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1839it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1840only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1841
1296Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1842The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1297ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1843*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1298 1844
1845 static ev_tstamp
1299 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1846 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1300 { 1847 {
1301 return now + 60.; 1848 return now + 60.;
1302 } 1849 }
1303 1850
1304It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1851It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1305(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1852(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1306will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1853will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1307might be called at other times, too. 1854might be called at other times, too.
1308 1855
1309NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1856NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1310passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1857equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1311 1858
1312This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1859This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1313triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1860triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1314next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1861next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1315you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1862you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1316reason I omitted it as an example). 1863reason I omitted it as an example).
1317 1864
1318=back 1865=back
1322Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1869Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1323when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1870when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1324a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1871a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1325program when the crontabs have changed). 1872program when the crontabs have changed).
1326 1873
1874=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1875
1876When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1877to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
1878C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
1879rescheduling modes.
1880
1327=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1881=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1328 1882
1329When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1883When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1330absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1884absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
1885although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1331 1886
1332Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 1887Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1333timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1888timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1334 1889
1335=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1890=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1336 1891
1337The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1892The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1338take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1893take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1339called. 1894called.
1340 1895
1341=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1896=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1342 1897
1343The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1898The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1344switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1899switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1345the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1900the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1346 1901
1347=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1348
1349When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1350trigger next.
1351
1352=back 1902=back
1353 1903
1354=head3 Examples 1904=head3 Examples
1355 1905
1356Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1906Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1357system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1907system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1358potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1908potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1359 1909
1360 static void 1910 static void
1361 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1911 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1362 { 1912 {
1363 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1913 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1364 } 1914 }
1365 1915
1366 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1916 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1367 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1917 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1368 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1918 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1369 1919
1370Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1920Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1371 1921
1372 #include <math.h> 1922 #include <math.h>
1373 1923
1374 static ev_tstamp 1924 static ev_tstamp
1375 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1925 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1376 { 1926 {
1377 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1927 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1378 } 1928 }
1379 1929
1380 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1930 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1381 1931
1382Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1932Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1383 1933
1384 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1934 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1385 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1935 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1386 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1936 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1387 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1937 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1388 1938
1389 1939
1390=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1940=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1391 1941
1392Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1942Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1393signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1943signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1394will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1944will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1395normal event processing, like any other event. 1945normal event processing, like any other event.
1396 1946
1947If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1948do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1949C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1950
1397You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1951You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1398first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1952first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1399with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1953with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1400as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1954you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1401watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1955the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1402SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1956signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1957
1958If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1959C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1960interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1961signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1962them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1403 1963
1404=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1964=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1405 1965
1406=over 4 1966=over 4
1407 1967
1416 1976
1417The signal the watcher watches out for. 1977The signal the watcher watches out for.
1418 1978
1419=back 1979=back
1420 1980
1981=head3 Examples
1982
1983Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1984
1985 static void
1986 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1987 {
1988 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1989 }
1990
1991 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1992 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1993 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1994
1421 1995
1422=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1996=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1423 1997
1424Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1998Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1425some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1999some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
2000exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2001has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2002as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2003forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2004but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
2005not.
2006
2007Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2008you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2009
2010=head3 Process Interaction
2011
2012Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2013initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
2014the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2015of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2016synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2017children, even ones not watched.
2018
2019=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2020
2021Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
2022processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
2023handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
2024C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
2025default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
2026event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
2027that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
2028
2029=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2030
2031Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2032child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2033callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2034when a child exit is detected.
1426 2035
1427=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2036=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1428 2037
1429=over 4 2038=over 4
1430 2039
1431=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 2040=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1432 2041
1433=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 2042=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1434 2043
1435Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 2044Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1436I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 2045I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1437at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 2046at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1438the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 2047the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1439C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 2048C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1440process causing the status change. 2049process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
2050activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
2051activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1441 2052
1442=item int pid [read-only] 2053=item int pid [read-only]
1443 2054
1444The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 2055The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1445 2056
1454 2065
1455=back 2066=back
1456 2067
1457=head3 Examples 2068=head3 Examples
1458 2069
1459Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2070Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
2071its completion.
1460 2072
2073 ev_child cw;
2074
1461 static void 2075 static void
1462 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2076 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1463 { 2077 {
1464 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2078 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
2079 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1465 } 2080 }
1466 2081
1467 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2082 pid_t pid = fork ();
1468 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2083
1469 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2084 if (pid < 0)
2085 // error
2086 else if (pid == 0)
2087 {
2088 // the forked child executes here
2089 exit (1);
2090 }
2091 else
2092 {
2093 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
2094 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
2095 }
1470 2096
1471 2097
1472=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2098=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1473 2099
1474This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2100This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1475C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2101C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1476compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2102and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2103it did.
1477 2104
1478The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2105The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1479not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2106not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1480not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2107exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1481otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2108C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1482the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2109least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2110contents.
