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Revision 1.86 by root, Tue Dec 18 01:20:33 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.238 by root, Sat Apr 18 12:10:41 2009 UTC

…		…
2		2
3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C	3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4		4
5	=head1 SYNOPSIS	5	=head1 SYNOPSIS
6		6
7	#include <ev.h>	7	#include <ev.h>
8		8
9	=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM	9	=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10		10
		11	// a single header file is required
11	#include <ev.h>	12	#include <ev.h>
12		13
		14	#include <stdio.h> // for puts
		15
		16	// every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
		17	// with the name ev_TYPE
13	ev_io stdin_watcher;	18	ev_io stdin_watcher;
14	ev_timer timeout_watcher;	19	ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15		20
16	/* called when data readable on stdin */	21	// all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
		22	// this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17	static void	23	static void
18	stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)	24	stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19	{	25	{
20	/* puts ("stdin ready"); */	26	puts ("stdin ready");
21	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */	27	// for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */	28	// with its corresponding stop function.
		29	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
		30
		31	// this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
		32	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23	}	33	}
24		34
		35	// another callback, this time for a time-out
25	static void	36	static void
26	timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	37	timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27	{	38	{
28	/* puts ("timeout"); */	39	puts ("timeout");
29	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */	40	// this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
		41	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30	}	42	}
31		43
32	int	44	int
33	main (void)	45	main (void)
34	{	46	{
		47	// use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	48	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36		49
37	/* initialise an io watcher, then start it */	50	// initialise an io watcher, then start it
		51	// this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);	52	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	53	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40		54
		55	// initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41	/* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */	56	// simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);	57	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);	58	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44		59
45	/* loop till timeout or data ready */	60	// now wait for events to arrive
46	ev_loop (loop, 0);	61	ev_loop (loop, 0);
47		62
		63	// unloop was called, so exit
48	return 0;	64	return 0;
49	}	65	}
50		66
51	=head1 DESCRIPTION	67	=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
52		68
		69	This document documents the libev software package.
		70
53	The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted	71	The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first	72	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55	time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.	73	time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
		74
		75	While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
		76	libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
		77	on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
		78	with libev.
		79
		80	Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
		81	throughout this document.
		82
		83	=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
56		84
57	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a	85	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage	86	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59	these event sources and provide your program with events.	87	these event sources and provide your program with events.
60		88
61	To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process	89	To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
62	(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then	90	(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
63	communicate events via a callback mechanism.	91	communicate events via a callback mechanism.
…		…
65	You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event	93	You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
66	watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the	94	watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
67	details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the	95	details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
68	watcher.	96	watcher.
69		97
70	=head1 FEATURES	98	=head2 FEATURES
71		99
72	Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the	100	Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
73	BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms	101	BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
74	for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface	102	for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75	(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers	103	(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
…		…
82		110
83	It also is quite fast (see this	111	It also is quite fast (see this
84	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent	112	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85	for example).	113	for example).
86		114
87	=head1 CONVENTIONS	115	=head2 CONVENTIONS
88		116
89	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will	117	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90	be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about	118	configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91	various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in	119	more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92	this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event	120	B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93	loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>	121	for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94	(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.	122	name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
		123	this argument.
95		124
96	=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION	125	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97		126
98	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the	127	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
99	(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near	128	the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
100	the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is	129	near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
101	called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases	130	type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
102	to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on	131	aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
103	it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name	132	on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences	133	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105	throughout libev.	134	throughout libev.
		135
		136	=head1 ERROR HANDLING
		137
		138	Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
		139	and internal errors (bugs).
		140
		141	When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
		142	a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
		143	set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
		144	abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
		145	()>.
		146
		147	When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
		148	it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
		149	so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
		150	the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
		151
		152	Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
		153	extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
		154	circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
		155
106		156
107	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS	157	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108		158
109	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the	159	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110	library in any way.	160	library in any way.
…		…
114	=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()	164	=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
115		165
116	Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the	166	Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
117	C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp	167	C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
118	you actually want to know.	168	you actually want to know.
		169
		170	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
		171
		172	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
		173	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
		174	this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
119		175
120	=item int ev_version_major ()	176	=item int ev_version_major ()
121		177
122	=item int ev_version_minor ()	178	=item int ev_version_minor ()
123		179
…		…
136	not a problem.	192	not a problem.
137		193
138	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong	194	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
139	version.	195	version.
140		196
141	assert (("libev version mismatch",	197	assert (("libev version mismatch",
142	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR	198	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
143	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));	199	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
144		200
145	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()	201	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
146		202
147	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>	203	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
148	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their	204	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
…		…
150	a description of the set values.	206	a description of the set values.
151		207
152	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and	208	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
153	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11	209	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
154		210
155	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",	211	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
156	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));	212	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
157		213
158	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()	214	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
159		215
160	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also	216	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
161	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one	217	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
162	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on	218	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
163	most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it	219	most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
164	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that	220	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
165	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.	221	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
166		222
167	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()	223	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
168		224
…		…
172	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for	228	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
173	recommended ones.	229	recommended ones.
174		230
175	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	231	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
176		232
177	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))	233	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
178		234
179	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the	235	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
180	semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to	236	semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
181	allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when	237	used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
182	memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some	238	when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
183	potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc	239	or take some potentially destructive action.
184	function.	240
		241	Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
		242	correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
		243	C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
185		244
186	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,	245	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
187	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,	246	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
188	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.	247	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
189		248
190	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then	249	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
191	retries).	250	retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
192		251
193	static void *	252	static void *
194	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)	253	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
195	{	254	{
196	for (;;)	255	for (;;)
…		…
205	}	264	}
206		265
207	...	266	...
208	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);	267	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
209		268
210	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));	269	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
211		270
212	Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such	271	Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
213	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string	272	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
214	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this	273	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
215	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no	274	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
216	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the	275	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
217	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff	276	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
218	(such as abort).	277	(such as abort).
219		278
220	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.	279	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
…		…
231		290
232	=back	291	=back
233		292
234	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP	293	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
235		294
236	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two	295	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
237	types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child	296	is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
238	events, and dynamically created loops which do not.	297	I<function>).
239		298
240	If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop	299	The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
241	in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you	300	supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
242	create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking	301	not.
243	whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
244	threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
245	done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
246		302
247	=over 4	303	=over 4
248		304
249	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)	305	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
250		306
…		…
254	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).	310	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
255		311
256	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this	312	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
257	function.	313	function.
258		314
		315	Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
		316	from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
		317	as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
		318
		319	The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
		320	C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
		321	for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
		322	create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
		323	can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
		324	C<ev_default_init>.
		325
259	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific	326	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
260	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).	327	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
261		328
262	The following flags are supported:	329	The following flags are supported:
263		330
…		…
268	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right	335	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
269	thing, believe me).	336	thing, believe me).
270		337
271	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>	338	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
272		339
273	If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid	340	If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
274	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable	341	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
275	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will	342	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
276	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is	343	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
277	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work	344	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
278	around bugs.	345	around bugs.
…		…
284	enabling this flag.	351	enabling this flag.
285		352
286	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,	353	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
287	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop	354	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
288	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my	355	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
289	Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence	356	GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
290	without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has	357	without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
291	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).	358	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
292		359
293	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and	360	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
294	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this	361	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
295	flag.	362	flag.
296		363
297	This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>	364	This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
298	environment variable.	365	environment variable.
299		366
300	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)	367	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
301		368
302	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as	369	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
303	libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,	370	libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
304	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when	371	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
305	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually	372	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
306	the fastest backend for a low number of fds.	373	usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
		374
		375	To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
		376	parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
		377	writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
		378	connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
		379	a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
		380	readiness notifications you get per iteration.
		381
		382	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
		383	C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
		384	C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
307		385
308	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)	386	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
309		387
310	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than	388	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
311	select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the	389	than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
312	number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a	390	limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
313	lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).	391	considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
		392	i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
		393	performance tips.
		394
		395	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
		396	C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
314		397
315	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)	398	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
316		399
317	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,	400	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
318	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like	401	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
319	O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales	402	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
320	either O(1) or O(active_fds).	403	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
321		404
		405	The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
		406	of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
		407	dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
		408	descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
		409	so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
		410	I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
		411	take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
		412	hard to detect.
		413
		414	Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
		415	of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
		416	I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
		417	even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
		418	on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
		419	employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
		420	events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
		421
322	While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will	422	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
323	result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident	423	will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
324	(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its	424	incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
325	best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very	425	I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
326	well if you register events for both fds.	426	file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
		427	file descriptors.
327		428
328	Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you	429	Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
329	need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data	430	watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
330	(or space) is available.	431	i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
		432	starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
		433	extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
		434	as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
		435	take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
		436
		437	All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
		438	faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
		439	the usage. So sad.
		440
		441	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
		442	all kernel versions tested so far.
		443
		444	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		445	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
331		446
332	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)	447	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
333		448
334	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it	449	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
335	was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with	450	was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
336	anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its	451	with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
337	completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected"	452	it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
		453	is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
		454	without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
338	unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using	455	"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
339	C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>).	456	C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
		457	system like NetBSD.
		458
		459	You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
		460	only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
		461	the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
340		462
341	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the	463	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
342	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of	464	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
343	course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an	465	course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
344	extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per	466	cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
345	incident, so its best to avoid that.	467	two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
		468	sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
		469	cases
		470
		471	This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
		472
		473	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
		474	everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
		475	almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
		476	(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
		477	(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
		478	also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
		479
		480	This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
		481	C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
		482	C<NOTE_EOF>.
346		483
347	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)	484	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
348		485
349	This is not implemented yet (and might never be).	486	This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
		487	implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
		488	and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
		489	immensely.
350		490
351	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)	491	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
352		492
353	This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,	493	This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
354	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).	494	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
355		495
356	Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious	496	Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
357	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid	497	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
358	blocking when no data (or space) is available.	498	blocking when no data (or space) is available.
		499
		500	While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
		501	file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
		502	descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
		503	might perform better.
		504
		505	On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
		506	notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
		507	in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
		508	OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
		509
		510	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		511	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
359		512
360	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>	513	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
361		514
362	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried	515	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
363	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as	516	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
364	C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.	517	C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
365		518
		519	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
		520
366	=back	521	=back
367		522
368	If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these	523	If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
369	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are	524	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
370	specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse	525	specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
371	order of their flag values :)
372		526
373	The most typical usage is like this:	527	Example: This is the most typical usage.
374		528
375	if (!ev_default_loop (0))	529	if (!ev_default_loop (0))
376	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");	530	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
377		531
378	Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow	532	Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
379	environment settings to be taken into account:	533	environment settings to be taken into account:
380		534
381	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);	535	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
382		536
383	Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if	537	Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
384	available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private	538	used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
385	event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):	539	private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
		540	fds):
386		541
387	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);	542	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
388		543
389	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)	544	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
390		545
391	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is	546	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
392	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot	547	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
393	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by	548	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
394	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).	549	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
395		550
		551	Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
		552	libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
		553	default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
		554
396	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.	555	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
397		556
398	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);	557	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
399	if (!epoller)	558	if (!epoller)
400	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");	559	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
401		560
402	=item ev_default_destroy ()	561	=item ev_default_destroy ()
403		562
404	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state	563	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
405	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal	564	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
406	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your	565	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
407	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>	566	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
408	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually	567	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
409	the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them	568	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
410	for example).	569	for example).
