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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 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 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 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
98=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
99 107
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
103(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
109(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
110 119
111It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
113for example). 122for example).
114 123
117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
119more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument. 132this argument.
124 133
125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
126 135
127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
134throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
135 145
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137 147
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
163 173
164=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
165 175
166Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
167C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
168you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
169 180
170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
171 182
172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
190as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
191compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
192not a problem. 203not a problem.
193 204
194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
195version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
196 208
197 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
200 212
211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
213 225
214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
215 227
216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
222 235
223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
224 237
225Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
226is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
227might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
229recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
230 243
231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
232 245
233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
234 247
235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
236semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
237used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
238when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
264 } 277 }
265 278
266 ... 279 ...
267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
268 281
269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
270 283
271Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
274callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
286 } 299 }
287 300
288 ... 301 ...
289 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
290 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
291=back 317=back
292 318
293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
294 320
295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 321An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
297I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
298 324
299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
301not. 327do not.
302 328
303=over 4 329=over 4
304 330
305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
306 332
307This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
308yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
309false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
311 343
312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
313function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
314 346
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
318 351
319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 353and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 354a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 355C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
324C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
325 376
326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
327backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
328 379
329The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 395useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
345around bugs. 396around bugs.
346 397
347=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
348 399
349Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 400Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
350a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 401make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
351enabling this flag.
352 402
353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 403This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 404and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 405iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 406GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
362flag. 412flag.
363 413
364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 414This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365environment variable. 415environment variable.
366 416
417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
418
419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
423
424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
425
426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
431threads that are not interested in handling them.
432
433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 450
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 453but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 477This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 478C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397 479
398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
399 481
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels).
484
400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 486but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 487like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
404 489
405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
409so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
410I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
412hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
413 500
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll 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 502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
421 512
422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
492 583
493This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 584This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
494it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 585it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
495 586
496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
499
500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
503might perform better. 590might perform better.
504 591
505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
507in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 593specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
508OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 594among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
595hacks).
596
597On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre>, with the event polling
598function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
599occured, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
600even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces, but
601fortunately libev seems to be able to work around it.
509 602
510This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 603This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 604C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
512 605
513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 606=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
514 607
515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 608Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
516with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 609with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
517C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 610C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
518 611
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 612It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
613C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
614at all.
615
616=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
617
618Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
619C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
620value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
520 621
521=back 622=back
522 623
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 624If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 625then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 626here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
526 627()> will be tried.
527Example: This is the most typical usage.
528
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
531
532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
533environment settings to be taken into account:
534
535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
536
537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
541
542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
543
544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
545
546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
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.
554 628
555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 629Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
556 630
557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 631 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
558 if (!epoller) 632 if (!epoller)
559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 633 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
560 634
635Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
636used if available.
637
638 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
639
561=item ev_default_destroy () 640=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
562 641
563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 642Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 643etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 644sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 645responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 646calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 647the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
570 649
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 650Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 651handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 652as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574 653
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 654This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 655C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
656C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
657
658Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
659except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 660If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 661and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579 662
580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 663=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
581 664
582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
584
585=item ev_default_fork ()
586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 665This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 666reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 667name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 668the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 669child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 670
671Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
672a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
673because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
674during fork.
593 675
594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 676On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 677process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 678you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
679call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
680difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
681costly reset of the backend).
597 682
598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 683The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 684it just in case after a fork.
600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
601 685
686Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
687using pthreads.
688
689 static void
690 post_fork_child (void)
691 {
692 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
693 }
694
695 ...
602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 696 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
603
604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605
606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610 697
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 698=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612 699
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 700Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise. 701otherwise.
615 702
616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 703=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
617 704
618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 705Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 706to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
620happily wraps around with enough iterations. 707and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621 708
622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 709This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 710"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 711C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
712prepare and check phases.
713
714=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
715
716Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
717times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
718
719Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
720C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
721in which case it is higher.
722
723Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
724throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
725as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
726convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
625 727
626=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 728=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
627 729
628Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 730Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
629use. 731use.
638 740
639=item ev_now_update (loop) 741=item ev_now_update (loop)
640 742
641Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 743Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
642returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 744returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
643is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 745is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
644 746
645This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 747This 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 748very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
647the current time is a good idea. 749the current time is a good idea.
648 750
650 752
651=item ev_suspend (loop) 753=item ev_suspend (loop)
652 754
653=item ev_resume (loop) 755=item ev_resume (loop)
654 756
655These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 757These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
656not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 758loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
657 759
658A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 760A 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 761the 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 762would 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> 763the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
663C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 765C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
664 766
665Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 767Effectively, 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 768between 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 769will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
668occured while suspended). 770occurred while suspended).
669 771
670After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 772After 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> 773given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
672without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 774without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
673 775
674Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 776Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
675event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 777event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
676 778
677=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 779=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
678 780
679Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 781Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
680after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 782after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
681events. 783handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
784the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
785is why event loops are called I<loops>.
682 786
683If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 787If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
684either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 788until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
789called.
685 790
686Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 791Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
687relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 792relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
688finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 793finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
689that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 794that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
690of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 795of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
691beauty. 796beauty.
692 797
798This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
799a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
800exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
801will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
802
693A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 803A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
694those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 804those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
695process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 805block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
696the loop. 806iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
807events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
697 808
698A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 809A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
699necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 810necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
700will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 811will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
701be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 812be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
702user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 813user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
703iteration of the loop. 814iteration of the loop.