1483 2111
1484The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2112The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2113C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1485relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2114your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1486 2115
1487Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 2116Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1488calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 2117portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1489can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 2118to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1490a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 2119interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1491unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 2120recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1492five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 2121(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1493impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 2122change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1494usually overkill. 2123currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1495 2124
1496This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2125This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1497as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2126as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1498resource-intensive. 2127resource-intensive.
1499 2128
1500At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 2129At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1501implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 2130is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1502reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 2131exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1503semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 2132implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1504to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1505usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1506polling.
1507 2133
1508=head3 Inotify 2134=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1509 2135
2136Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
2137compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
2138support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
2139structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
2140use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
2141compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
2142obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
2143most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
2144
2145The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
2146file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
2147optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
2148to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
2149default compilation environment.
2150
2151=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
2152
1510When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2153When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1511available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2154runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1512change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2155inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1513when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2156watcher is being started.
1514 2157
1515Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2158Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1516except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2159except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1517making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 2160making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1518there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 2161there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2162but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2163many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2164a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2165xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1519 2166
1520(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2167There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1521implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2168implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1522descriptor open on the object at all times). 2169descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2170etc. is difficult.
2171
2172=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2173
2174Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2175the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2176()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2177
2178For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2179busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2180as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2181watcher).
2182
2183For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2184time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2185often takes multiple milliseconds.
2186
2187Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2188paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1523 2189
1524=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2190=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1525 2191
1526The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2192The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1527even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 2193and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1528only support whole seconds. 2194still only support whole seconds.
1529 2195
1530That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2196That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1531miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 2197easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1532your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2198calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1533the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2199within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2200stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1534 2201
1535The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2202The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1536the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 2203than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1537(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 2204a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1538is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 2205ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1539systems. 2206
2207The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2208of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2209might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2210C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2211a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2212update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2213the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2214the timer callback).
1540 2215
1541=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2216=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1542 2217
1543=over 4 2218=over 4
1544 2219
1550C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2225C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1551be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2226be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1552a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2227a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1553path for as long as the watcher is active. 2228path for as long as the watcher is active.
1554 2229
1555The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2230The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1556relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2231relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1557last change was detected). 2232last change was detected).
1558 2233
1559=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2234=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1560 2235
1561Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2236Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1562watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2237watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1563detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2238detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1564useful simply to find out the new values. 2239the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2240new values.
1565 2241
1566=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2242=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1567 2243
1568The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2244The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1569C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2245C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1570suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2246suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2247members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1571was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2248some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1572 2249
1573=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2250=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1574 2251
1575The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2252The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1576C<prev> != C<attr>. 2253C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2254differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2255C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1577 2256
1578=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2257=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1579 2258
1580The specified interval. 2259The specified interval.
1581 2260
1582=item const char *path [read-only] 2261=item const char *path [read-only]
1583 2262
1584The filesystem path that is being watched. 2263The file system path that is being watched.
1585 2264
1586=back 2265=back
1587 2266
1588=head3 Examples 2267=head3 Examples
1589 2268
1590Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2269Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1591 2270
1592 static void 2271 static void
1593 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2272 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1594 { 2273 {
1595 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2274 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1596 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2275 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1597 { 2276 {
1598 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2277 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1599 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2278 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1600 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2279 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1601 } 2280 }
1602 else 2281 else
1603 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2282 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1604 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2283 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1605 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2284 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1606 } 2285 }
1607 2286
1608 ... 2287 ...
1609 ev_stat passwd; 2288 ev_stat passwd;
1610 2289
1611 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2290 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1612 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2291 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1613 2292
1614Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2293Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1615miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2294miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1616one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2295one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1617C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2296C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1618 2297
1619 static ev_stat passwd; 2298 static ev_stat passwd;
1620 static ev_timer timer; 2299 static ev_timer timer;
1621 2300
1622 static void 2301 static void
1623 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2302 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1624 { 2303 {
1625 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2304 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1626 2305
1627 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2306 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1628 } 2307 }
1629 2308
1630 static void 2309 static void
1631 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2310 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1632 { 2311 {
1633 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2312 /* reset the one-second timer */
1634 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2313 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1635 } 2314 }
1636 2315
1637 ... 2316 ...
1638 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2317 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1639 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2318 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1640 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2319 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1641 2320
1642 2321
1643=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2322=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1644 2323
1645Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2324Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1646priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2325priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1647count). 2326as receiving "events").
1648 2327
1649That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2328That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1650(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2329(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1651triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2330triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1652are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2331are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1663 2342
1664=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2343=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1665 2344
1666=over 4 2345=over 4
1667 2346
1668=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2347=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1669 2348
1670Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2349Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1671kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2350kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1672believe me. 2351believe me.
1673 2352
1676=head3 Examples 2355=head3 Examples
1677 2356
1678Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2357Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1679callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2358callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1680 2359
1681 static void 2360 static void
1682 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2361 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1683 { 2362 {
1684 free (w); 2363 free (w);
1685 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2364 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1686 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 2365 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1687 } 2366 }
1688 2367
1689 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2368 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1690 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2369 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1691 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2370 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1692 2371
1693 2372
1694=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2373=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1695 2374
1696Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2375Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1697prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2376prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1698afterwards. 2377afterwards.