		570
		571	Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
		572	handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
		573	as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
		574
		575	In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
		576	rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
		577	pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
		578	C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
411		579
412	=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)	580	=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
413		581
414	Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an	582	Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
415	earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.	583	earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
416		584
417	=item ev_default_fork ()	585	=item ev_default_fork ()
418		586
		587	This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
419	This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have	588	to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
420	one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense	589	name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
421	after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that	590	the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
422	again makes little sense).	591	sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
		592	functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
423		593
424	You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and	594	On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
425	only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just	595	process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
426	fork+exec, you don't have to call it.	596	you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
427		597
428	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call	598	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
429	it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in	599	it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
430	quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:	600	quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
431		601
432	pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);	602	pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
433		603
434	At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
435	without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
436	do not need to care.
437
438	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)	604	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
439		605
440	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by	606	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
441	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop	607	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
442	after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.	608	after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
		609	entirely your own problem.
		610
		611	=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
		612
		613	Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
		614	otherwise.
443		615
444	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)	616	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
445		617
446	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to	618	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
447	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and	619	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
…		…
460		632
461	Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop	633	Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
462	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not	634	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
463	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base	635	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
464	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the	636	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
465	event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).	637	event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
		638
		639	=item ev_now_update (loop)
		640
		641	Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
		642	returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
		643	is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
		644
		645	This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
		646	very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
		647	the current time is a good idea.
		648
		649	See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
		650
		651	=item ev_suspend (loop)
		652
		653	=item ev_resume (loop)
		654
		655	These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
		656	not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
		657
		658	A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
		659	the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
		660	would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
		661	the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
		662	in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
		663	C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
		664
		665	Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
		666	between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
		667	will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
		668	occured while suspended).
		669
		670	After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
		671	given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
		672	without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
		673
		674	Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
		675	event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
466		676
467	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)	677	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
468		678
469	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called	679	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
470	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling	680	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
…		…
473	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until	683	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
474	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.	684	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
475		685
476	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than	686	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
477	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has	687	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
478	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that	688	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
479	automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of	689	that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
480	relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty.	690	of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
		691	beauty.
481		692
482	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle	693	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
483	those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in	694	those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
484	case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.	695	process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
		696	the loop.
485		697
486	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if	698	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
487	neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block	699	necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
488	your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after	700	will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
489	one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some	701	be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
490	external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other	702	user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
		703	iteration of the loop.
		704
		705	This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
		706	with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
491	libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is	707	own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
492	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.	708	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
493		709
494	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:	710	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
495		711
496	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.	712	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
497	* If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.	713	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
498	- Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.	714	- If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
		715	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.
499	- If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.	716	- If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
		717	as to not disturb the other process.
500	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.	718	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
501	- Update the "event loop time".	719	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
502	- Calculate for how long to block.	720	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
		721	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
		722	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
		723	- Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
503	- Block the process, waiting for any events.	724	- Block the process, waiting for any events.
504	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.	725	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
505	- Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.	726	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
506	- Queue all outstanding timers.	727	- Queue all expired timers.
507	- Queue all outstanding periodics.	728	- Queue all expired periodics.
508	- If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.	729	- Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
509	- Queue all check watchers.	730	- Queue all check watchers.
510	- Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).	731	- Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
511	Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will	732	Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
512	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.	733	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
513	- If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK	734	- If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
514	were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.	735	were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
		736	continue with step *.
515		737
516	Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding	738	Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
517	anymore.	739	anymore.
518		740
519	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long	741	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
520	... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)	742	... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
521	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);	743	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
522	... jobs done. yeah!	744	... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
523		745
524	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)	746	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
525		747
526	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it	748	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
527	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either	749	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
528	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or	750	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
529	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.	751	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
530		752
		753	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
		754
		755	It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
		756
531	=item ev_ref (loop)	757	=item ev_ref (loop)
532		758
533	=item ev_unref (loop)	759	=item ev_unref (loop)
534		760
535	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event	761	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
536	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference	762	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
537	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have	763	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
		764
538	a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from	765	If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
539	returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For	766	from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
		767	stopping it.
		768
540	example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not	769	As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
541	visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if	770	is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
542	no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent	771	exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
543	way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party	772	excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
544	libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.	773	third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
		774	before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
		775	before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
		776	(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
		777	in the callback).
545		778
546	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>	779	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
547	running when nothing else is active.	780	running when nothing else is active.
548		781
549	struct ev_signal exitsig;	782	ev_signal exitsig;
550	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);	783	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
551	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);	784	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
552	evf_unref (loop);	785	evf_unref (loop);
553		786
554	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.	787	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
555		788
556	ev_ref (loop);	789	ev_ref (loop);
557	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);	790	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
		791
		792	=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
		793
		794	=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
		795
		796	These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
		797	for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
		798	will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
		799	latency.
		800
		801	Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
		802	allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
		803	to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
		804	opportunities).
		805
		806	The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
		807	one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
		808	program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
		809	events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
		810	overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
		811
		812	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
		813	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
		814	at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
		815	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
		816	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
		817
		818	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
		819	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
		820	latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
		821	later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
		822	value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
		823
		824	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
		825	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
		826	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
		827	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
		828	as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
		829
		830	Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
		831	saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
		832	are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
		833	times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
		834	reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
		835	they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
		836
		837	=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
		838
		839	This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
		840	compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
		841	through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
		842	is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
		843	error and call C<abort ()>.
		844
		845	This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
		846	circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
		847	data structures consistent.
558		848
559	=back	849	=back
560		850
561		851
562	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER	852	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
		853
		854	In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
		855	watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
		856	watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
563		857
564	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your	858	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
565	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to	859	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
566	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:	860	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
567		861
568	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	862	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
569	{	863	{
570	ev_io_stop (w);	864	ev_io_stop (w);
571	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	865	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
572	}	866	}
573		867
574	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	868	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
		869
575	struct ev_io stdin_watcher;	870	ev_io stdin_watcher;
		871
576	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);	872	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
577	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	873	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
578	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	874	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
		875
579	ev_loop (loop, 0);	876	ev_loop (loop, 0);
580		877
581	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your	878	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
582	watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,	879	watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
583	although this can sometimes be quite valid).	880	stack).
		881
		882	Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
		883	or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
584		884
585	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init	885	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
586	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This	886	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
587	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io	887	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
588	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given	888	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
589	is readable and/or writable).	889	is readable and/or writable).
590		890
591	Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro	891	Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
592	with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro	892	macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
593	to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init	893	is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
594	(watcher *, callback, ...) >>.	894	ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
595		895
596	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it	896	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
597	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher	897	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
598	*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the	898	*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
599	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.	899	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
600		900
601	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you	901	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
602	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never	902	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
603	reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.	903	reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
604		904
605	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the	905	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
606	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as	906	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
607	third argument.	907	third argument.
608		908
…		…
662	=item C<EV_FORK>	962	=item C<EV_FORK>
663		963
664	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see	964	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
665	C<ev_fork>).	965	C<ev_fork>).
666		966
		967	=item C<EV_ASYNC>
		968
		969	The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
		970
		971	=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
		972
		973	Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
		974	by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
		975
667	=item C<EV_ERROR>	976	=item C<EV_ERROR>
668		977
669	An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might	978	An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
670	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev	979	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
671	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other	980	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
		981	problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
		982
672	problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping	983	You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
673	with the watcher being stopped.	984	watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
		985	an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
		986	bug in your program.
674		987
675	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,	988	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
676	for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if	989	example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
677	your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope	990	callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
678	with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded	991	the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
679	programs, though, so beware.	992	programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
		993	thing, so beware.
680		994
681	=back	995	=back
682		996
683	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS	997	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
684
685	In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
686	e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
687		998
688	=over 4	999	=over 4
689		1000
690	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)	1001	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
691		1002
…		…
697	which rolls both calls into one.	1008	which rolls both calls into one.
698		1009
699	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped	1010	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
700	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.	1011	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
701		1012
702	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,	1013	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
703	int revents)>.	1014	int revents)>.
		1015
		1016	Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
		1017
		1018	ev_io w;
		1019	ev_init (&w, my_cb);
		1020	ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
704		1021
705	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])	1022	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
706		1023
707	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to	1024	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
708	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can	1025	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
…		…
711	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).	1028	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
712		1029
713	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments	1030	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
714	(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.	1031	(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
715		1032
		1033	See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
		1034
716	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])	1035	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
717		1036
718	This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro	1037	This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
719	calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise	1038	calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
720	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.	1039	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
		1040
		1041	Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
		1042
		1043	ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
721		1044
722	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1045	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
723		1046
724	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive	1047	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
725	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.	1048	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
726		1049
		1050	Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
		1051	whole section.
		1052
		1053	ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
		1054
727	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1055	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
728		1056
729	Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending	1057	Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
		1058	the watcher was active or not).
		1059
730	status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,	1060	It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
731	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but	1061	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
732	C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If	1062	calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
733	you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a	1063	pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
734	good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.	1064	therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
735		1065
736	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)	1066	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
737		1067
738	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started	1068	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
739	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify	1069	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
…		…
765	integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>	1095	integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
766	(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked	1096	(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
767	before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers	1097	before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
768	from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).	1098	from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
769		1099
770	This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
771	invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
772	example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
773	watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
774
775	If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending	1100	If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
776	you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.	1101	you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
777		1102
778	You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or	1103	You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
779	pending.	1104	pending.
780		1105
		1106	Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
		1107	fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
		1108	or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
		1109
781	The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is	1110	The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
782	always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).	1111	always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
783		1112
784	Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is	1113	See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
785	fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might	1114	priorities.
786	or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
787		1115
788	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)	1116	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
789		1117
790	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither	1118	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
791	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback	1119	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
792	can deal with that fact.	1120	can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
		1121	callback.
793		1122
794	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1123	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
795		1124
796	If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status	1125	If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
797	and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the	1126	returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
798	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.	1127	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
799		1128
		1129	Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
		1130	callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
		1131
800	=back	1132	=back
801		1133
802		1134
803	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER	1135	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
804		1136
805	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change	1137	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
806	and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used	1138	and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
807	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and	1139	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
808	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data	1140	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
809	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own	1141	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
810	data:	1142	data:
811		1143
812	struct my_io	1144	struct my_io
813	{	1145	{
814	struct ev_io io;	1146	ev_io io;
815	int otherfd;	1147	int otherfd;
816	void *somedata;	1148	void *somedata;
817	struct whatever *mostinteresting;	1149	struct whatever *mostinteresting;
818	}	1150	};
		1151
		1152	...