704 815
705This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 816This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
706with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 817with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
707own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 818own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
708usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 819usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
709 820
710Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 821Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
711 822
823 - Increment loop depth.
824 - Reset the ev_break status.
712 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 825 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
826 LOOP:
713 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 827 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
714 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 828 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
715 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 829 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
830 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
716 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 831 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
717 as to not disturb the other process. 832 as to not disturb the other process.
718 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 833 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
719 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 834 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
720 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 835 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
721 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 836 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
722 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 837 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
723 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 838 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
839 - Increment loop iteration counter.
724 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 840 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
725 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 841 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
726 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 842 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
727 - Queue all expired timers. 843 - Queue all expired timers.
728 - Queue all expired periodics. 844 - Queue all expired periodics.
729 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 845 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
730 - Queue all check watchers. 846 - Queue all check watchers.
731 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 847 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
732 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 848 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
733 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 849 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
734 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 850 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
735 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 851 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
736 continue with step *. 852 continue with step LOOP.
853 FINISH:
854 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
855 - Decrement the loop depth.
856 - Return.
737 857
738Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 858Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
739anymore. 859anymore.
740 860
741 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 861 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
742 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 862 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
743 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 863 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
744 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 864 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
745 865
746=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 866=item ev_break (loop, how)
747 867
748Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 868Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
749has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 869has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
750C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 870C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
751C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 871C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
752 872
753This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 873This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
754 874
755It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 875It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
876which case it will have no effect.
756 877
757=item ev_ref (loop) 878=item ev_ref (loop)
758 879
759=item ev_unref (loop) 880=item ev_unref (loop)
760 881
761Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 882Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
762loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 883loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
763count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 884count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
764 885
765If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 886This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
766from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 887unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
888returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
767stopping it. 889before stopping it.
768 890
769As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 891As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
770is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 892is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
771exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 893exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
772excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 894excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
773third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 895third-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 896before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
775before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 897before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
776(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 898(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
777in the callback). 899in the callback).
778 900
779Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 901Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
780running when nothing else is active. 902running when nothing else is active.
781 903
782 ev_signal exitsig; 904 ev_signal exitsig;
783 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 905 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
784 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 906 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
785 evf_unref (loop); 907 ev_unref (loop);
786 908
787Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 909Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
788 910
789 ev_ref (loop); 911 ev_ref (loop);
790 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 912 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
811 933
812By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 934By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
813time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 935time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
814at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 936at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
815C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 937C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
816introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 938introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
939sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
940once per this interval, on average.
817 941
818Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 942Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
819to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 943to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
820latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 944latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
821later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 945later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
823 947
824Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 948Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
825interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 949interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
826interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 950interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
827usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 951usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
828as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 952as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
953you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
954parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
955need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
956then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
829 957
830Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 958Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
831saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 959saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
832are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 960are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
833times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 961times 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 962reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
835they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 963they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
836 964
965Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
966more often than 100 times per second:
967
968 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
969 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
970
971=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
972
973This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
974pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
975but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
976function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
977when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
978event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
979thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
980
981=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
982
983Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
984are pending.
985
986=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
987
988This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
989invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
990this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
991invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
992
993If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
994callback.
995
996=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
997
998Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
999can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1000each call to a libev function.
1001
1002However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1003to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1004loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
1005I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1006
1007When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1008suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1009afterwards.
1010
1011Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
1012C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
1013
1014While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
1015C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
1016modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
1017have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
1018waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
1019to take note of any changes you made.
1020
1021In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
1022invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
1023
1024See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
1025document.
1026
1027=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
1028
1029=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
1030
1031Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
1032C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
1033C<0>.
1034
1035These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
1036and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
1037C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
1038any other purpose as well.
1039
837=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1040=item ev_verify (loop)
838 1041
839This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1042This 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 1043compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
841through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1044through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
842is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1045is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
853 1056
854In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1057In 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 1058watcher 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. 1059watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
857 1060
858A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1061A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
859interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1062your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
860become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1063to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1064for that:
861 1065
862 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1066 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
863 { 1067 {
864 ev_io_stop (w); 1068 ev_io_stop (w);
865 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1069 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
866 } 1070 }
867 1071
868 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1072 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
869 1073
870 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1074 ev_io stdin_watcher;
871 1075
872 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1076 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
873 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1077 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
874 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1078 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
875 1079
876 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1080 ev_run (loop, 0);
877 1081
878As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1082As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
879watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1083watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
880stack). 1084stack).
881 1085
882Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1086Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
883or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1087or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
884 1088
885Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1089Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
886(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1090*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
887callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1091invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
888watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1092time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
889is readable and/or writable). 1093and/or writable).
890 1094
891Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1095Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
892macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1096macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
893is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1097is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
894ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1098ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
917=item C<EV_WRITE> 1121=item C<EV_WRITE>
918 1122
919The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1123The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
920writable. 1124writable.
921 1125
922=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1126=item C<EV_TIMER>
923 1127
924The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1128The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
925 1129
926=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1130=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
927 1131
945 1149
946=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1150=item C<EV_PREPARE>
947 1151
948=item C<EV_CHECK> 1152=item C<EV_CHECK>
949 1153
950All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1154All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
951to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1155to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
952C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1156C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
953received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1157received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
954many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1158many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
955(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1159(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
956C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1160C<ev_run> from blocking).