1699 2378
1700You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2379You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1701the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2380the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1704those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2383those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1705C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2384C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1706called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2385called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1707 2386
1708Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2387Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1709their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2388their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1710variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2389variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1711coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2390coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1712you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2391you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1713in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2392in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1714watcher). 2393watcher).
1715 2394
1716This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2395This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1717to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2396need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1718them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2397for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1719provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2398libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1720any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2399you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1721and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2400of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1722callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2401I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1723because you never know, you know?). 2402nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1724 2403
1725As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2404As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1726coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2405coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1727during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2406during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1728are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2407are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1731loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2410loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1732low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2411low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1733 2412
1734It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2413It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1735priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2414priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2415after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2416
1736after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2417Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1737too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2418activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1738supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2419might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1739did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2420C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1740(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2421loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1741state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2422C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1742coexist peacefully with others). 2423others).
1743 2424
1744=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2425=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1745 2426
1746=over 4 2427=over 4
1747 2428
1749 2430
1750=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2431=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1751 2432
1752Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2433Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1753parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2434parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1754macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2435macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2436pointless.
1755 2437
1756=back 2438=back
1757 2439
1758=head3 Examples 2440=head3 Examples
1759 2441
1760There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2442There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1761into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2443into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1762(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2444(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1763use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2445use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1764embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2446Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1765into the Glib event loop). 2447Glib event loop).
1766 2448
1767Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2449Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1768and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2450and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1769is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2451is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1770priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2452priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1771the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2453the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1772 2454
1773 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2455 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1774 static ev_timer tw; 2456 static ev_timer tw;
1775 2457
1776 static void 2458 static void
1777 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2459 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1778 { 2460 {
1779 } 2461 }
1780 2462
1781 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2463 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1782 static void 2464 static void
1783 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2465 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1784 { 2466 {
1785 int timeout = 3600000; 2467 int timeout = 3600000;
1786 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2468 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1787 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2469 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1788 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2470 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1789 2471
1790 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2472 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1791 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2473 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1792 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2474 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1793 2475
1794 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2476 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1795 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2477 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1796 { 2478 {
1797 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2479 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1798 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2480 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1799 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2481 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1800 2482
1801 fds [i].revents = 0; 2483 fds [i].revents = 0;
1802 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2484 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1803 } 2485 }
1804 } 2486 }
1805 2487
1806 // stop all watchers after blocking 2488 // stop all watchers after blocking
1807 static void 2489 static void
1808 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2490 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1809 { 2491 {
1810 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2492 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1811 2493
1812 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2494 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1813 { 2495 {
1814 // set the relevant poll flags 2496 // set the relevant poll flags
1815 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2497 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1816 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2498 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1817 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2499 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1818 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2500 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1819 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2501 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1820 2502
1821 // now stop the watcher 2503 // now stop the watcher
1822 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2504 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1823 } 2505 }
1824 2506
1825 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2507 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1826 } 2508 }
1827 2509
1828Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2510Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1829in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2511in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1830 2512
1831Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2513Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1832notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2514notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1833callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2515callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1834 2516
1835 static void 2517 static void
1836 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2518 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1837 { 2519 {
1838 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2520 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1839 update_now (EV_A); 2521 update_now (EV_A);
1840 2522
1841 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2523 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1842 } 2524 }
1843 2525
1844 static void 2526 static void
1845 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2527 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1846 { 2528 {
1847 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2529 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1848 update_now (EV_A); 2530 update_now (EV_A);
1849 2531
1850 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2532 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1851 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2533 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1852 } 2534 }
1853 2535
1854 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2536 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1855 2537
1856Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2538Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1857want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2539want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1858their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2540override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1859loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2541main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1860this. 2542this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2543libglib event loop.
1861 2544
1862 static gint 2545 static gint
1863 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2546 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1864 { 2547 {
1865 int got_events = 0; 2548 int got_events = 0;
1866 2549
1867 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2550 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1868 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2551 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1869 2552
1870 if (timeout >= 0) 2553 if (timeout >= 0)
1871 // create/start timer 2554 // create/start timer
1872 2555
1873 // poll 2556 // poll
1874 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2557 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1875 2558
1876 // stop timer again 2559 // stop timer again
1877 if (timeout >= 0) 2560 if (timeout >= 0)
1878 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2561 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1879 2562
1880 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2563 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2564 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2565 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1883 2566
1884 return got_events; 2567 return got_events;
1885 } 2568 }
1886 2569
1887 2570
1888=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2571=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1889 2572
1890This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2573This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1896prioritise I/O. 2579prioritise I/O.
1897 2580
1898As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2581As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1899sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2582sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1900still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2583still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1901so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2584so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1902into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2585it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1903be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2586will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1904at least you can use both at what they are best. 2587C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2588best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1905 2589
1906As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2590As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1907to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2591some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1908priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2592and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1909you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2593this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1910a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2594the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1911 2595
1912As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2596As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1913there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2597time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1914call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2598must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1915their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2599sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1916loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2600C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1917to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2601to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1918embedded loop sweep.