		1153	struct my_io w;
		1154	ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
819		1155
820	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you	1156	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
821	can cast it back to your own type:	1157	can cast it back to your own type:
822		1158
823	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)	1159	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
824	{	1160	{
825	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;	1161	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
826	...	1162	...
827	}	1163	}
828		1164
829	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type	1165	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
830	instead have been omitted.	1166	instead have been omitted.
831		1167
832	Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple	1168	Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
833	watchers:	1169	embedded watchers:
834		1170
835	struct my_biggy	1171	struct my_biggy
836	{	1172	{
837	int some_data;	1173	int some_data;
838	ev_timer t1;	1174	ev_timer t1;
839	ev_timer t2;	1175	ev_timer t2;
840	}	1176	}
841		1177
842	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,	1178	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
843	you need to use C<offsetof>:	1179	complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
		1180	in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
		1181	some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
		1182	programmers):
844		1183
845	#include <stddef.h>	1184	#include <stddef.h>
846		1185
847	static void	1186	static void
848	t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1187	t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
849	{	1188	{
850	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1189	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
851	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));	1190	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
852	}	1191	}
853		1192
854	static void	1193	static void
855	t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1194	t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
856	{	1195	{
857	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1196	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
858	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));	1197	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
859	}	1198	}
		1199
		1200	=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
		1201
		1202	Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
		1203	integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
		1204	between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
		1205
		1206	In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
		1207	description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
		1208	range.
		1209
		1210	There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
		1211	by event loops:
		1212
		1213	In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
		1214	of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
		1215	watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
		1216
		1217	The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
		1218	callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
		1219	watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
		1220	before polling for new events.
		1221
		1222	Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
		1223	except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
		1224
		1225	The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
		1226	watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
		1227	libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
		1228	their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
		1229	common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
		1230	priority ones.
		1231
		1232	Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
		1233	watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
		1234	C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
		1235	timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
		1236	other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
		1237	handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
		1238	the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
		1239	handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
		1240	always, what you want).
		1241
		1242	Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
		1243	will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
		1244	received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
		1245	required.
		1246
		1247	For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
		1248	you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
		1249	the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
		1250	processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
		1251	continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
		1252	the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
		1253	workable.
		1254
		1255	Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
		1256	miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
		1257	it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
		1258	idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
		1259	the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
		1260
		1261	Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
		1262	priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
		1263	other events are pending:
		1264
		1265	ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
		1266	ev_io io; // actual event watcher
		1267
		1268	static void
		1269	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
		1270	{
		1271	// stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
		1272	// are not yet ready to handle it.
		1273	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
		1274
		1275	// start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
		1276	// it will not be executed as long as other watchers
		1277	// with the default priority are receiving events.
		1278	ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
		1279	}
		1280
		1281	static void
		1282	idle-cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
		1283	{
		1284	// actual processing
		1285	read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
		1286
		1287	// have to start the I/O watcher again, as
		1288	// we have handled the event
		1289	ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
		1290	}
		1291
		1292	// initialisation
		1293	ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
		1294	ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
		1295	ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
		1296
		1297	In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
		1298	low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
		1299	enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
		1300	during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
		1301	important ones.
860		1302
861		1303
862	=head1 WATCHER TYPES	1304	=head1 WATCHER TYPES
863		1305
864	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat	1306	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
…		…
888	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per	1330	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
889	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file	1331	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
890	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not	1332	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
891	required if you know what you are doing).	1333	required if you know what you are doing).
892		1334
893	You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends	1335	If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
894	(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file	1336	known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
895	descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing	1337	C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
896	to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
897	the same underlying "file open").
898
899	If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
900	(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
901	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
902		1338
903	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to	1339	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
904	receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might	1340	receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
905	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block	1341	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
906	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a	1342	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
907	lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into	1343	lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
908	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus	1344	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
909	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning	1345	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
910	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.	1346	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
911		1347
912	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not	1348	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
913	play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test	1349	not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
914	whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface	1350	re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
915	such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on	1351	interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
916	its own, so its quite safe to use).	1352	does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
		1353	use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
		1354	indefinitely.
		1355
		1356	But really, best use non-blocking mode.
917		1357
918	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors	1358	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
919		1359
920	Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file	1360	Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
921	descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,	1361	descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
922	such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file	1362	such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
923	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop	1363	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
924	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is	1364	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
925	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in	1365	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
926	fact, a different file descriptor.	1366	fact, a different file descriptor.
927		1367
…		…
934		1374
935	This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that	1375	This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
936	the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave	1376	the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
937	optimisations to libev.	1377	optimisations to libev.
938		1378
		1379	=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
		1380
		1381	Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
		1382	but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
		1383	have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
		1384	events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
		1385
		1386	There is no workaround possible except not registering events
		1387	for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
		1388	C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
		1389
		1390	=head3 The special problem of fork
		1391
		1392	Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
		1393	useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
		1394	it in the child.
		1395
		1396	To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
		1397	C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
		1398	enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
		1399	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
		1400
		1401	=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
		1402
		1403	While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
		1404	when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
		1405	sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
		1406	this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
		1407
		1408	So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
		1409	ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
		1410	somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
		1411
939		1412
940	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions	1413	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
941		1414
942	=over 4	1415	=over 4
943		1416
944	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)	1417	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
945		1418
946	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)	1419	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
947		1420
948	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to	1421	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
949	rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or	1422	receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
950	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.	1423	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
951		1424
952	=item int fd [read-only]	1425	=item int fd [read-only]
953		1426
954	The file descriptor being watched.	1427	The file descriptor being watched.
955		1428
956	=item int events [read-only]	1429	=item int events [read-only]
957		1430
958	The events being watched.	1431	The events being watched.
959		1432
960	=back	1433	=back
		1434
		1435	=head3 Examples
961		1436
962	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well	1437	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
963	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could	1438	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
964	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.	1439	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
965		1440
966	static void	1441	static void
967	stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	1442	stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
968	{	1443	{
969	ev_io_stop (loop, w);	1444	ev_io_stop (loop, w);
970	.. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors	1445	.. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
971	}	1446	}
972		1447
973	...	1448	...
974	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	1449	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
975	struct ev_io stdin_readable;	1450	ev_io stdin_readable;
976	ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	1451	ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
977	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);	1452	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
978	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1453	ev_loop (loop, 0);
979		1454
980		1455
981	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts	1456	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
982		1457
983	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a	1458	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
984	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.	1459	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
985		1460
986	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that	1461	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
987	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years	1462	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
988	time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because	1463	year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
989	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the	1464	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
990	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).	1465	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
		1466
		1467	The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
		1468	passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
		1469	then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with
		1470	later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls
		1471	C<ev_loop> recursively).
		1472
		1473	=head3 Be smart about timeouts
		1474
		1475	Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
		1476	recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
		1477	you want to raise some error after a while.
		1478
		1479	What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
		1480	inefficient to smart and efficient.
		1481
		1482	In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
		1483	gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
		1484	data or other life sign was received).
		1485
		1486	=over 4
		1487
		1488	=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
		1489
		1490	This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
		1491	start the watcher:
		1492
		1493	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
		1494	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1495
		1496	Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
		1497	and start it again:
		1498
		1499	ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
		1500	ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
		1501	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1502
		1503	This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
		1504	some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
		1505	data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
		1506	still not a constant-time operation.
		1507
		1508	=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
		1509
		1510	This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
		1511	C<ev_timer_start>.
		1512
		1513	To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
		1514	of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
		1515	successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
		1516	you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
		1517	the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
		1518
		1519	That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
		1520	C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
		1521	member and C<ev_timer_again>.
		1522
		1523	At start:
		1524
		1525	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
		1526	timer->repeat = 60.;
		1527	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1528
		1529	Each time there is some activity:
		1530
		1531	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1532
		1533	It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
		1534	whether the watcher is active or not:
		1535
		1536	timer->repeat = 30.;
		1537	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1538
		1539	This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
		1540	you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
		1541	remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
		1542
		1543	It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
		1544
		1545	=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
		1546
		1547	This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
		1548	relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
		1549	our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
		1550	associated activity resets.
		1551
		1552	In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
		1553	but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
		1554	within the callback:
		1555
		1556	ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
		1557
		1558	static void
		1559	callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
		1560	{
		1561	ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
		1562	ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
		1563
		1564	// if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
		1565	if (timeout < now)
		1566	{
		1567	// timeout occured, take action
		1568	}
		1569	else
		1570	{
		1571	// callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
		1572	// the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
		1573	// guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
		1574	w->repeat = timeout - now;
		1575	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
		1576	}
		1577	}
		1578
		1579	To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
		1580	as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
		1581	been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
		1582	the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
		1583	re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
		1584	a timeout then.
		1585
		1586	Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
		1587	C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
		1588
		1589	This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
		1590	minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
		1591	libev to change the timeout.
		1592
		1593	To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
		1594	to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
		1595	callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
		1596
		1597	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
		1598	last_activity = ev_now (loop);
		1599	callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
		1600
		1601	And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
		1602	C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
		1603
		1604	last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
		1605
		1606	This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
		1607	time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
		1608
		1609	Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
		1610	callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
		1611	fix things for you.
		1612
		1613	=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
		1614
		1615	If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
		1616	employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
		1617	do even better:
		1618
		1619	When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
		1620	at the I<end> of the list.
		1621
		1622	Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
		1623	the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
		1624
		1625	When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
		1626	the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
		1627	update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
		1628
		1629	This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
		1630	starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
		1631	complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
		1632	ensures that the list stays sorted.
		1633
		1634	=back
		1635
		1636	So which method the best?
		1637
		1638	Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
		1639	situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
		1640	better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
		1641	one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
		1642
		1643	Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
		1644	rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
		1645	off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
		1646	overkill :)
		1647
		1648	=head3 The special problem of time updates
		1649
		1650	Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
		1651	least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
		1652	time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
		1653	growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
		1654	lots of events in one iteration.
991		1655
992	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>	1656	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
993	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time	1657	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
994	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If	1658	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
995	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout	1659	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
996	on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:	1660	timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
997		1661
998	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);	1662	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
999		1663
1000	The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,	1664	If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1001	but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then	1665	update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1002	order of execution is undefined.	1666	()>.
1003		1667
1004	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1668	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1005		1669
1006	=over 4	1670	=over 4
1007		1671
1008	=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)	1672	=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1009		1673
1010	=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)	1674	=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1011		1675
1012	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is	1676	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1013	C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the	1677	is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1014	timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds	1678	reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1015	later, again, and again, until stopped manually.	1679	configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
		1680	until stopped manually.