957 1161
958=item C<EV_EMBED> 1162=item C<EV_EMBED>
959 1163
960The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1164The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
961 1165
962=item C<EV_FORK> 1166=item C<EV_FORK>
963 1167
964The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1168The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
965C<ev_fork>). 1169C<ev_fork>).
1170
1171=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1172
1173The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
966 1174
967=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1175=item C<EV_ASYNC>
968 1176
969The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1177The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
970 1178
1017 1225
1018 ev_io w; 1226 ev_io w;
1019 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1227 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1020 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1228 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1021 1229
1022=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1230=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1023 1231
1024This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1232This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1025call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1233call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1026call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1234call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1027macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1235macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1040 1248
1041Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1249Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1042 1250
1043 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1251 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1044 1252
1045=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1253=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1046 1254
1047Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1255Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1048events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1256events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1049 1257
1050Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1258Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1051whole section. 1259whole section.
1052 1260
1053 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1261 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1054 1262
1055=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1263=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1056 1264
1057Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1265Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1058the watcher was active or not). 1266the watcher was active or not).
1059 1267
1060It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1268It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1085=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1293=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1086 1294
1087Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1295Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1088(modulo threads). 1296(modulo threads).
1089 1297
1090=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1298=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1091 1299
1092=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1300=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1093 1301
1094Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1302Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1095integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1303integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1127watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1335watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1128 1336
1129Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1337Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1130callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1338callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1131 1339
1340=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1341
1342Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1343had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1344initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1345not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1346
1347Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1348C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1349not started in the first place.
1350
1351See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1352functions that do not need a watcher.
1353
1132=back 1354=back
1133
1134 1355
1135=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1356=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1136 1357
1137Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1358Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1138and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1359and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1184 #include <stddef.h> 1405 #include <stddef.h>
1185 1406
1186 static void 1407 static void
1187 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1408 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1188 { 1409 {
1189 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1410 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1190 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1411 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1191 } 1412 }
1192 1413
1193 static void 1414 static void
1194 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1415 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1195 { 1416 {
1196 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1417 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1197 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1418 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1198 } 1419 }
1420
1421=head2 WATCHER STATES
1422
1423There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1424active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1425transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1426rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1427
1428=over 4
1429
1430=item initialiased
1431
1432Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1433initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1434C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1435
1436In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1437in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1438
1439=item started/running/active
1440
1441Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1442property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1443this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1444freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1445and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1446
1447=item pending
1448
1449If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1450in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1451stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1452about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1453callback.
1454
1455The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1456an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1457is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1458but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1459moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1460previous item still apply.
1461
1462It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1463via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1464active.
1465
1466=item stopped
1467
1468A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1469be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1470latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1471of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1472freeing it is often a good idea.
1473
1474While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1475initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1476you wish.
1477
1478=back
1199 1479
1200=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1480=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1201 1481
1202Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1482Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1203integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1483integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1246 1526
1247For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1527For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1248you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1528you 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 1529the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1250processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1530processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1251continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1531continuously 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 1532the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1253workable. 1533workable.
1254 1534
1255Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1535Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1256miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1536miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1270 { 1550 {
1271 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1551 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1272 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1552 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1273 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1553 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1274 1554
1275 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1555 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1276 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1556 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1277 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1557 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1278 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1558 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1279 } 1559 }
1280 1560
1281 static void 1561 static void
1282 idle-cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents) 1562 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1283 { 1563 {
1284 // actual processing 1564 // actual processing
1285 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...); 1565 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1286 1566
1287 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as 1567 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1332descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1612descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1333required if you know what you are doing). 1613required if you know what you are doing).
1334 1614
1335If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1615If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1336known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1616known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1337C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1617C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1618descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1619files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1338 1620
1339Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1621Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1340receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1622receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1341be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1623be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1342because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1624because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1407 1689
1408So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1690So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1409ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1691ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1410somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1692somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1411 1693
1694=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1695
1696Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1697found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1698connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1699
1700For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1701of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1702rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1703the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1704typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1705
1706Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1707operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1708situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1709cope with overload is known (to me).
1710
1711One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1712- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1713situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1714event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1715
1716A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1717C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1718messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1719what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1720the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1721usage.
1722
1723If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1724descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1725when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1726close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1727clients under typical overload conditions.
1728
1729The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1730is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1731opportunity for a DoS attack.
1412 1732
1413=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1733=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1414 1734
1415=over 4 1735=over 4
1416 1736
1448 ... 1768 ...
1449 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1769 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1450 ev_io stdin_readable; 1770 ev_io stdin_readable;
1451 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1771 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1452 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1772 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1453 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1773 ev_run (loop, 0);
1454 1774
1455 1775
1456=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1776=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1457 1777
1458Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1778Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1463year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1783year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1464detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1784detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1465monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1785monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1466 1786
1467The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1787The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1468passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1788passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1469then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with 1789might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1470later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls 1790same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1471C<ev_loop> recursively). 1791before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1792no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1472 1793
1473=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1794=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1474 1795
1475Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1796Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1476recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1797recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1520C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat> 1841C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1521member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1842member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1522 1843
1523At start: 1844At start:
1524 1845
1525 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1846 ev_init (timer, callback);
1526 timer->repeat = 60.; 1847 timer->repeat = 60.;
1527 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1848 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1528 1849
1529Each time there is some activity: 1850Each time there is some activity:
1530 1851
1562 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1883 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1563 1884
1564 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1885 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1565 if (timeout < now) 1886 if (timeout < now)
1566 { 1887 {
1567 // timeout occured, take action 1888 // timeout occurred, take action
1568 } 1889 }
1569 else 1890 else
1570 { 1891 {
1571 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1892 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1572 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1893 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1592 1913
1593To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1914To 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 1915to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1595callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1916callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1596 1917
1597 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1918 ev_init (timer, callback);
1598 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1919 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1599 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1920 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1600 1921
1601And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1922And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1602C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1923C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1603 1924
1604 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1925 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1605 1926
1606This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1927This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1607time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1928time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1608 1929
1609Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1930Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1647 1968
1648=head3 The special problem of time updates 1969=head3 The special problem of time updates
1649 1970
1650Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1971Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1651least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1972least 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 1973time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1653growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1974growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1654lots of events in one iteration. 1975lots of events in one iteration.