1919 2602
1920As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2603You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1921callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2604will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1922set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1923interested in that.
1924 2605
1925Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2606Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1926when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2607is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1927but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2608embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1928yourself. 2609C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1929 2610
1930Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2611Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1931C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2612C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1932portable one. 2613portable one.
1933 2614
1934So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2615So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1935that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2616that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1936this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2617this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1937create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2618create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1938 2619
2620=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2621
2622While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2623automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2624fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2625however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2626as applicable.
2627
1939=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2628=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1940 2629
1941=over 4 2630=over 4
1942 2631
1943=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2632=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1946 2635
1947Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2636Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1948embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2637embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1949invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2638invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1950to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2639to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1951if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2640if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1952 2641
1953=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2642=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1954 2643
1955Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2644Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1956similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2645similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1957apropriate way for embedded loops. 2646appropriate way for embedded loops.
1958 2647
1959=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2648=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1960 2649
1961The embedded event loop. 2650The embedded event loop.
1962 2651
1964 2653
1965=head3 Examples 2654=head3 Examples
1966 2655
1967Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2656Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1968event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2657event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1969loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2658loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1970C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2659C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1971used). 2660used).
1972 2661
1973 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2662 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1974 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2663 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1975 struct ev_embed embed; 2664 ev_embed embed;
1976 2665
1977 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2666 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1978 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2667 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1979 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2668 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1980 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2669 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1981 : 0; 2670 : 0;
1982 2671
1983 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2672 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1984 if (loop_lo) 2673 if (loop_lo)
1985 { 2674 {
1986 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2675 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1987 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2676 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1988 } 2677 }
1989 else 2678 else
1990 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2679 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1991 2680
1992Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2681Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1993a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2682a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1994kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2683kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1995C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2684C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1996 2685
1997 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2686 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1998 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2687 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
1999 struct ev_embed embed; 2688 ev_embed embed;
2000 2689
2001 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2690 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2002 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2691 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2003 { 2692 {
2004 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2693 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2005 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2694 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2006 } 2695 }
2007 2696
2008 if (!loop_socket) 2697 if (!loop_socket)
2009 loop_socket = loop; 2698 loop_socket = loop;
2010 2699
2011 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2700 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2012 2701
2013 2702
2014=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2703=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2015 2704
2016Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2705Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2019event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2708event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2020and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2709and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2021C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2710C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2022handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2711handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2023 2712
2713=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2714
2715Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2716up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2717sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2718
2719This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2720in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2721fork.
2722
2723The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2724forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2725when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2726
2727When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2728wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2729supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2730process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2731
2732The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2733simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2734use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2735memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2736disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2737signal watchers).
2738
2739When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2740other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2741C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2742the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2743have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2744also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2745
2024=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2025 2747
2026=over 4 2748=over 4
2027 2749
2028=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2750=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
2032believe me. 2754believe me.
2033 2755
2034=back 2756=back
2035 2757
2036 2758
2759=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2760
2761In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2762asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2763loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2764
2765Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2766control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2767C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2768can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2769safe.
2770
2771This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2772too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2773(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2774C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2775
2776Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2777just the default loop.
2778
2779=head3 Queueing
2780
2781C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2782is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2783multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2784need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2785
2786That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2787queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2788queue:
2789
2790=over 4
2791
2792=item queueing from a signal handler context
2793
2794To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2795handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2796an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2797
2798 static ev_async mysig;
2799
2800 static void
2801 sigusr1_handler (void)
2802 {
2803 sometype data;
2804
2805 // no locking etc.
2806 queue_put (data);
2807 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2808 }
2809
2810 static void
2811 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2812 {
2813 sometype data;
2814 sigset_t block, prev;
2815
2816 sigemptyset (&block);
2817 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2818 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2819
2820 while (queue_get (&data))
2821 process (data);
2822
2823 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2824 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2825 }
2826
2827(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2828instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2829either...).
2830
2831=item queueing from a thread context
2832
2833The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2834threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2835employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2836
2837 static ev_async mysig;
2838 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2839
2840 static void
2841 otherthread (void)
2842 {
2843 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2844 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2845 queue_put (data);
2846 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2847
2848 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2849 }
2850
2851 static void
2852 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2853 {
2854 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2855
2856 while (queue_get (&data))
2857 process (data);
2858
2859 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2860 }
2861
2862=back
2863
2864
2865=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2866
2867=over 4
2868
2869=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2870
2871Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2872kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2873trust me.
2874
2875=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2876
2877Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2878an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2879C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2880similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2881section below on what exactly this means).
2882
2883Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
2884compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
2885is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
2886reset when the event loop detects that).
2887
2888This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2889iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2890repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2891
2892=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2893
2894Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2895watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2896event loop.
2897
2898C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2899the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2900it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2901quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2902
2903Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2904only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
2905is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
2906notification, and the callback being invoked.