1016		1681
1017	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you	1682	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1018	configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at	1683	you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1019	exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with	1684	trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1020	the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the	1685	keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1021	timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.	1686	do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1022		1687
1023	=item ev_timer_again (loop)	1688	=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1024		1689
1025	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is	1690	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1026	repeating. The exact semantics are:	1691	repeating. The exact semantics are:
1027		1692
1028	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.	1693	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1029		1694
1030	If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).	1695	If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1031		1696
1032	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the	1697	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1033	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.	1698	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1034		1699
1035	This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical	1700	This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1036	example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle	1701	usage example.
1037	timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1038	seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1039	configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1040	C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1041	you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1042	socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1043	automatically restart it if need be.
1044
1045	That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1046	altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1047
1048	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1049	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1050	...
1051	timer->again = 17.;
1052	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1053	...
1054	timer->again = 10.;
1055	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1056
1057	This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1058	you want to modify its timeout value.
1059		1702
1060	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]	1703	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1061		1704
1062	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out	1705	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1063	or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),	1706	or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1064	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.	1707	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1065		1708
1066	=back	1709	=back
1067		1710
		1711	=head3 Examples
		1712
1068	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.	1713	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1069		1714
1070	static void	1715	static void
1071	one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1716	one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1072	{	1717	{
1073	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here	1718	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1074	}	1719	}
1075		1720
1076	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1721	ev_timer mytimer;
1077	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);	1722	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1078	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);	1723	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1079		1724
1080	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of	1725	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1081	inactivity.	1726	inactivity.
1082		1727
1083	static void	1728	static void
1084	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1729	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1085	{	1730	{
1086	.. ten seconds without any activity	1731	.. ten seconds without any activity
1087	}	1732	}
1088		1733
1089	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1734	ev_timer mytimer;
1090	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */	1735	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1091	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */	1736	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1092	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1737	ev_loop (loop, 0);
1093		1738
1094	// and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":	1739	// and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1095	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds	1740	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1096	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);	1741	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1097		1742
1098		1743
1099	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?	1744	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1100		1745
1101	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile	1746	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1102	(and unfortunately a bit complex).	1747	(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1103		1748
1104	Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)	1749	Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1105	but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher	1750	relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1106	to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a	1751	(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1107	periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()	1752	difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1108	+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will	1753	time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1109	take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger	1754	wrist-watch).
1110	roughly 10 seconds later).
1111		1755
1112	They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as	1756	You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1113	triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,	1757	in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1114	rules.	1758	seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
		1759	not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
		1760	year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
		1761	C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
		1762	it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1115		1763
		1764	C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
		1765	timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
		1766	other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
		1767	those cannot react to time jumps.
		1768
1116	As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the	1769	As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1117	time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready	1770	point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1118	during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.	1771	timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
		1772	earlier 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).
1119		1774
1120	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1775	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1121		1776
1122	=over 4	1777	=over 4
1123		1778
1124	=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)	1779	=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1125		1780
1126	=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)	1781	=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1127		1782
1128	Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of	1783	Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1129	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:	1784	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1130		1785
1131	=over 4	1786	=over 4
1132		1787
1133	=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)	1788	=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1134		1789
1135	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time	1790	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1136	C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,	1791	time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1137	that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the	1792	time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1138	system time reaches or surpasses this time.	1793	will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
		1794	this point in time.
1139		1795
1140	=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)	1796	=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1141		1797
1142	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next	1798	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1143	C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)	1799	C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1144	and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.	1800	negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
		1801	argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1145		1802
1146	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system	1803	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1147	time:	1804	system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
		1805	hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1148		1806
1149	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);	1807	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1150		1808
1151	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,	1809	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1152	but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a	1810	but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1153	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible	1811	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1154	by 3600.	1812	by 3600.
1155		1813
1156	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that	1814	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1157	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible	1815	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1158	time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.	1816	time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1159		1817
1160	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near	1818	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1161	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for	1819	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1162	this value.	1820	this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1163		1821
		1822	Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
		1823	speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
		1824	will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
		1825	millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
		1826
1164	=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)	1827	=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1165		1828
1166	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being	1829	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1167	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the	1830	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1168	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the	1831	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1169	current time as second argument.	1832	current time as second argument.
1170		1833
1171	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,	1834	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1172	ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,	1835	or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1173	return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by	1836	allowed by documentation here>.
1174	starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1175		1837
		1838	If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
		1839	it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
		1840	only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
		1841
1176	Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,	1842	The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1177	ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:	1843	*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1178		1844
		1845	static ev_tstamp
1179	static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1846	my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1180	{	1847	{
1181	return now + 60.;	1848	return now + 60.;
1182	}	1849	}
1183		1850
1184	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value	1851	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1185	(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It	1852	(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1186	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but	1853	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1187	might be called at other times, too.	1854	might be called at other times, too.
1188		1855
1189	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the	1856	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1190	passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.	1857	equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1191		1858
1192	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that	1859	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1193	triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the	1860	triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1194	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How	1861	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1195	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main	1862	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1196	reason I omitted it as an example).	1863	reason I omitted it as an example).
1197		1864
1198	=back	1865	=back
…		…
1202	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful	1869	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1203	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return	1870	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1204	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like	1871	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1205	program when the crontabs have changed).	1872	program when the crontabs have changed).
1206		1873
		1874	=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
		1875
		1876	When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
		1877	to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
		1878	C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
		1879	rescheduling modes.
		1880
1207	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]	1881	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1208		1882
1209	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the	1883	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1210	absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).	1884	absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
		1885	although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1211		1886
1212	Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic	1887	Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1213	timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.	1888	timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1214		1889
1215	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]	1890	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1216		1891
1217	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only	1892	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1218	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being	1893	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1219	called.	1894	called.
1220		1895
1221	=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]	1896	=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1222		1897
1223	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is	1898	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1224	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when	1899	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1225	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.	1900	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1226		1901
1227	=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1228
1229	When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1230	trigger next.
1231
1232	=back	1902	=back
1233		1903
		1904	=head3 Examples
		1905
1234	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the	1906	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1235	system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have	1907	system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1236	potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.	1908	potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1237		1909
1238	static void	1910	static void
1239	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	1911	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1240	{	1912	{
1241	... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)	1913	... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1242	}	1914	}
1243		1915
1244	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1916	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1245	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);	1917	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1246	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1918	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1247		1919
1248	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:	1920	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1249		1921
1250	#include <math.h>	1922	#include <math.h>
1251		1923
1252	static ev_tstamp	1924	static ev_tstamp
1253	my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1925	my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1254	{	1926	{
1255	return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;	1927	return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1256	}	1928	}
1257		1929
1258	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);	1930	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1259		1931
1260	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:	1932	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1261		1933
1262	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1934	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1263	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,	1935	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1264	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);	1936	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1265	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1937	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1266		1938
1267		1939
1268	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!	1940	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1269		1941
1270	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific	1942	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1271	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev	1943	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1272	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the	1944	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1273	normal event processing, like any other event.	1945	normal event processing, like any other event.
1274		1946
		1947	If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
		1948	do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
		1949	C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
		1950
1275	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the	1951	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1276	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher	1952	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1277	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long	1953	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1278	as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal	1954	you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1279	watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to	1955	the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1280	SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).	1956	signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
		1957
		1958	If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
		1959	C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
		1960	interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
		1961	signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
		1962	them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1281		1963
1282	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1964	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283		1965
1284	=over 4	1966	=over 4
1285		1967
…		…
1294		1976
1295	The signal the watcher watches out for.	1977	The signal the watcher watches out for.
1296		1978
1297	=back	1979	=back
1298		1980
		1981	=head3 Examples
		1982
		1983	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
		1984
		1985	static void
		1986	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
		1987	{
		1988	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
		1989	}
		1990
		1991	ev_signal signal_watcher;
		1992	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
		1993	ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
		1994
1299		1995
1300	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes	1996	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1301		1997
1302	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to	1998	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1303	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).	1999	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
		2000	exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
		2001	has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
		2002	as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
		2003	forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
		2004	but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
		2005	not.
		2006
		2007	Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
		2008	you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
		2009
		2010	=head3 Process Interaction
		2011
		2012	Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
		2013	initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
		2014	the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
		2015	of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
		2016	synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
		2017	children, even ones not watched.
		2018
		2019	=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
		2020
		2021	Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
		2022	processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
		2023	handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
		2024	C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
		2025	default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
		2026	event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
		2027	that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
		2028
		2029	=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
		2030
		2031	Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
		2032	child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
		2033	callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
		2034	when a child exit is detected.
1304		2035
1305	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2036	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1306		2037
1307	=over 4	2038	=over 4
1308		2039
1309	=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)	2040	=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1310		2041
1311	=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)	2042	=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1312		2043
1313	Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or	2044	Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1314	I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look	2045	I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1315	at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see	2046	at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1316	the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems	2047	the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1317	C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the	2048	C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1318	process causing the status change.	2049	process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
		2050	activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
		2051	activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1319		2052
1320	=item int pid [read-only]	2053	=item int pid [read-only]
1321		2054
1322	The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.	2055	The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1323		2056
…		…
1330	The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems	2063	The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1331	C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).	2064	C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1332		2065
1333	=back	2066	=back
1334		2067
1335	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.	2068	=head3 Examples
1336		2069
		2070	Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
		2071	its completion.
		2072
		2073	ev_child cw;
		2074
1337	static void	2075	static void
1338	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)	2076	child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1339	{	2077	{
1340	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	2078	ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
		2079	printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1341	}	2080	}
1342		2081
1343	struct ev_signal signal_watcher;	2082	pid_t pid = fork ();
1344	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);	2083
1345	ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);	2084	if (pid < 0)
		2085	// error
		2086	else if (pid == 0)
		2087	{
		2088	// the forked child executes here
		2089	exit (1);
		2090	}
		2091	else
		2092	{
		2093	ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
		2094	ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
		2095	}
1346		2096
1347		2097
1348	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?	2098	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1349		2099
1350	This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls	2100	This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1351	C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed	2101	C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1352	compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.	2102	and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
		2103	it did.
1353		2104
1354	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does	2105	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1355	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does	2106	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1356	not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is	2107	exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1357	otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of	2108	C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1358	the stat buffer having unspecified contents.	2109	least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
		2110	contents.
1359		2111
1360	The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is	2112	The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
		2113	C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1361	relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.	2114	your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1362		2115
1363	Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply	2116	Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1364	calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You	2117	portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1365	can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify	2118	to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1366	a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,	2119	interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1367	unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around	2120	recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1368	five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also	2121	(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1369	impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats	2122	change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1370	usually overkill.	2123	currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1371		2124
1372	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,	2125	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1373	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be	2126	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1374	resource-intensive.	2127	resource-intensive.