1655 1976
1656The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1977The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1657time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1978time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1663 1984
1664If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1985If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1665update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1986update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1666()>. 1987()>.
1667 1988
1989=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1990
1991When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1992can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1993
1994Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1995all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1996to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1997system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1998was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1999towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
2000clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
2001long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
2002be adjusted accordingly.
2003
2004I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
2005operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
2006
2007The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
2008time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
2009is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
2010then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
2011will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
2012use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
2013
2014It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
2015and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
2016deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
2017C<SIGSTOP>).
2018
1668=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2019=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1669 2020
1670=over 4 2021=over 4
1671 2022
1672=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2023=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1698C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2049C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1699 2050
1700This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2051This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1701usage example. 2052usage example.
1702 2053
2054=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2055
2056Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2057then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2058the timeout value currently configured.
2059
2060That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2061C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2062will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2063roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2064too), and so on.
2065
1703=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2066=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1704 2067
1705The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2068The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1706or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2069or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1707which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 2070which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1732 } 2095 }
1733 2096
1734 ev_timer mytimer; 2097 ev_timer mytimer;
1735 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2098 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1736 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2099 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1737 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2100 ev_run (loop, 0);
1738 2101
1739 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2102 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1740 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2103 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1741 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2104 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1742 2105
1768 2131
1769As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2132As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1770point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2133point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1771timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2134timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1772earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2135earlier 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). 2136(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1774 2137
1775=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2138=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1776 2139
1777=over 4 2140=over 4
1778 2141
1906Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2269Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1907system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2270system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1908potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2271potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1909 2272
1910 static void 2273 static void
1911 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2274 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1912 { 2275 {
1913 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2276 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1914 } 2277 }
1915 2278
1916 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2279 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1939 2302
1940=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2303=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1941 2304
1942Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2305Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1943signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2306signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1944will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2307will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1945normal event processing, like any other event. 2308normal event processing, like any other event.
1946 2309
1947If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2310If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1948do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2311C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1949C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2312the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2313synchronously wake up an event loop.
1950 2314
1951You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2315You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2316only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2317default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2318C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2319the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2320
1952first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2321When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1953with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2322with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1954you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2323you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1955the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1956signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1957 2324
1958If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2325If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1959C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2326C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1960interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2327not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1961signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2328interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1962them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2329and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2330
2331=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2332
2333Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2334(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2335stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2336and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2337
2338While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2339sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2340C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2341certain signals to be blocked.
2342
2343This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2344the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2345choice usually).
2346
2347The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2348to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2349catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2350
2351In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2352unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2353the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2354I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2355
2356So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2357you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2358is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2359
2360=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2361
2362POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2363a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2364threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2365
2366When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2367for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2368all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2369sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2370loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2371these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2372in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
1963 2373
1964=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2374=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1965 2375
1966=over 4 2376=over 4
1967 2377
1983Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2393Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1984 2394
1985 static void 2395 static void
1986 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2396 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1987 { 2397 {
1988 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2398 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1989 } 2399 }
1990 2400
1991 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2401 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1992 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2402 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1993 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2403 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1999some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2409some 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 2410exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2001has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2411has 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., 2412as 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, 2413forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2004but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2414but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
2005not. 2415in the next callback invocation is not.
2006 2416
2007Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2417Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2008you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2418you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2009 2419
2420Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2421handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2422libev)
2423
2010=head3 Process Interaction 2424=head3 Process Interaction
2011 2425
2012Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2426Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2013initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2427initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2014the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2428first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2015of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2429of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2016synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2430synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2017children, even ones not watched. 2431children, even ones not watched.
2018 2432
2019=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2433=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2029=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2443=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2030 2444
2031Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2445Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2032child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2446child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2033callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2447callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2034when a child exit is detected. 2448when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2449problem).
2035 2450
2036=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2451=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2037 2452
2038=over 4 2453=over 4
2039 2454
2365 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2780 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2366 } 2781 }
2367 2782
2368 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2783 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2369 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2784 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2370 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2785 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2371 2786
2372 2787
2373=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2788=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2374 2789
2375Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2790Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2376prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2791prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2377afterwards. 2792afterwards.