2907
2908=back
2909
2910
2037=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2911=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2038 2912
2039There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2913There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2040 2914
2041=over 4 2915=over 4
2042 2916
2043=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2917=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2044 2918
2045This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2919This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2046callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2920callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2047watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2921watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2048or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2922or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2049more watchers yourself. 2923more watchers yourself.
2050 2924
2051If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2925If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2052is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2926C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2053C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2927the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2054 2928
2055If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2929If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2056started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2930started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2057repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2931repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2058dubious value.
2059 2932
2060The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2933The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2061passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2934passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2062C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2935C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2063value passed to C<ev_once>: 2936value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2937a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2938events precedence.
2064 2939
2940Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2941
2065 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2942 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2066 { 2943 {
2067 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2068 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2069 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2944 if (revents & EV_READ)
2070 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2945 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2946 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2947 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2071 } 2948 }
2072 2949
2073 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2950 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2074 2951
2075=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2952=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2076 2953
2077Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2954Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2078had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2955had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2079initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2956initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2080 2957
2081=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2958=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2082 2959
2083Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2960Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2084the given events it. 2961the given events it.
2085 2962
2086=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2963=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2087 2964
2088Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2965Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2089loop!). 2966loop!).
2090 2967
2091=back 2968=back
2092 2969
2093 2970
2109 2986
2110=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2987=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2111will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2988will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2112is an ev_pri field. 2989is an ev_pri field.
2113 2990
2991=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2992first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2993
2114=item * Other members are not supported. 2994=item * Other members are not supported.
2115 2995
2116=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2996=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2117to use the libev header file and library. 2997to use the libev header file and library.
2118 2998
2119=back 2999=back
2120 3000
2121=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3001=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2122 3002
2123Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3003Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2124you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3004you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2125the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3005the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2126 3006
2127To use it, 3007To use it,
2128 3008
2129 #include <ev++.h> 3009 #include <ev++.h>
2130 3010
2131This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3011This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2132of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3012of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2133put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3013put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2134options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 3014options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2201your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 3081your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2202thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 3082thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2203 3083
2204Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 3084Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2205 3085
2206 struct myclass 3086 struct myclass
2207 { 3087 {
2208 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3088 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2209 } 3089 }
2210 3090
2211 myclass obj; 3091 myclass obj;
2212 ev::io iow; 3092 ev::io iow;
2213 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3093 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3094
3095=item w->set (object *)
3096
3097This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3098
3099This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3100will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3101functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3102the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3103list.
3104
3105The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3106int revents)>.
3107
3108See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3109
3110Example: use a functor object as callback.
3111
3112 struct myfunctor
3113 {
3114 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3115 {
3116 ...
3117 }
3118 }
3119
3120 myfunctor f;
3121
3122 ev::io w;
3123 w.set (&f);
2214 3124
2215=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3125=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2216 3126
2217Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3127Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2218callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3128callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2220 3130
2221The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 3131The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2222 3132
2223See the method-C<set> above for more details. 3133See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2224 3134
2225Example: 3135Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2226 3136
2227 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3137 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2228 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3138 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2229 3139
2230=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3140=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2231 3141
2232Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3142Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2233do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3143do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2234 3144
2235=item w->set ([args]) 3145=item w->set ([arguments])
2236 3146
2237Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 3147Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2238called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3148called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2239automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3149automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2240method. 3150method.
2241 3151
2242=item w->start () 3152=item w->start ()
2266=back 3176=back
2267 3177
2268Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3178Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2269the constructor. 3179the constructor.
2270 3180
2271 class myclass 3181 class myclass
2272 { 3182 {
2273 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3183 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2274 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3184 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2275 3185
2276 myclass (); 3186 myclass (int fd)
2277 } 3187 {
2278
2279 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2280 {
2281 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3188 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2282 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3189 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2283 3190
2284 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3191 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
3192 }
2285 } 3193 };
3194
3195
3196=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3197
3198Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
3199number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
3200any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
3201me a note.
3202
3203=over 4
3204
3205=item Perl
3206
3207The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
3208libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
3209there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
3210to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
3211C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
3212and C<EV::Glib>).
3213
3214It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
3215L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3216
3217=item Python
3218
3219Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3220seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3221
3222=item Ruby
3223
3224Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3225of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3226more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
3227L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3228
3229Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3230makes rev work even on mingw.
3231
3232=item Haskell
3233
3234A haskell binding to libev is available at
3235L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3236
3237=item D
3238
3239Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3240be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3241
3242=item Ocaml
3243
3244Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3245L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3246
3247=back
2286 3248
2287 3249
2288=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3250=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2289 3251
2290Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 3252Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2291of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 3253of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2292functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 3254functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2293 3255
2294To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 3256To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2295following macros are defined: 3257following macros are defined:
2300 3262
2301This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3263This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2302loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3264loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2303C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3265C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2304 3266
2305 ev_unref (EV_A); 3267 ev_unref (EV_A);
2306 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3268 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2307 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3269 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2308 3270
2309It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3271It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2310which is often provided by the following macro. 3272which is often provided by the following macro.