1375		2128
1376	At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is	2129	At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1377	implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the	2130	is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1378	reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the	2131	exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1379	semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs	2132	implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1380	to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are	2133
1381	usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no	2134	=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1382	polling.	2135
		2136	Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
		2137	compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
		2138	support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
		2139	structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
		2140	use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
		2141	compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
		2142	obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
		2143	most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
		2144
		2145	The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
		2146	file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
		2147	optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
		2148	to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
		2149	default compilation environment.
		2150
		2151	=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
		2152
		2153	When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
		2154	runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
		2155	inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
		2156	watcher is being started.
		2157
		2158	Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
		2159	except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
		2160	making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
		2161	there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
		2162	but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
		2163	many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
		2164	a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
		2165	xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
		2166
		2167	There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
		2168	implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
		2169	descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
		2170	etc. is difficult.
		2171
		2172	=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
		2173
		2174	Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
		2175	the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
		2176	()>, which is a synchronous operation.
		2177
		2178	For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
		2179	busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
		2180	as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
		2181	watcher).
		2182
		2183	For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
		2184	time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
		2185	often takes multiple milliseconds.
		2186
		2187	Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
		2188	paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
		2189
		2190	=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
		2191
		2192	The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
		2193	and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
		2194	still only support whole seconds.
		2195
		2196	That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
		2197	easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
		2198	calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
		2199	within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
		2200	stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
		2201
		2202	The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
		2203	than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
		2204	a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
		2205	ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
		2206
		2207	The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
		2208	of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
		2209	might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
		2210	C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
		2211	a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
		2212	update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
		2213	the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
		2214	the timer callback).
1383		2215
1384	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2216	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1385		2217
1386	=over 4	2218	=over 4
1387		2219
…		…
1393	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to	2225	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1394	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose	2226	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1395	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same	2227	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1396	path for as long as the watcher is active.	2228	path for as long as the watcher is active.
1397		2229
1398	The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,	2230	The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1399	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the	2231	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1400	last change was detected).	2232	last change was detected).
1401		2233
1402	=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)	2234	=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1403		2235
1404	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the	2236	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1405	watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid	2237	watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1406	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be	2238	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1407	useful simply to find out the new values.	2239	the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
		2240	new values.
1408		2241
1409	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]	2242	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1410		2243
1411	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of	2244	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1412	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types	2245	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1413	suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there	2246	suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
		2247	members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1414	was some error while C<stat>ing the file.	2248	some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1415		2249
1416	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]	2250	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1417		2251
1418	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever	2252	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1419	C<prev> != C<attr>.	2253	C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
		2254	differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
		2255	C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1420		2256
1421	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]	2257	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1422		2258
1423	The specified interval.	2259	The specified interval.
1424		2260
1425	=item const char *path [read-only]	2261	=item const char *path [read-only]
1426		2262
1427	The filesystem path that is being watched.	2263	The file system path that is being watched.
1428		2264
1429	=back	2265	=back
1430		2266
		2267	=head3 Examples
		2268
1431	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.	2269	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1432		2270
1433	static void	2271	static void
1434	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)	2272	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1435	{	2273	{
1436	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */	2274	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1437	if (w->attr.st_nlink)	2275	if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1438	{	2276	{
1439	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);	2277	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1440	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2278	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1441	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2279	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1442	}	2280	}
1443	else	2281	else
1444	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */	2282	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1445	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "	2283	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1446	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");	2284	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1447	}	2285	}
1448		2286
1449	...	2287	...
1450	ev_stat passwd;	2288	ev_stat passwd;
1451		2289
1452	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");	2290	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1453	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);	2291	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
		2292
		2293	Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
		2294	miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
		2295	one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
		2296	C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
		2297
		2298	static ev_stat passwd;
		2299	static ev_timer timer;
		2300
		2301	static void
		2302	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
		2303	{
		2304	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
		2305
		2306	/* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
		2307	}
		2308
		2309	static void
		2310	stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
		2311	{
		2312	/* reset the one-second timer */
		2313	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
		2314	}
		2315
		2316	...
		2317	ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
		2318	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
		2319	ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1454		2320
1455		2321
1456	=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...	2322	=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1457		2323
1458	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher	2324	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1459	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not	2325	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1460	count).	2326	as receiving "events").
1461		2327
1462	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts	2328	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1463	(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be	2329	(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1464	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers	2330	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1465	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop	2331	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
…		…
1476		2342
1477	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2343	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1478		2344
1479	=over 4	2345	=over 4
1480		2346
1481	=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)	2347	=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1482		2348
1483	Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any	2349	Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1484	kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,	2350	kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1485	believe me.	2351	believe me.
1486		2352
1487	=back	2353	=back
1488		2354
		2355	=head3 Examples
		2356
1489	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the	2357	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1490	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.	2358	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1491		2359
1492	static void	2360	static void
1493	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)	2361	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1494	{	2362	{
1495	free (w);	2363	free (w);
1496	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has	2364	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1497	// no longer asnything immediate to do.	2365	// no longer anything immediate to do.
1498	}	2366	}
1499		2367
1500	struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));	2368	ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1501	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);	2369	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1502	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);	2370	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1503		2371
1504		2372
1505	=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!	2373	=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1506		2374
1507	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:	2375	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1508	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers	2376	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1509	afterwards.	2377	afterwards.
1510		2378
1511	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter	2379	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1512	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>	2380	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
…		…
1515	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,	2383	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1516	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be	2384	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1517	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.	2385	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1518		2386
1519	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and	2387	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1520	their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track	2388	their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1521	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a	2389	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1522	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if	2390	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1523	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,	2391	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1524	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>	2392	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1525	watcher).	2393	watcher).
1526		2394
1527	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need	2395	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1528	to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for	2396	need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1529	them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries	2397	for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1530	provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for	2398	libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1531	any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers	2399	you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1532	and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer	2400	of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1533	callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,	2401	I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1534	because you never know, you know?).	2402	nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1535		2403
1536	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate	2404	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1537	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines	2405	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1538	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines	2406	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1539	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines	2407	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
…		…
1542	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping	2410	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1543	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).	2411	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1544		2412
1545	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)	2413	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1546	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers	2414	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
		2415	after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
		2416
1547	after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,	2417	Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1548	too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully	2418	activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1549	supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did	2419	might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1550	their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event	2420	C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1551	loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their	2421	loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1552	C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with	2422	C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1553	others).	2423	others).
1554		2424
1555	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2425	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
…		…
1560		2430
1561	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)	2431	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1562		2432
1563	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no	2433	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1564	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>	2434	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1565	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.	2435	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
		2436	pointless.
1566		2437
1567	=back	2438	=back
		2439
		2440	=head3 Examples
1568		2441
1569	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules	2442	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1570	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev	2443	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1571	(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could	2444	(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1572	use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>	2445	use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1573	embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV	2446	Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1574	into the Glib event loop).	2447	Glib event loop).
1575		2448
1576	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,	2449	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1577	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows	2450	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1578	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low	2451	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1579	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as	2452	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1580	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.	2453	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1581		2454
1582	static ev_io iow [nfd];	2455	static ev_io iow [nfd];
1583	static ev_timer tw;	2456	static ev_timer tw;
1584		2457
1585	static void	2458	static void
1586	io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)	2459	io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1587	{	2460	{
1588	}	2461	}
1589		2462
1590	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking	2463	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1591	static void	2464	static void
1592	adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)	2465	adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1593	{	2466	{
1594	int timeout = 3600000;	2467	int timeout = 3600000;
1595	struct pollfd fds [nfd];	2468	struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1596	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.	2469	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1597	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));	2470	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1598		2471
1599	/* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */	2472	/* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1600	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);	2473	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1601	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);	2474	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1602		2475
1603	// create one ev_io per pollfd	2476	// create one ev_io per pollfd
1604	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2477	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1605	{	2478	{
1606	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,	2479	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1607	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)	2480	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1608	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));	2481	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1609		2482
1610	fds [i].revents = 0;	2483	fds [i].revents = 0;
1611	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);	2484	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1612	}	2485	}
1613	}	2486	}
1614		2487
1615	// stop all watchers after blocking	2488	// stop all watchers after blocking
1616	static void	2489	static void
1617	adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)	2490	adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1618	{	2491	{
1619	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);	2492	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1620		2493
1621	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2494	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1622	{	2495	{
1623	// set the relevant poll flags	2496	// set the relevant poll flags
1624	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here	2497	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1625	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;	2498	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1626	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);	2499	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1627	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;	2500	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1628	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;	2501	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1629		2502
1630	// now stop the watcher	2503	// now stop the watcher
1631	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);	2504	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1632	}	2505	}
1633		2506
1634	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));	2507	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1635	}	2508	}
1636		2509
1637	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>	2510	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1638	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.	2511	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1639		2512
1640	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event	2513	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1641	notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher	2514	notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1642	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.	2515	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1643		2516
1644	static void	2517	static void
1645	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	2518	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646	{	2519	{
1647	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2520	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1648	update_now (EV_A);	2521	update_now (EV_A);
1649		2522
1650	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);	2523	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1651	}	2524	}
1652		2525
1653	static void	2526	static void
1654	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)	2527	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1655	{	2528	{
1656	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2529	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1657	update_now (EV_A);	2530	update_now (EV_A);
1658		2531
1659	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2532	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1660	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2533	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1661	}	2534	}
1662		2535
1663	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll	2536	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1664		2537
1665	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you	2538	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1666	want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override	2539	want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1667	their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main	2540	override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1668	loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does	2541	main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1669	this.	2542	this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
		2543	libglib event loop.
1670		2544
1671	static gint	2545	static gint
1672	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)	2546	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1673	{	2547	{
1674	int got_events = 0;	2548	int got_events = 0;
1675		2549
1676	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2550	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1677	// create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events	2551	// create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1678		2552
1679	if (timeout >= 0)	2553	if (timeout >= 0)
1680	// create/start timer	2554	// create/start timer
1681		2555
1682	// poll	2556	// poll
1683	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	2557	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1684		2558
1685	// stop timer again	2559	// stop timer again
1686	if (timeout >= 0)	2560	if (timeout >= 0)
1687	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);	2561	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1688		2562
1689	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set	2563	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1690	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2564	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1691	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);	2565	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1692		2566
1693	return got_events;	2567	return got_events;
1694	}	2568	}
1695		2569
1696		2570
1697	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...	2571	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1698		2572
1699	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop	2573	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
…		…
1705	prioritise I/O.	2579	prioritise I/O.
1706		2580
1707	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support	2581	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1708	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you	2582	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1709	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales	2583	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1710	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it	2584	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1711	into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will	2585	it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1712	be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but	2586	will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1713	at least you can use both at what they are best.	2587	C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
		2588	best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1714		2589
1715	As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have	2590	As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1716	to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even	2591	some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1717	priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case	2592	and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1718	you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in	2593	this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1719	a second one, and embed the second one in the first.	2594	the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1720		2595
1721	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time	2596	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1722	there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then	2597	time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1723	call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke	2598	must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1724	their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded	2599	sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1725	loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback	2600	C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1726	to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the	2601	to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1727	embedded loop sweep.