2378 2793
2379You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2794You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2380the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2795the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2381watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2796watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2382rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2797rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2383those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2798those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2384C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2799C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2468 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2883 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2469 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2884 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2470 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2885 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2471 2886
2472 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2887 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2473 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2888 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2474 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2889 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2475 2890
2476 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2891 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2477 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2892 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2478 { 2893 {
2552 2967
2553 if (timeout >= 0) 2968 if (timeout >= 0)
2554 // create/start timer 2969 // create/start timer
2555 2970
2556 // poll 2971 // poll
2557 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2972 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2558 2973
2559 // stop timer again 2974 // stop timer again
2560 if (timeout >= 0) 2975 if (timeout >= 0)
2561 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2976 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2562 2977
2640if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3055if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2641 3056
2642=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3057=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2643 3058
2644Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3059Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2645similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3060similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2646appropriate way for embedded loops. 3061appropriate way for embedded loops.
2647 3062
2648=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3063=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2649 3064
2650The embedded event loop. 3065The embedded event loop.
2710C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3125C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2711handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3126handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2712 3127
2713=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3128=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2714 3129
2715Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3130Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2716up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3131up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2717sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3132sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2718 3133
2719This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3134This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2720in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3135in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2736disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3151disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2737signal watchers). 3152signal watchers).
2738 3153
2739When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3154When 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 3155other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2741C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3156C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2742the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3157Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2743have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3158watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2744also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3159those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3160signal watchers.
2745 3161
2746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3162=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2747 3163
2748=over 4 3164=over 4
2749 3165
2750=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3166=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2751 3167
2752Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3168Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2753kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3169kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2754believe me. 3170really.
2755 3171
2756=back 3172=back
2757 3173
2758 3174
3175=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3176
3177Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3178by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3179
3180While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3181watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3182program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3183loop when you want them to be invoked.
3184
3185Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3186all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3187makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3188can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3189
3190=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3191
3192=over 4
3193
3194=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3195
3196Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3197any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3198pointless, I assure you.
3199
3200=back
3201
3202Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3203cleanup functions are called.
3204
3205 static void
3206 program_exits (void)
3207 {
3208 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3209 }
3210
3211 ...
3212 atexit (program_exits);
3213
3214
2759=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3215=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2760 3216
2761In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3217In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2762asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3218asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2763loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3219loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2764 3220
2765Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3221Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2766control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3222for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2767C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3223watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2768can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3224it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2769safe.
2770 3225
2771This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3226This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2772too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3227too, 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 3228(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2774C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3229C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3230of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3231signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3232even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
2775 3233
2776Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3234Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2777just the default loop. 3235just the default loop.
2778 3236
2779=head3 Queueing 3237=head3 Queueing
2780 3238
2781C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3239C<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 3240is 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 3241multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2784need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3242need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3243semantics.
2785 3244
2786That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3245That 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 3246queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2788queue: 3247queue:
2789 3248
2928 3387
2929If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3388If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2930started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3389started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2931repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3390repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2932 3391
2933The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3392The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2934passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3393passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2935C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3394C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2936value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3395value 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 3396a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2938events precedence. 3397events precedence.
2939 3398
2940Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3399Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2941 3400
2942 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3401 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2943 { 3402 {
2944 if (revents & EV_READ) 3403 if (revents & EV_READ)
2945 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3404 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2946 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3405 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2947 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3406 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2948 } 3407 }
2949 3408
2950 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3409 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2951 3410
2952=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2953
2954Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2955had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2956initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2957
2958=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3411=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2959 3412
2960Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3413Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2961the given events it. 3414the given events it.
2962 3415
2963=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3416=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2964 3417
2965Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3418Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
2966loop!). 3419which is async-safe.
3420
3421=back
3422
3423
3424=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3425
3426This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3427obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3428section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3429
3430=over 4
3431
3432=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3433
3434Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3435I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3436invoking C<ev_run>.
3437
3438This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3439main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3440a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3441and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3442other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3443
3444The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3445invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3446triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3447
3448 // main loop
3449 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3450
3451 while (!exit_main_loop)
3452 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3453
3454 // in a model watcher
3455 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3456
3457 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3458 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3459
3460To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3461
3462 // exit modal loop
3463 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3464
3465 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3466 exit_main_loop = 1;
3467
3468 // exit both
3469 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
2967 3470
2968=back 3471=back
2969 3472
2970 3473
2971=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3474=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
2972 3475
2973Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3476Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
2974emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3477emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
2975 3478
2976=over 4 3479=over 4
3480
3481=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3482
3483This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3484and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
2977 3485
2978=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3486=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
2979 3487
2980=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3488=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
2981ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3489ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
2987=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3495=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2988will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3496will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2989is an ev_pri field. 3497is an ev_pri field.
2990 3498
2991=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3499=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2992first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3500base that registered the signal gets the signals.
2993 3501
2994=item * Other members are not supported. 3502=item * Other members are not supported.
2995 3503
2996=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3504=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2997to use the libev header file and library. 3505to use the libev header file and library.
3016Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3524Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3017classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3525classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3018that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3526that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3019you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3527you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3020 3528
3021Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3529Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3022used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3530with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3023need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3531to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3024types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3532you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3025it). 3533(preferably after implementing it).
3026 3534
3027Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3535Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3028 3536
3029=over 4 3537=over 4
3030 3538
3048 3556
3049=over 4 3557=over 4
3050 3558
3051=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3559=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3052 3560
3053=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3561=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3054 3562
3055=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3563=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3056 3564
3057The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3565The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3058with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3566with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3091 myclass obj; 3599 myclass obj;
3092 ev::io iow; 3600 ev::io iow;
3093 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3601 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3094 3602
3095=item w->set (object *) 3603=item w->set (object *)
3096
3097This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3098 3604
3099This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3605This 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 3606will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3101functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3607functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3102the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3608the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3135Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3641Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3136 3642
3137 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3643 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3138 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3644 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3139 3645
3140=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3646=item w->set (loop)
3141 3647
3142Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3648Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3143do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3649do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3144 3650
3145=item w->set ([arguments]) 3651=item w->set ([arguments])
3146 3652
3147Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3653Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3148called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3654method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3149automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3655C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3150method. 3656when reconfiguring it with this method.