2311 3273
2312=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3274=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2313 3275
2314This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3276This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2315loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3277loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2316C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3278C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2317 3279
2318 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3280 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2319 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3281 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2320 3282
2321 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3283 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2322 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3284 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2323 3285
2324It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3286It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2325suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3287suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2326 3288
2327=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3289=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2328 3290
2329Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3291Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2330loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3292loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3293
3294=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3295
3296Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3297default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3298is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3299execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3300
3301It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3302watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2331 3303
2332=back 3304=back
2333 3305
2334Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3306Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2335macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3307macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2336or not. 3308or not.
2337 3309
2338 static void 3310 static void
2339 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3311 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2340 { 3312 {
2341 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3313 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2342 } 3314 }
2343 3315
2344 ev_check check; 3316 ev_check check;
2345 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3317 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2346 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3318 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2347 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3319 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2348 3320
2349=head1 EMBEDDING 3321=head1 EMBEDDING
2350 3322
2351Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3323Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2352applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3324applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2359libev somewhere in your source tree). 3331libev somewhere in your source tree).
2360 3332
2361=head2 FILESETS 3333=head2 FILESETS
2362 3334
2363Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3335Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2364in your app. 3336in your application.
2365 3337
2366=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3338=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2367 3339
2368To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3340To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2369configuration (no autoconf): 3341configuration (no autoconf):
2370 3342
2371 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3343 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2372 #include "ev.c" 3344 #include "ev.c"
2373 3345
2374This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3346This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2375single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3347single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2376it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3348it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2377done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3349done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2378where you can put other configuration options): 3350where you can put other configuration options):
2379 3351
2380 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3352 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2381 #include "ev.h" 3353 #include "ev.h"
2382 3354
2383Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3355Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2384compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3356compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2385as a bug). 3357as a bug).
2386 3358
2387You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3359You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2388in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3360in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2389 3361
2390 ev.h 3362 ev.h
2391 ev.c 3363 ev.c
2392 ev_vars.h 3364 ev_vars.h
2393 ev_wrap.h 3365 ev_wrap.h
2394 3366
2395 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3367 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2396 3368
2397 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3369 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2398 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3370 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2399 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3371 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2400 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3372 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2401 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3373 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2402 3374
2403F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3375F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2404to compile this single file. 3376to compile this single file.
2405 3377
2406=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3378=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2407 3379
2408To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3380To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2409 3381
2410 #include "event.c" 3382 #include "event.c"
2411 3383
2412in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3384in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2413 3385
2414 #include "event.h" 3386 #include "event.h"
2415 3387
2416in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3388in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2417 3389
2418You need the following additional files for this: 3390You need the following additional files for this:
2419 3391
2420 event.h 3392 event.h
2421 event.c 3393 event.c
2422 3394
2423=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3395=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2424 3396
2425Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3397Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2426whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3398whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2427F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3399F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2428include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3400include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2429 3401
2430For this of course you need the m4 file: 3402For this of course you need the m4 file:
2431 3403
2432 libev.m4 3404 libev.m4
2433 3405
2434=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3406=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2435 3407
2436Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3408Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2437before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3409define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2438and only include the select backend. 3410autoconf is documented for every option.
2439 3411
2440=over 4 3412=over 4
2441 3413
2442=item EV_STANDALONE 3414=item EV_STANDALONE
2443 3415
2445keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3417keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2446implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3418implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2447supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3419supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2448F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3420F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2449 3421
3422In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3423configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3424
2450=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3425=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2451 3426
2452If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3427If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2453monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3428monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2454of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3429use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2455usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3430you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2456the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3431when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2457to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3432to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2458function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3433function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2459 3434
2460=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3435=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2461 3436
2462If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3437If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2463realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3438real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2464runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3439at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2465be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3440option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2466(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3441by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2467note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3442correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3443C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3444C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3445
3446=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3447
3448If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3449of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3450exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3451unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3452programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3453theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3454the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3455higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2468 3456
2469=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3457=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2470 3458
2471If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3459If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2472and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3460and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2473 3461
3462=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3463
3464If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3465available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3466C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3467If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
34682.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3469
2474=item EV_USE_SELECT 3470=item EV_USE_SELECT
2475 3471
2476If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3472If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2477C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3473C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2478other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3474other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2479will not be compiled in. 3475will not be compiled in.
2480 3476
2481=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3477=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2482 3478
2483If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3479If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2484structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3480structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2485C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3481C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2486exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3482on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2487low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3483some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2488allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3484only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2489influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3485configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2490 3486
2491=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3487=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2492 3488
2493When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3489When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2494select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3490select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2514 3510
2515=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3511=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2516 3512
2517If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3513If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2518C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3514C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2519otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3515otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2520preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3516backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3517headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2521 3518
2522=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3519=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2523 3520
2524If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3521If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2525C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3522C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2538otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3535otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2539backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3536backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2540 3537
2541=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3538=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2542 3539
2543reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3540Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2544 3541
2545=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3542=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2546 3543
2547If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3544If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2548interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3545interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2549be detected at runtime. 3546be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3547indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3548
3549=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3550
3551Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3552access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3553type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3554that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3555as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3556
3557In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3558(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2550 3559
2551=item EV_H 3560=item EV_H
2552 3561
2553The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3562The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2554undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to 3563undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2555virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3564used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2556 3565
2557=item EV_CONFIG_H 3566=item EV_CONFIG_H
2558 3567
2559If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3568If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2560F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3569F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2561C<EV_H>, above. 3570C<EV_H>, above.