1728		2602
1729	As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The	2603	You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1730	callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can	2604	will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1731	set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1732	interested in that.
1733		2605
1734	Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:	2606	Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1735	when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,	2607	is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1736	but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers	2608	embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1737	yourself.	2609	C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1738		2610
1739	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by	2611	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1740	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any	2612	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1741	portable one.	2613	portable one.
1742		2614
1743	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared	2615	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1744	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around	2616	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1745	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to	2617	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1746	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything:	2618	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1747		2619
1748	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);	2620	=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
1749	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1750	struct ev_embed embed;
1751
1752	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1753	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1754	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1755	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1756	: 0;
1757		2621
1758	// if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi	2622	While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
1759	if (loop_lo)	2623	automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
1760	{	2624	fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
1761	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);	2625	however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
1762	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);	2626	as applicable.
1763	}
1764	else
1765	loop_lo = loop_hi;
1766		2627
1767	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2628	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1768		2629
1769	=over 4	2630	=over 4
1770		2631
…		…
1774		2635
1775	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be	2636	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1776	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be	2637	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1777	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback	2638	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1778	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,	2639	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1779	if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).	2640	if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1780		2641
1781	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)	2642	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1782		2643
1783	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works	2644	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1784	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most	2645	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1785	apropriate way for embedded loops.	2646	appropriate way for embedded loops.
1786		2647
1787	=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]	2648	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1788		2649
1789	The embedded event loop.	2650	The embedded event loop.
1790		2651
1791	=back	2652	=back
		2653
		2654	=head3 Examples
		2655
		2656	Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
		2657	event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
		2658	loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
		2659	C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
		2660	used).
		2661
		2662	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
		2663	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
		2664	ev_embed embed;
		2665
		2666	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works
		2667	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
		2668	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
		2669	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
		2670	: 0;
		2671
		2672	// if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
		2673	if (loop_lo)
		2674	{
		2675	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
		2676	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
		2677	}
		2678	else
		2679	loop_lo = loop_hi;
		2680
		2681	Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
		2682	a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
		2683	kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
		2684	C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
		2685
		2686	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
		2687	struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
		2688	ev_embed embed;
		2689
		2690	if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
		2691	if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
		2692	{
		2693	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
		2694	ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
		2695	}
		2696
		2697	if (!loop_socket)
		2698	loop_socket = loop;
		2699
		2700	// now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1792		2701
1793		2702
1794	=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork	2703	=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1795		2704
1796	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because	2705	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
…		…
1799	event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,	2708	event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1800	and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling	2709	and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1801	C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork	2710	C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1802	handlers will be invoked, too, of course.	2711	handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1803		2712
		2713	=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
		2714
		2715	Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
		2716	up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
		2717	sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
		2718
		2719	This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
		2720	in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
		2721	fork.
		2722
		2723	The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
		2724	forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
		2725	when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
		2726
		2727	When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
		2728	wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
		2729	supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
		2730	process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
		2731
		2732	The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
		2733	simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
		2734	use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
		2735	memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
		2736	disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
		2737	signal watchers).
		2738
		2739	When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
		2740	other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
		2741	C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
		2742	the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
		2743	have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
		2744	also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
		2745
1804	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2746	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1805		2747
1806	=over 4	2748	=over 4
1807		2749
1808	=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)	2750	=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
…		…
1812	believe me.	2754	believe me.
1813		2755
1814	=back	2756	=back
1815		2757
1816		2758
		2759	=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
		2760
		2761	In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
		2762	asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
		2763	loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
		2764
		2765	Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
		2766	control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
		2767	C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
		2768	can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
		2769	safe.
		2770
		2771	This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
		2772	too, 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
		2774	C<ev_async_sent> calls).
		2775
		2776	Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
		2777	just the default loop.
		2778
		2779	=head3 Queueing
		2780
		2781	C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
		2782	is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
		2783	multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
		2784	need elaborate support such as pthreads.
		2785
		2786	That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
		2787	queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
		2788	queue:
		2789
		2790	=over 4
		2791
		2792	=item queueing from a signal handler context
		2793
		2794	To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
		2795	handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
		2796	an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
		2797
		2798	static ev_async mysig;
		2799
		2800	static void
		2801	sigusr1_handler (void)
		2802	{
		2803	sometype data;
		2804
		2805	// no locking etc.
		2806	queue_put (data);
		2807	ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
		2808	}
		2809
		2810	static void
		2811	mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
		2812	{
		2813	sometype data;
		2814	sigset_t block, prev;
		2815
		2816	sigemptyset (&block);
		2817	sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
		2818	sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
		2819
		2820	while (queue_get (&data))
		2821	process (data);
		2822
		2823	if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
		2824	sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
		2825	}
		2826
		2827	(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
		2828	instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
		2829	either...).
		2830
		2831	=item queueing from a thread context
		2832
		2833	The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
		2834	threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
		2835	employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
		2836
		2837	static ev_async mysig;
		2838	static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
		2839
		2840	static void
		2841	otherthread (void)
		2842	{
		2843	// only need to lock the actual queueing operation
		2844	pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
		2845	queue_put (data);
		2846	pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
		2847
		2848	ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
		2849	}
		2850
		2851	static void
		2852	mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
		2853	{
		2854	pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
		2855
		2856	while (queue_get (&data))
		2857	process (data);
		2858
		2859	pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
		2860	}
		2861
		2862	=back
		2863
		2864
		2865	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
		2866
		2867	=over 4
		2868
		2869	=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
		2870
		2871	Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
		2872	kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
		2873	trust me.
		2874
		2875	=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
		2876
		2877	Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
		2878	an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
		2879	C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
		2880	similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
		2881	section below on what exactly this means).
		2882
		2883	Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
		2884	compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
		2885	is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
		2886	reset when the event loop detects that).
		2887
		2888	This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
		2889	iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
		2890	repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
		2891
		2892	=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
		2893
		2894	Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
		2895	watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
		2896	event loop.
		2897
		2898	C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
		2899	the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
		2900	it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
		2901	quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
		2902
		2903	Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
		2904	only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
		2905	is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
		2906	notification, and the callback being invoked.
		2907
		2908	=back
		2909
		2910
1817	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS	2911	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1818		2912
1819	There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.	2913	There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1820		2914
1821	=over 4	2915	=over 4
1822		2916
1823	=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)	2917	=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
1824		2918
1825	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your	2919	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
1826	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both	2920	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
1827	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd	2921	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
1828	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or	2922	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1829	more watchers yourself.	2923	more watchers yourself.
1830		2924
1831	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events	2925	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
1832	is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and	2926	C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
1833	C<events> set will be craeted and started.	2927	the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
1834		2928
1835	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be	2929	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1836	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and	2930	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1837	repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of	2931	repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
1838	dubious value.
1839		2932
1840	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets	2933	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
1841	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of	2934	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
1842	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>	2935	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1843	value passed to C<ev_once>:	2936	value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
		2937	a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
		2938	events precedence.
1844		2939
		2940	Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
		2941
1845	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)	2942	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
1846	{	2943	{
1847	if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
1848	/* doh, nothing entered */;
1849	else if (revents & EV_READ)	2944	if (revents & EV_READ)
1850	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;	2945	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
		2946	else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
		2947	/* doh, nothing entered */;
1851	}	2948	}
1852		2949
1853	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);	2950	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1854		2951
1855	=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)	2952	=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1856		2953
1857	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event	2954	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1858	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an	2955	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1859	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).	2956	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
1860		2957
1861	=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)	2958	=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
1862		2959
1863	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected	2960	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1864	the given events it.	2961	the given events it.
1865		2962
1866	=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)	2963	=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1867		2964
1868	Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default	2965	Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1869	loop!).	2966	loop!).
1870		2967
1871	=back	2968	=back
1872		2969
1873		2970
…		…
1889		2986
1890	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities	2987	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1891	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there	2988	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1892	is an ev_pri field.	2989	is an ev_pri field.
1893		2990
		2991	=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
		2992	first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
		2993
1894	=item * Other members are not supported.	2994	=item * Other members are not supported.
1895		2995
1896	=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need	2996	=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1897	to use the libev header file and library.	2997	to use the libev header file and library.
1898		2998
1899	=back	2999	=back
1900		3000
1901	=head1 C++ SUPPORT	3001	=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1902		3002
1903	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow	3003	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1904	you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change	3004	you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1905	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.	3005	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1906		3006
1907	To use it,	3007	To use it,
1908		3008
1909	#include <ev++.h>	3009	#include <ev++.h>
1910		3010
1911	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many	3011	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1912	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are	3012	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1913	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding	3013	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1914	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.	3014	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
…		…
1981	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the	3081	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1982	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.	3082	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1983		3083
1984	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation	3084	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1985		3085
1986	struct myclass	3086	struct myclass
1987	{	3087	{
1988	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	3088	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1989	}	3089	}
1990		3090
1991	myclass obj;	3091	myclass obj;
1992	ev::io iow;	3092	ev::io iow;
1993	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);	3093	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
		3094
		3095	=item w->set (object *)
		3096
		3097	This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
		3098
		3099	This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
		3100	will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
		3101	functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
		3102	the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
		3103	list.
		3104
		3105	The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
		3106	int revents)>.
		3107
		3108	See the method-C<set> above for more details.
		3109
		3110	Example: use a functor object as callback.
		3111
		3112	struct myfunctor
		3113	{
		3114	void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
		3115	{
		3116	...
		3117	}
		3118	}
		3119
		3120	myfunctor f;
		3121
		3122	ev::io w;
		3123	w.set (&f);
1994		3124
1995	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)	3125	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1996		3126
1997	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as	3127	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1998	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's	3128	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
…		…
2000		3130
2001	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.	3131	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2002		3132
2003	See the method-C<set> above for more details.	3133	See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2004		3134
2005	Example:	3135	Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2006		3136
2007	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	3137	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2008	iow.set <io_cb> ();	3138	iow.set <io_cb> ();
2009		3139
2010	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)	3140	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2011		3141
2012	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only	3142	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2013	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).	3143	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2014		3144
2015	=item w->set ([args])	3145	=item w->set ([arguments])
2016		3146
2017	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be	3147	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2018	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets	3148	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2019	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this	3149	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2020	method.	3150	method.
2021		3151
2022	=item w->start ()	3152	=item w->start ()
…		…
2046	=back	3176	=back
2047		3177
2048	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in	3178	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2049	the constructor.	3179	the constructor.