3151 3657
3152=item w->start () 3658=item w->start ()
3153 3659
3154Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3660Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3155constructor already stores the event loop. 3661constructor already stores the event loop.
3156 3662
3663=item w->start ([arguments])
3664
3665Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3666convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3667the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3668
3157=item w->stop () 3669=item w->stop ()
3158 3670
3159Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3671Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3160 3672
3161=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3673=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3173 3685
3174=back 3686=back
3175 3687
3176=back 3688=back
3177 3689
3178Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3690Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3179the constructor. 3691watchers in the constructor.
3180 3692
3181 class myclass 3693 class myclass
3182 { 3694 {
3183 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3695 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3696 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3184 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3697 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3185 3698
3186 myclass (int fd) 3699 myclass (int fd)
3187 { 3700 {
3188 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3701 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3702 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3189 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3703 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3190 3704
3191 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3705 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3706 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3707
3708 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3192 } 3709 }
3193 }; 3710 };
3194 3711
3195 3712
3196=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3713=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3242=item Ocaml 3759=item Ocaml
3243 3760
3244Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3761Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3245L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3762L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3246 3763
3764=item Lua
3765
3766Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3767time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3768L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3769
3247=back 3770=back
3248 3771
3249 3772
3250=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3773=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3251 3774
3264loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3787loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3265C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3788C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3266 3789
3267 ev_unref (EV_A); 3790 ev_unref (EV_A);
3268 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3791 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3269 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3792 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3270 3793
3271It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3794It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3272which is often provided by the following macro. 3795which is often provided by the following macro.
3273 3796
3274=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3797=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3314 } 3837 }
3315 3838
3316 ev_check check; 3839 ev_check check;
3317 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3840 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3318 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3841 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3319 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3842 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3320 3843
3321=head1 EMBEDDING 3844=head1 EMBEDDING
3322 3845
3323Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3846Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3324applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3847applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3404 libev.m4 3927 libev.m4
3405 3928
3406=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3929=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3407 3930
3408Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3931Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3409define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3932define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3410autoconf is documented for every option. 3933the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3934
3935Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3936values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3937to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3938to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3939users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3940settings.
3411 3941
3412=over 4 3942=over 4
3413 3943
3944=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3945
3946Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3947release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3948have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3949
3950You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3951versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3952sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3953from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3954typedef in that case.
3955
3956In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3957and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3958removed completely.
3959
3414=item EV_STANDALONE 3960=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3415 3961
3416Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3962Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3417keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3963keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3418implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3964implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3419supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3965supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3420F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3966F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3421 3967
3422In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3968In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3423configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3969configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3424 3970
3425=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3971=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3426 3972
3427If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3973If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3492be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 4038be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3493C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 4039C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3494it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 4040it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3495on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 4041on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3496 4042
3497=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 4043=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3498 4044
3499If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 4045If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3500file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 4046file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3501default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 4047default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3502correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 4048correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3503in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 4049in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
4050
4051=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
4052
4053If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
4054using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
4055their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
4056to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
4057
4058=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
4059
4060If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4061macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4062file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4063the underlying OS handle.
3504 4064
3505=item EV_USE_POLL 4065=item EV_USE_POLL
3506 4066
3507If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4067If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3508backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4068backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3555as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4115as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3556 4116
3557In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4117In 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. 4118(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3559 4119
3560=item EV_H 4120=item EV_H (h)
3561 4121
3562The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4122The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3563undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4123undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3564used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4124used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3565 4125
3566=item EV_CONFIG_H 4126=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3567 4127
3568If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4128If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3569F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4129F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3570C<EV_H>, above. 4130C<EV_H>, above.
3571 4131
3572=item EV_EVENT_H 4132=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3573 4133
3574Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4134Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3575of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4135of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3576 4136
3577=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4137=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3578 4138
3579If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4139If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3580prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4140prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3581occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4141occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3582around libev functions. 4142around libev functions.
3604fine. 4164fine.
3605 4165
3606If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4166If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3607both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4167both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3608 4168
3609=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4169=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4170EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4171EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3610 4172
3611If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4173If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3612defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4174the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3613code. 4175is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3614 4176
3615=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4177=item EV_FEATURES
3616
3617If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3618defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3619code.
3620
3621=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3622
3623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3624defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3625watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3626
3627=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3628
3629If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3630defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3631
3632=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3633
3634If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3635defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
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
3642=item EV_MINIMAL
3643 4178
3644If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4179If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3645speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4180speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3646inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4181certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3647much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4182that can be enabled on the platform.
4183
4184A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4185with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4186additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4187but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4188backend, use this:
4189
4190 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4191 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4192 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4193 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4194 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4195
4196The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4197values:
4198
4199=over 4
4200
4201=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4202
4203Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4204
4205Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4206code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4207
4208When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4209gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4210assertions.
4211
4212=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4213
4214Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4215hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4216and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4217runtime.