2562 3571
2563=item EV_EVENT_H 3572=item EV_EVENT_H
2564 3573
2565Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3574Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2566of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">. 3575of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2567 3576
2568=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3577=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2569 3578
2570If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3579If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2571prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3580prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2592When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3601When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2593all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3602all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2594and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3603and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2595fine. 3604fine.
2596 3605
2597If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3606If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2598C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3607both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2599 3608
2600=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3609=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2601 3610
2602If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3611If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2603defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3612defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2610code. 3619code.
2611 3620
2612=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3621=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2613 3622
2614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2615defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3624defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3625watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2616 3626
2617=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3627=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2618 3628
2619If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3629If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2620defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3630defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2622=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3632=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2623 3633
2624If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3634If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2625defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3635defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2626 3636
3637=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3638
3639If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3640defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3641
2627=item EV_MINIMAL 3642=item EV_MINIMAL
2628 3643
2629If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3644If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2630speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3645speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2631some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3646inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3647much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2632 3648
2633=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3649=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2634 3650
2635C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3651C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2636pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3652pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2643inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3659inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2644usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3660usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2645watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3661watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2646two). 3662two).
2647 3663
3664=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3665
3666Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3667timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3668to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3669faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3670
3671The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3672(disabled).
3673
3674=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3675
3676Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3677timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3678the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3679which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3680but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3681noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3682
3683The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3684(disabled).
3685
3686=item EV_VERIFY
3687
3688Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3689be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3690in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3691called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3692called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3693verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3694libev considerably.
3695
3696The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3697C<0>.
3698
2648=item EV_COMMON 3699=item EV_COMMON
2649 3700
2650By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3701By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2651this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3702this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2652members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3703members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2653though, and it must be identical each time. 3704though, and it must be identical each time.
2654 3705
2655For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3706For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2656 3707
2657 #define EV_COMMON \ 3708 #define EV_COMMON \
2658 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3709 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2659 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3710 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2660 3711
2661=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3712=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2662 3713
2663=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3714=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2664 3715
2669definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3720definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2670their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3721their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2671avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3722avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2672method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3723method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2673 3724
3725=back
3726
2674=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3727=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2675 3728
2676If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3729If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2677exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3730exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2678all public symbols, one per line: 3731all public symbols, one per line:
2679 3732
2680 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3733 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2681 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3734 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2682 3735
2683This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3736This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2684multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3737multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2685itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3738itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2686 3739
2687A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3740A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2688include before including F<ev.h>: 3741include before including F<ev.h>:
2689 3742
2690 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3743 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2707file. 3760file.
2708 3761
2709The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3762The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2710that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3763that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2711 3764
2712 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3765 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2713 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3766 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2714 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3767 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2715 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3768 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2716 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3769 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2717 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3770 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2718 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3771 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2719 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3772 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2720 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3773 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2721 3774
2722 #include "ev++.h" 3775 #include "ev++.h"
2723 3776
2724And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3777And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2725 3778
2726 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3779 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2727 #include "ev.c" 3780 #include "ev.c"
2728 3781
3782=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2729 3783
2730=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3784=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2731 3785
2732In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3786=head3 THREADS
2733libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2734documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2735 3787
2736All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3788All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2737extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3789documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2738happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3790that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2739mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3791are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2740it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3792parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3793of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3794structures that need any locking.
3795
3796Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3797concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3798must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3799only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3800a mutex per loop).
3801
3802Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3803so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3804concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3805outside".
3806
3807If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3808without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3809help you, but here is some generic advice:
2741 3810
2742=over 4 3811=over 4
2743 3812
2744=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3813=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3814in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2745 3815
2746This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3816This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2747there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3817themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2748have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2749 3818
2750=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3819=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2751 3820
2752That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3821Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2753as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3822exists, but it is always a good start.
2754 3823
2755=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3824=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3825loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2756 3826
2757These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3827Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3828better than you currently do :-)
2758 3829
2759=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3830=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3831event loop.
2760 3832
2761=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3833C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3834(or from signal contexts...).
2762 3835
2763These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3836An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2764correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3837work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2765have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3838default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2766 3839watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2767=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2768
2769By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2770beginning of the storage array.
2771
2772=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2773
2774A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2775libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2776on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2777
2778=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2779
2780=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2781
2782Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2783priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2784linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2785watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2786 3840
2787=back 3841=back
2788 3842
3843=head3 COROUTINES
2789 3844
2790=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3845Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3846libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3847coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3848different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3849loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3850you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3851
3852Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3853C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3854they do not call any callbacks.
3855
3856=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3857
3858Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3859lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3860scared by this.