2050		3180
2051	class myclass	3181	class myclass
2052	{	3182	{
2053	ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);	3183	ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2054	ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);	3184	ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2055		3185
2056	myclass ();	3186	myclass (int fd)
2057	}	3187	{
2058
2059	myclass::myclass (int fd)
2060	{
2061	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);	3188	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2062	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);	3189	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2063		3190
2064	io.start (fd, ev::READ);	3191	io.start (fd, ev::READ);
		3192	}
2065	}	3193	};
		3194
		3195
		3196	=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
		3197
		3198	Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
		3199	number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
		3200	any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
		3201	me a note.
		3202
		3203	=over 4
		3204
		3205	=item Perl
		3206
		3207	The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
		3208	libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
		3209	there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
		3210	to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
		3211	C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
		3212	and C<EV::Glib>).
		3213
		3214	It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
		3215	L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
		3216
		3217	=item Python
		3218
		3219	Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
		3220	seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
		3221
		3222	=item Ruby
		3223
		3224	Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
		3225	of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
		3226	more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
		3227	L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
		3228
		3229	Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
		3230	makes rev work even on mingw.
		3231
		3232	=item Haskell
		3233
		3234	A haskell binding to libev is available at
		3235	L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
		3236
		3237	=item D
		3238
		3239	Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
		3240	be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
		3241
		3242	=item Ocaml
		3243
		3244	Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
		3245	L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
		3246
		3247	=back
2066		3248
2067		3249
2068	=head1 MACRO MAGIC	3250	=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2069		3251
2070	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal	3252	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2071	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)	3253	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2072	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.	3254	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2073		3255
2074	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the	3256	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2075	following macros are defined:	3257	following macros are defined:
…		…
2080		3262
2081	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev	3263	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2082	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,	3264	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2083	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:	3265	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2084		3266
2085	ev_unref (EV_A);	3267	ev_unref (EV_A);
2086	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);	3268	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2087	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	3269	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2088		3270
2089	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,	3271	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2090	which is often provided by the following macro.	3272	which is often provided by the following macro.
2091		3273
2092	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>	3274	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2093		3275
2094	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev	3276	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2095	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,	3277	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2096	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:	3278	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2097		3279
2098	// this is how ev_unref is being declared	3280	// this is how ev_unref is being declared
2099	static void ev_unref (EV_P);	3281	static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2100		3282
2101	// this is how you can declare your typical callback	3283	// this is how you can declare your typical callback
2102	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3284	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2103		3285
2104	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite	3286	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2105	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.	3287	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2106		3288
2107	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>	3289	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2108		3290
2109	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default	3291	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2110	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").	3292	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
		3293
		3294	=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
		3295
		3296	Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
		3297	default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
		3298	is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
		3299	execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
		3300
		3301	It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
		3302	watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2111		3303
2112	=back	3304	=back
2113		3305
2114	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above	3306	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2115	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported	3307	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2116	or not.	3308	or not.
2117		3309
2118	static void	3310	static void
2119	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3311	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2120	{	3312	{
2121	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);	3313	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2122	}	3314	}
2123		3315
2124	ev_check check;	3316	ev_check check;
2125	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);	3317	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2126	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);	3318	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2127	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);	3319	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2128		3320
2129	=head1 EMBEDDING	3321	=head1 EMBEDDING
2130		3322
2131	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host	3323	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2132	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra	3324	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2133	Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)	3325	Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2134	and rxvt-unicode.	3326	and rxvt-unicode.
2135		3327
2136	The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your	3328	The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
2137	source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so	3329	source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2138	you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of	3330	you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2139	libev somewhere in your source tree).	3331	libev somewhere in your source tree).
2140		3332
2141	=head2 FILESETS	3333	=head2 FILESETS
2142		3334
2143	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files	3335	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2144	in your app.	3336	in your application.
2145		3337
2146	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP	3338	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2147		3339
2148	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual	3340	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2149	configuration (no autoconf):	3341	configuration (no autoconf):
2150		3342
2151	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3343	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2152	#include "ev.c"	3344	#include "ev.c"
2153		3345
2154	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a	3346	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2155	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use	3347	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2156	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best	3348	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2157	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and	3349	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2158	where you can put other configuration options):	3350	where you can put other configuration options):
2159		3351
2160	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3352	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2161	#include "ev.h"	3353	#include "ev.h"
2162		3354
2163	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++	3355	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2164	compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated	3356	compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2165	as a bug).	3357	as a bug).
2166		3358
2167	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory	3359	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2168	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):	3360	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2169		3361
2170	ev.h	3362	ev.h
2171	ev.c	3363	ev.c
2172	ev_vars.h	3364	ev_vars.h
2173	ev_wrap.h	3365	ev_wrap.h
2174		3366
2175	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only	3367	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2176		3368
2177	ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)	3369	ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2178	ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3370	ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2179	ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3371	ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2180	ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3372	ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2181	ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3373	ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2182		3374
2183	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need	3375	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2184	to compile this single file.	3376	to compile this single file.
2185		3377
2186	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API	3378	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2187		3379
2188	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:	3380	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2189		3381
2190	#include "event.c"	3382	#include "event.c"
2191		3383
2192	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:	3384	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2193		3385
2194	#include "event.h"	3386	#include "event.h"
2195		3387
2196	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.	3388	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2197		3389
2198	You need the following additional files for this:	3390	You need the following additional files for this:
2199		3391
2200	event.h	3392	event.h
2201	event.c	3393	event.c
2202		3394
2203	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT	3395	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2204		3396
2205	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in	3397	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2206	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your	3398	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2207	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then	3399	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2208	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.	3400	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2209		3401
2210	For this of course you need the m4 file:	3402	For this of course you need the m4 file:
2211		3403
2212	libev.m4	3404	libev.m4
2213		3405
2214	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS	3406	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2215		3407
2216	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define	3408	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2217	before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity	3409	define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2218	and only include the select backend.	3410	autoconf is documented for every option.
2219		3411
2220	=over 4	3412	=over 4
2221		3413
2222	=item EV_STANDALONE	3414	=item EV_STANDALONE
2223		3415
…		…
2225	keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy	3417	keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2226	implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not	3418	implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2227	supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in	3419	supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2228	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.	3420	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2229		3421
		3422	In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
		3423	configuration, but has to be more conservative.
		3424
2230	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC	3425	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2231		3426
2232	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3427	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2233	monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use	3428	monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2234	of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you	3429	use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2235	usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when	3430	you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2236	the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have	3431	when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2237	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>	3432	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2238	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).	3433	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2239		3434
2240	=item EV_USE_REALTIME	3435	=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2241		3436
2242	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3437	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2243	realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at	3438	real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2244	runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will	3439	at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2245	be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get	3440	option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2246	(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries	3441	by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2247	in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.	3442	correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
		3443	C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
		3444	C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
		3445
		3446	=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
		3447
		3448	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
		3449	of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
		3450	exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
		3451	unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
		3452	programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
		3453	theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
		3454	the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
		3455	higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
		3456
		3457	=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
		3458
		3459	If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
		3460	and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
		3461
		3462	=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
		3463
		3464	If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
		3465	available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
		3466	C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
		3467	If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
		3468	2.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2248		3469
2249	=item EV_USE_SELECT	3470	=item EV_USE_SELECT
2250		3471
2251	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the	3472	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2252	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no	3473	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2253	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend	3474	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2254	will not be compiled in.	3475	will not be compiled in.
2255		3476
2256	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET	3477	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2257		3478
2258	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>	3479	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2259	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing	3480	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2260	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on	3481	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2261	exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some	3482	on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2262	low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only	3483	some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2263	allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might	3484	only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2264	influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.	3485	configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2265		3486
2266	=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET	3487	=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2267		3488
2268	When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that	3489	When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2269	select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but	3490	select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
…		…
2271	be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call	3492	be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2272	C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,	3493	C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2273	it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even	3494	it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2274	on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.	3495	on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2275		3496
		3497	=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
		3498
		3499	If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
		3500	file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
		3501	default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
		3502	correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
		3503	in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
		3504
2276	=item EV_USE_POLL	3505	=item EV_USE_POLL
2277		3506
2278	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)	3507	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2279	backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It	3508	backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2280	takes precedence over select.	3509	takes precedence over select.
2281		3510
2282	=item EV_USE_EPOLL	3511	=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2283		3512
2284	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux	3513	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2285	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,	3514	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2286	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the	3515	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2287	preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.	3516	backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
		3517	headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2288		3518
2289	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE	3519	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2290		3520
2291	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style	3521	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2292	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,	3522	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
…		…
2305	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred	3535	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2306	backend for Solaris 10 systems.	3536	backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2307		3537
2308	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL	3538	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2309		3539
2310	reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.	3540	Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2311		3541
2312	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY	3542	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2313		3543
2314	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify	3544	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2315	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will	3545	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2316	be detected at runtime.	3546	be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
		3547	indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
		3548
		3549	=item EV_ATOMIC_T
		3550
		3551	Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
		3552	access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
		3553	type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
		3554	that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
		3555	as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
		3556
		3557	In 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.
2317		3559
2318	=item EV_H	3560	=item EV_H
2319		3561
2320	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if	3562	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2321	undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This	3563	undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2322	can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.	3564	used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2323		3565
2324	=item EV_CONFIG_H	3566	=item EV_CONFIG_H
2325		3567
2326	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override	3568	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2327	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to	3569	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2328	C<EV_H>, above.	3570	C<EV_H>, above.
2329		3571
2330	=item EV_EVENT_H	3572	=item EV_EVENT_H
2331		3573
2332	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea	3574	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2333	of how the F<event.h> header can be found.	3575	of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2334		3576
2335	=item EV_PROTOTYPES	3577	=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2336		3578
2337	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function	3579	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2338	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is	3580	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
…		…
2359	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search	3601	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2360	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space	3602	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2361	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually	3603	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2362	fine.	3604	fine.
2363		3605
2364	If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to	3606	If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2365	C<0> will save some memory and cpu.	3607	both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2366		3608
2367	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE	3609	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2368		3610
2369	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If	3611	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2370	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of	3612	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
…		…
2377	code.	3619	code.
2378		3620
2379	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE	3621	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2380		3622
2381	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If	3623	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2382	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3624	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
		3625	watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2383		3626
2384	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE	3627	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2385		3628
2386	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If	3629	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2387	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3630	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
…		…
2389	=item EV_FORK_ENABLE	3632	=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2390		3633
2391	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If	3634	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2392	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3635	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2393		3636
		3637	=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
		3638
		3639	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
		3640	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
		3641
2394	=item EV_MINIMAL	3642	=item EV_MINIMAL
2395		3643
2396	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some	3644	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2397	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override	3645	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2398	some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.	3646	inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
		3647	much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2399		3648
2400	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE	3649	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2401		3650
2402	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by	3651	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2403	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more	3652	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2404	than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to	3653	than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2405	increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).	3654	increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2406		3655
2407	=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE	3656	=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2408		3657
2409	C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by	3658	C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2410	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),	3659	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2411	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>	3660	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2412	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of	3661	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2413	two).	3662	two).