4218
4219=item C<4> - full API configuration
4220
4221This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4222enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4223
4224=item C<8> - full API
4225
4226This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4227details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4228feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4229
4230=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4231
4232Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4233only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4234embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4235C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4236
4237=item C<32> - enable all backends
4238
4239This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4240least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4241
4242=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4243
4244Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4245default.
4246
4247=back
4248
4249Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4250reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4251code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4252watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4253
4254With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4255when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4256your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4257I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4258
4259=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4260
4261If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4262functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4263somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4264libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4265big.
4266
4267Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4268enabled.
4269
4270=item EV_NSIG
4271
4272The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4273signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4274automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4275specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4276good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4277statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3648 4278
3649=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4279=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3650 4280
3651C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4281C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3652pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4282pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3653than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4283usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3654increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4284might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3655 4285
3656=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4286=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3657 4287
3658C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4288C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3659inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4289inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3660usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4290disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3661watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4291C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3662two). 4292power of two).
3663 4293
3664=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4294=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3665 4295
3666Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4296Heaps 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 4297timer 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 4298to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3669faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4299faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3670 4300
3671The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4301The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3672(disabled). 4302will be C<0>.
3673 4303
3674=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4304=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3675 4305
3676Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4306Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3677timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4307timer 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>), 4308the 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, 4309which 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 4310but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3681noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4311noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3682 4312
3683The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4313The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3684(disabled). 4314will be C<0>.
3685 4315
3686=item EV_VERIFY 4316=item EV_VERIFY
3687 4317
3688Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4318Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3689be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4319be 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 4320in. 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 4321called. 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 4322called 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 4323verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3694libev considerably. 4324libev considerably.
3695 4325
3696The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4326The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3697C<0>. 4327will be C<0>.
3698 4328
3699=item EV_COMMON 4329=item EV_COMMON
3700 4330
3701By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4331By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3702this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4332this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3703members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4333members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3704though, and it must be identical each time. 4334though, and it must be identical each time.
3705 4335
3706For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4336For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3707 4337
3760file. 4390file.
3761 4391
3762The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4392The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3763that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4393that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3764 4394
3765 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4395 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3766 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4396 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3767 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3768 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4397 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4398 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3769 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4399 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3770 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4400 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4401 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3771 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4402 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3772 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3773 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3774 4403
3775 #include "ev++.h" 4404 #include "ev++.h"
3776 4405
3777And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4406And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3778 4407
3838default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4467default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3839watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4468watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3840 4469
3841=back 4470=back
3842 4471
4472=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4473
4474Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4475thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4476created/added/removed.
4477
4478For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4479which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4480languages).
4481
4482The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4483variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4484event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4485
4486First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4487
4488 typedef struct {
4489 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4490 ev_async async_w;
4491 thread_t tid;
4492 cond_t invoke_cv;
4493 } userdata;
4494
4495 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4496 {
4497 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4498 static userdata u;
4499
4500 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4501 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4502
4503 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4504 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4505
4506 // now associate this with the loop
4507 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4508 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4509 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4510
4511 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4512 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4513 }
4514
4515The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4516solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4517that might have been added:
4518
4519 static void
4520 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4521 {
4522 // just used for the side effects
4523 }
4524
4525The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4526protecting the loop data, respectively.
4527
4528 static void
4529 l_release (EV_P)
4530 {
4531 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4532 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4533 }
4534
4535 static void
4536 l_acquire (EV_P)
4537 {
4538 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4539 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4540 }
4541
4542The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4543into C<ev_run>:
4544
4545 void *
4546 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4547 {
4548 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4549
4550 l_acquire (EV_A);
4551 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4552 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4553 l_release (EV_A);
4554
4555 return 0;
4556 }
4557
4558Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4559signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4560writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4561have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4562and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4563watchers is very beneficial):
4564
4565 static void
4566 l_invoke (EV_P)
4567 {
4568 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4569
4570 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4571 {
4572 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4573 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4574 }
4575 }
4576
4577Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4578will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4579thread to continue:
4580
4581 static void
4582 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4583 {
4584 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4585
4586 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4587 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4588 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4589 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4590 }
4591
4592Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4593event loop, you will now have to lock:
4594
4595 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4596 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4597
4598 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4599
4600 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4601 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4602 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4603 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4604
4605Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4606an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4607about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4608watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4609
3843=head3 COROUTINES 4610=head3 COROUTINES
3844 4611
3845Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4612Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3846libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4613libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3847coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4614coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3848different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4615different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3849loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4616the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3850you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4617that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3851 4618
3852Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4619Care 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 4620C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3854they do not call any callbacks. 4621they do not call any callbacks.
3855 4622
3856=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4623=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3857 4624
3858Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4625Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3869maintainable. 4636maintainable.
3870 4637
3871And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4638And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3872wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4639wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3873seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4640seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3874warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4641warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3875been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4642been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3876such buggy versions. 4643such buggy versions.
3877 4644
3878While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4645While 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 4646"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3915I suggest using suppression lists. 4682I suggest using suppression lists.
3916 4683
3917 4684
3918=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4685=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3919 4686
4687=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4688
4689GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4690interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4691
4692That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4693files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4694
4695Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4696by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4697standard libev compiled for their system.
4698
4699Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4700suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4701i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4702
4703=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4704
4705The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4706you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4707OpenGL drivers.
4708
4709=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4710
4711The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4712only sockets, many support pipes.
4713
4714Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4715rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4716loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4717probably going to work well.