3861
3862However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3863has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3864warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3865targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3866
3867Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3868workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3869maintainable.
3870
3871And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3872wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3873seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3874warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3875been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3876such buggy versions.
3877
3878While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3879"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3880with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3881them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3882warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3883
3884
3885=head2 VALGRIND
3886
3887Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3888highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3889
3890If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3891in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3892
3893 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3894 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3895 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3896
3897Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3898is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3899
3900Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3901as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3902although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3903confused.
3904
3905Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3906make it into some kind of religion.
3907
3908If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3909with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3910is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3911annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3912of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3913
3914If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3915I suggest using suppression lists.
3916
3917
3918=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3919
3920=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2791 3921
2792Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3922Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2793requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3923requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2794model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3924model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2795the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3925the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2796descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3926descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2797e.g. cygwin. 3927e.g. cygwin.
2798 3928
3929Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3930re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3931things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3932way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3933
2799There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3934There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2800embedding it into other applications. 3935embedding it into other applications.
2801 3936
3937Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3938accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3939either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3940so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3941megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3942available).
3943
2802Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3944Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2803abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3945the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2804recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3946is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2805a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3947more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2806implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3948different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2807be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3949notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3950(Microsoft monopoly games).
3951
3952A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3953section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3954of F<ev.h>:
3955
3956 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3957 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3958
3959 #include "ev.h"
3960
3961And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3962you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3963
3964 #include "evwrap.h"
3965 #include "ev.c"
2808 3966
2809=over 4 3967=over 4
2810 3968
2811=item The winsocket select function 3969=item The winsocket select function
2812 3970
2813The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3971The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2814socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3972requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2815very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3973also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2816to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3974requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2817C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3975C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2818symbols for more info. 3976discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3977C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2819 3978
2820The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3979The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2821libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3980libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2822 3981
2823 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3982 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2824 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3983 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2825 3984
2826Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3985Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2827complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3986complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2828 3987
2829=item Limited number of file descriptors 3988=item Limited number of file descriptors
2830 3989
2831Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3990Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2832of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3991
3992Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2833(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3993of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2834C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3994can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2835chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3995recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3996previous thread in each. Great).
2836 3997
2837Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3998Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2838to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3999to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2839call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4000call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2840select emulation on windows). 4001select emulation on windows).
2841 4002
2842Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 4003Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2843libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4004libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2844or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4005or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2845C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4006C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2846arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 4007arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
2847libraries. 4008libraries.
2848 4009
2849This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4010This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2850windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4011windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2851wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4012wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2852calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4013calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2853 4014
2854=back 4015=back
2855 4016
4017=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4018
4019In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4020backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4021
4022=over 4
4023
4024=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
4025calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
4026
4027Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4028structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4029assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4030callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4031calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4032
4033=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4034
4035The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4036C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4037threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4038believed to be sufficiently portable.
4039
4040=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
4041
4042Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
4043allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
4044pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
4045thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4046be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4047C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4048
4049The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4050except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
4051well.
4052
4053=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4054
4055To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4056instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4057systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
4058least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
4059watchers.
4060
4061=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4062
4063The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4064have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
4065enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
4066implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
4067
4068=back
4069
4070If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4071
4072
4073=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
4074
4075In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
4076libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
4077the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
4078
4079All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
4080extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
4081happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
4082mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
4083average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
4084
4085=over 4
4086
4087=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
4088
4089This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
4090there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
4091have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
4092
4093=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
4094
4095That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
4096as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
4097
4098=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4099
4100These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
4101
4102=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4103
4104=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
4105
4106These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
4107correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
4108have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
4109is rare).
4110
4111=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
4112
4113By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
4114fixed position in the storage array.
4115
4116=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
4117
4118A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
4119libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
4120on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
4121
4122=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
4123
4124=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
4125
4126Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
4127priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
4128linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
4129watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4130
4131=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4132
4133=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4134
4135=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4136
4137Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4138calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4139involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4140
4141=back
4142
4143
4144=head1 GLOSSARY
4145
4146=over 4
4147
4148=item active
4149
4150A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4151an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4152
4153=item application
4154
4155In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4156
4157=item callback
4158
4159The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4160detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4161received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4162
4163=item callback invocation
4164
4165The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4166
4167=item event
4168
4169A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4170for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4171any other events happening anymore.
4172
4173In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4174C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4175
4176=item event library
4177
4178A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4179
4180=item event loop
4181
4182An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4183into callback invocations.
4184
4185=item event model
4186
4187The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4188watchers and events.
4189
4190=item pending
4191
4192A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4193and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
4194pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4195
4196A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4197its pending status.
4198
4199=item real time
4200
4201The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4202
4203=item wall-clock time
4204
4205The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4206be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4207clock.
4208
4209=item watcher
4210
4211A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4212to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4213
4214=item watcher invocation
4215
4216The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4217
4218=back
2856 4219
2857=head1 AUTHOR 4220=head1 AUTHOR
2858 4221
2859Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4222Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
2860 4223

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