2414		3663
		3664	=item EV_USE_4HEAP
		3665
		3666	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3667	timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
		3668	to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
		3669	faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
		3670
		3671	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
		3672	(disabled).
		3673
		3674	=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
		3675
		3676	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3677	timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
		3678	the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
		3679	which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
		3680	but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
		3681	noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
		3682
		3683	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
		3684	(disabled).
		3685
		3686	=item EV_VERIFY
		3687
		3688	Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
		3689	be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
		3690	in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
		3691	called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
		3692	called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
		3693	verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
		3694	libev considerably.
		3695
		3696	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
		3697	C<0>.
		3698
2415	=item EV_COMMON	3699	=item EV_COMMON
2416		3700
2417	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining	3701	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2418	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of	3702	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2419	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,	3703	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2420	though, and it must be identical each time.	3704	though, and it must be identical each time.
2421		3705
2422	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:	3706	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2423		3707
2424	#define EV_COMMON \	3708	#define EV_COMMON \
2425	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \	3709	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2426	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */	3710	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2427		3711
2428	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)	3712	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2429		3713
2430	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)	3714	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2431		3715
2432	=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)	3716	=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2433		3717
2434	Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,	3718	Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2435	and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member	3719	and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2436	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for	3720	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2437	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to	3721	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2438	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use	3722	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2439	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.	3723	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
		3724
		3725	=back
		3726
		3727	=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
		3728
		3729	If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
		3730	exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
		3731	all public symbols, one per line:
		3732
		3733	Symbols.ev for libev proper
		3734	Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
		3735
		3736	This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
		3737	multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
		3738	itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
		3739
		3740	A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
		3741	include before including F<ev.h>:
		3742
		3743	<Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
		3744
		3745	This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
		3746
		3747	#define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
		3748	#define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
		3749	#define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
		3750	...
2440		3751
2441	=head2 EXAMPLES	3752	=head2 EXAMPLES
2442		3753
2443	For a real-world example of a program the includes libev	3754	For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2444	verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module	3755	verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
…		…
2449	file.	3760	file.
2450		3761
2451	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file	3762	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2452	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:	3763	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2453		3764
2454	#define EV_MINIMAL 1	3765	#define EV_MINIMAL 1
2455	#define EV_USE_POLL 0	3766	#define EV_USE_POLL 0
2456	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0	3767	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2457	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0	3768	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2458	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0	3769	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2459	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0	3770	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2460	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>	3771	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2461	#define EV_MINPRI 0	3772	#define EV_MINPRI 0
2462	#define EV_MAXPRI 0	3773	#define EV_MAXPRI 0
2463		3774
2464	#include "ev++.h"	3775	#include "ev++.h"
2465		3776
2466	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:	3777	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2467		3778
2468	#include "ev_cpp.h"	3779	#include "ev_cpp.h"
2469	#include "ev.c"	3780	#include "ev.c"
2470		3781
		3782	=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2471		3783
		3784	=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
		3785
		3786	=head3 THREADS
		3787
		3788	All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
		3789	documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
		3790	that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
		3791	are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
		3792	parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
		3793	of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
		3794	structures that need any locking.
		3795
		3796	Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
		3797	concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
		3798	must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
		3799	only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
		3800	a mutex per loop).
		3801
		3802	Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
		3803	so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
		3804	concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
		3805	outside".
		3806
		3807	If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
		3808	without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
		3809	help you, but here is some generic advice:
		3810
		3811	=over 4
		3812
		3813	=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
		3814	in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
		3815
		3816	This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
		3817	themselves and don't care/know about threading.
		3818
		3819	=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
		3820
		3821	Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
		3822	exists, but it is always a good start.
		3823
		3824	=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
		3825	loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
		3826
		3827	Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
		3828	better than you currently do :-)
		3829
		3830	=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
		3831	event loop.
		3832
		3833	C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
		3834	(or from signal contexts...).
		3835
		3836	An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
		3837	work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
		3838	default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
		3839	watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
		3840
		3841	=back
		3842
		3843	=head3 COROUTINES
		3844
		3845	Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
		3846	libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
		3847	coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
		3848	different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
		3849	loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
		3850	you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
		3851
		3852	Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
		3853	C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
		3854	they do not call any callbacks.
		3855
		3856	=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
		3857
		3858	Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
		3859	lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
		3860	scared by this.
		3861
		3862	However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
		3863	has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
		3864	warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
		3865	targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
		3866
		3867	Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
		3868	workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
		3869	maintainable.
		3870
		3871	And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
		3872	wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
		3873	seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
		3874	warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
		3875	been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
		3876	such buggy versions.
		3877
		3878	While 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
		3880	with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
		3881	them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
		3882	warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
		3883
		3884
		3885	=head2 VALGRIND
		3886
		3887	Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
		3888	highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
		3889
		3890	If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
		3891	in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
		3892
		3893	==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
		3894	==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
		3895	==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
		3896
		3897	Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
		3898	is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
		3899
		3900	Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
		3901	as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
		3902	although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
		3903	confused.
		3904
		3905	Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
		3906	make it into some kind of religion.
		3907
		3908	If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
		3909	with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
		3910	is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
		3911	annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
		3912	of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
		3913
		3914	If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
		3915	I suggest using suppression lists.
		3916
		3917
		3918	=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
		3919
		3920	=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
		3921
		3922	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
		3923	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
		3924	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
		3925	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
		3926	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
		3927	e.g. cygwin.
		3928
		3929	Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
		3930	re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
		3931	things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
		3932	way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
		3933
		3934	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
		3935	embedding it into other applications.
		3936
		3937	Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
		3938	accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
		3939	either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
		3940	so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
		3941	megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
		3942	available).
		3943
		3944	Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
		3945	the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
		3946	is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
		3947	more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
		3948	different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
		3949	notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
		3950	(Microsoft monopoly games).
		3951
		3952	A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
		3953	section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
		3954	of F<ev.h>:
		3955
		3956	#define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
		3957	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
		3958
		3959	#include "ev.h"
		3960
		3961	And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
		3962	you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
		3963
		3964	#include "evwrap.h"
		3965	#include "ev.c"
		3966
		3967	=over 4
		3968
		3969	=item The winsocket select function
		3970
		3971	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
		3972	requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
		3973	also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
		3974	requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
		3975	C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
		3976	discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
		3977	C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
		3978
		3979	The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
		3980	libraries and raw winsocket select is:
		3981
		3982	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1
		3983	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
		3984
		3985	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
		3986	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
		3987
		3988	=item Limited number of file descriptors
		3989
		3990	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
		3991
		3992	Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
		3993	of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
		3994	can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
		3995	recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
		3996	previous thread in each. Great).
		3997
		3998	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
		3999	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
		4000	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
		4001	select emulation on windows).
		4002
		4003	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
		4004	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
		4005	or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
		4006	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
		4007	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
		4008	libraries.
		4009
		4010	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
		4011	windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
		4012	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
		4013	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
		4014
		4015	=back
		4016
		4017	=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
		4018
		4019	In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
		4020	backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
		4021
		4022	=over 4
		4023
		4024	=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
		4025	calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
		4026
		4027	Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
		4028	structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
		4029	assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
		4030	callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
		4031	calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
		4032
		4033	=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
		4034
		4035	The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
		4036	C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
		4037	threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
		4038	believed to be sufficiently portable.
		4039
		4040	=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
		4041
		4042	Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
		4043	allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
		4044	pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
		4045	thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
		4046	be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
		4047	C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
		4048
		4049	The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
		4050	except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
		4051	well.
		4052
		4053	=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
		4054
		4055	To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
		4056	instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
		4057	systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
		4058	least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
		4059	watchers.
		4060
		4061	=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
		4062
		4063	The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
		4064	have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
		4065	enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
		4066	implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
		4067
		4068	=back
		4069
		4070	If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
		4071
		4072
2472	=head1 COMPLEXITIES	4073	=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
2473		4074
2474	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside	4075	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2475	libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the	4076	libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
2476	documentation for C<ev_default_init>.	4077	the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2477		4078
2478	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be	4079	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2479	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this	4080	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2480	happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might	4081	happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2481	mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average	4082	mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
2482	it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.	4083	average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2483		4084
2484	=over 4	4085	=over 4
2485		4086
2486	=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)	4087	=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2487		4088
2488	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and	4089	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2489	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will	4090	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
2490	have to skip those 100 watchers.	4091	have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2491		4092
2492	=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)	4093	=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2493		4094
2494	That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them	4095	That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
2495	as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.	4096	as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2496		4097
2497	=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)	4098	=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2498		4099
2499	These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.	4100	These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
		4101
2500	=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)	4102	=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2501		4103
2502	=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))	4104	=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2503		4105
2504	These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the	4106	These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
2505	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually	4107	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2506	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).	4108	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
		4109	is rare).
2507		4110
2508	=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)	4111	=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
		4112
		4113	By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
		4114	fixed position in the storage array.
2509		4115
2510	=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)	4116	=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2511		4117
2512	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires	4118	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2513	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).	4119	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
		4120	on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2514		4121
2515	=item Activating one watcher: O(1)	4122	=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2516		4123
2517	=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)	4124	=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2518		4125
2519	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each	4126	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2520	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to	4127	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2521	linearly search all the priorities.	4128	linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
		4129	watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
		4130
		4131	=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
		4132
		4133	=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
		4134
		4135	=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
		4136
		4137	Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
		4138	calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
		4139	involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2522		4140
2523	=back	4141	=back
2524		4142
2525		4143
		4144	=head1 GLOSSARY
		4145
		4146	=over 4
		4147
		4148	=item active
		4149
		4150	A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
		4151	an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
		4152
		4153	=item application
		4154
		4155	In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
		4156
		4157	=item callback
		4158
		4159	The address of a function that is called when some event has been
		4160	detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
		4161	received the event, and the actual event bitset.
		4162
		4163	=item callback invocation
		4164
		4165	The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
		4166
		4167	=item event
		4168
		4169	A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
		4170	for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
		4171	any other events happening anymore.
		4172
		4173	In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
		4174	C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
		4175
		4176	=item event library
		4177
		4178	A software package implementing an event model and loop.
		4179
		4180	=item event loop
		4181
		4182	An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
		4183	into callback invocations.
		4184
		4185	=item event model
		4186
		4187	The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
		4188	watchers and events.
		4189
		4190	=item pending
		4191
		4192	A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
		4193	and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
		4194	pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
		4195
		4196	A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
		4197	its pending status.
		4198
		4199	=item real time
		4200
		4201	The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
		4202
		4203	=item wall-clock time
		4204
		4205	The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
		4206	be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
		4207	clock.
		4208
		4209	=item watcher
		4210
		4211	A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
		4212	to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
		4213
		4214	=item watcher invocation
		4215
		4216	The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
		4217
		4218	=back
		4219
2526	=head1 AUTHOR	4220	=head1 AUTHOR
2527		4221
2528	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.	4222	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
2529		4223

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