4718
4719=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4720
4721Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4722implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4723release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4724
4725Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4726this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4727a loop.
4728
4729=head3 C<select> is buggy
4730
4731All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4732one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4733descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4734you use more.
4735
4736There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4737C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4738work on OS/X.
4739
4740=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4741
4742=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4743
4744The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4745thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4746without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4747defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4748
4749If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4750it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4751
4752=head3 Event port backend
4753
4754The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4755ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4756releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4757a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4758and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4759are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4760great.
4761
4762If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4763the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4764C<select> backends.
4765
4766=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4767
4768AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4769this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4770compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4771with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4772
3920=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4773=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4774
4775=head3 General issues
3921 4776
3922Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4777Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3923requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4778requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3924model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4779model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3925the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4780the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3926descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4781descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3927e.g. cygwin. 4782e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4783as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4784environment.
3928 4785
3929Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4786Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3930re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4787re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3931things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4788then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3932way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4789also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3933 4790
3934There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4791There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3935embedding it into other applications. 4792embedding it into other applications.
4793
4794Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4795tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3936 4796
3937Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4797Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3938accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4798accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3939either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4799either 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 4800so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3945the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4805the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3946is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4806is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3947more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4807more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3948different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4808different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3949notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4809notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3950(Microsoft monopoly games). 4810(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3951 4811
3952A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4812A 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 4813section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3954of F<ev.h>: 4814of F<ev.h>:
3955 4815
3962you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4822you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3963 4823
3964 #include "evwrap.h" 4824 #include "evwrap.h"
3965 #include "ev.c" 4825 #include "ev.c"
3966 4826
3967=over 4
3968
3969=item The winsocket select function 4827=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3970 4828
3971The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4829The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3972requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4830requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3973also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4831also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3974requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4832requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3983 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4841 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3984 4842
3985Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4843Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3986complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4844complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3987 4845
3988=item Limited number of file descriptors 4846=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3989 4847
3990Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4848Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3991 4849
3992Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4850Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3993of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4851of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3994can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4852can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3995recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4853recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3996previous thread in each. Great). 4854previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3997 4855
3998Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4856Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3999to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4857to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
4000call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4858call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
4001select emulation on windows). 4859other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
4002 4860
4003Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4861Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
4004libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4862libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
4005or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4863fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
4006C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4864by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
4007arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4865(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
4008libraries.
4009
4010This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4866runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4011windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4867(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4012wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4868you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4013calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4869the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4014
4015=back
4016 4870
4017=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4871=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4018 4872
4019In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4873In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4020backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4874backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4027Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4881Libev 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 4882structure (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 4883assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4030callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4884callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4031calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4885calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4886
4887=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4888
4889Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4890writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4032 4891
4033=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4892=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4034 4893
4035The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4894The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4036C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4895C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4059watchers. 4918watchers.
4060 4919
4061=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4920=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4062 4921
4063The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4922The 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 4923have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4065enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4924good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4925(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4066implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4926implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4927IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
4067 4928
4068=back 4929=back
4069 4930
4070If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4931If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4071 4932
4139involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5000involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4140 5001
4141=back 5002=back
4142 5003
4143 5004
5005=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5006
5007The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
5008
5009At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
5010for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
5011layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5012new API early than late.
5013
5014=over 4
5015
5016=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5017
5018The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5019C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5020section.
5021
5022=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5023
5024These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5025
5026 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5027 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5028
5029=item function/symbol renames
5030
5031A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5032
5033 ev_loop => ev_run
5034 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5035 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5036
5037 ev_unloop => ev_break
5038 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5039 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5040 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5041
5042 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5043
5044 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5045 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5046 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
5047
5048Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
5049C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5050associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5051ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5052as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5053C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5054typedef.
5055
5056=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5057
5058The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5059mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5060and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5061
5062=back
5063
5064
4144=head1 GLOSSARY 5065=head1 GLOSSARY
4145 5066
4146=over 4 5067=over 4
4147 5068
4148=item active 5069=item active
4149 5070
4150A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5071A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4151an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 5072See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4152 5073
4153=item application 5074=item application
4154 5075
4155In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5076In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5077
5078=item backend
5079
5080The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4156 5081
4157=item callback 5082=item callback
4158 5083
4159The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5084The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4160detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5085detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4161received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5086received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4162 5087
4163=item callback invocation 5088=item callback/watcher invocation
4164 5089
4165The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5090The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4166 5091
4167=item event 5092=item event
4168 5093
4169A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 5094A 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 5095for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4171any other events happening anymore. 5096any other events happening anymore.
4172 5097
4173In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 5098In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4174C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 5099C<EV_TIMER>).
4175 5100
4176=item event library 5101=item event library
4177 5102
4178A software package implementing an event model and loop. 5103A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4179 5104
4187The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5112The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4188watchers and events. 5113watchers and events.
4189 5114
4190=item pending 5115=item pending
4191 5116
4192A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5117A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4193and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5118detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
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 5119
4199=item real time 5120=item real time
4200 5121
4201The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5122The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4202 5123
4209=item watcher 5130=item watcher
4210 5131
4211A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5132A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4212to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5133to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4213 5134
4214=item watcher invocation
4215
4216The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4217
4218=back 5135=back
4219 5136
4220=head1 AUTHOR 5137=head1 AUTHOR
4221 5138
4222Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5139Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5140Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4223 5141

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