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Revision 1.245 by root, Tue Jun 30 06:24:38 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.260 by root, Sun Jul 19 21:18:03 2009 UTC

362flag. 362flag.
363 363
364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365environment variable. 365environment variable.
366 366
367=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
368
369When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
370I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
371testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
372otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
373
374=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGNALFD>
375
376When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
377I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This is
378probably only useful to work around any bugs in libev. Consequently, this
379flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable,
380so it's useful mostly in environment variables and not in program code.
381
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 382=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 383
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 384This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 385libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 386but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
518 533
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 534It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520 535
521=back 536=back
522 537
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 538If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 539then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 540here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
541()> will be tried.
526 542
527Example: This is the most typical usage. 543Example: This is the most typical usage.
528 544
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 545 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 546 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
620happily wraps around with enough iterations. 636happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621 637
622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 638This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 639"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 640C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
641
642=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop)
643
644Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of
645times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
646
647Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
648C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
649in which case it is higher.
650
651Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
652etc.), doesn't count as exit.
625 653
626=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 654=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
627 655
628Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 656Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
629use. 657use.
844more often than 100 times per second: 872more often than 100 times per second:
845 873
846 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1); 874 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
847 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 875 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
848 876
877=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
878
879This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
880pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required,
881but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy.
882
883=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
884
885Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
886are pending.
887
888=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
889
890This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
891invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call
892this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
893invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
894
895If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
896callback.
897
898=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
899
900Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
901can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
902each call to a libev function.
903
904However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to
905wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via
906C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release>
907and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
908
909When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
910suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
911afterwards.
912
913Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
914C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
915
916While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
917C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
918modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
919have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
920waited. USe an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it
921to take note of any changes you made.
922
923In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between
924invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
925
926See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
927document.
928
929=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
930
931=item ev_userdata (loop)
932
933Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
934C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
935C<0.>
936
937These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
938and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
939C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
940any other purpose as well.
941
849=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 942=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
850 943
851This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 944This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
852compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 945compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
853through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 946through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
1480 1573
1481The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1574The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1482passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1575passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1483might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1576might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1484same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1577same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1485before ones with later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a 1578before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1486callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1579no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1487 1580
1488=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1581=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1489 1582
1490Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1583Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1491recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1584recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1678 1771
1679If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1772If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1680update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1773update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1681()>. 1774()>.
1682 1775
1776=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1777
1778When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1779can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1780
1781Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1782all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1783to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1784system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1785was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1786towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1787clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1788long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1789be adjusted accordingly.
1790
1791I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1792operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1793
1794The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1795time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1796is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1797then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1798will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1799use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1800
1801It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1802and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1803deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1804C<SIGSTOP>).
1805
1683=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1806=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1684 1807
1685=over 4 1808=over 4
1686 1809
1687=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1810=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1712If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1835If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1713C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1836C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1714 1837
1715This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 1838This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1716usage example. 1839usage example.
1840
1841=item ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1842
1843Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1844then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1845the timeout value currently configured.
1846
1847That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1848C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remain>
1849will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1850roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1851too), and so on.
1717 1852
1718=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1853=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1719 1854
1720The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1855The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1721or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1856or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1957Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2092Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1958signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2093signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1959will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2094will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1960normal event processing, like any other event. 2095normal event processing, like any other event.
1961 2096
1962If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2097If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1963do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2098C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1964C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2099the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2100synchronously wake up an event loop.
1965 2101
1966You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2102You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2103only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2104default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2105C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2106the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2107
1967first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2108When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1968with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2109with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1969you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2110you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1970the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the 2111
1971signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 2112Both the signal mask state (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal handler state
2113(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2114sotpping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2115and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
1972 2116
1973If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2117If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1974C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2118C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1975interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2119not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1976signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2120interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1977them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2121and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1978 2122
1979=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2123=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1980 2124
1981=over 4 2125=over 4
1982 2126
2020in the next callback invocation is not. 2164in the next callback invocation is not.
2021 2165
2022Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2166Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2023you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2167you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2024 2168
2169Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2170handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2171libev)
2172
2025=head3 Process Interaction 2173=head3 Process Interaction
2026 2174
2027Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2175Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2028initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2176initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2029the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2177first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2030of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2178of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2031synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2179synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2032children, even ones not watched. 2180children, even ones not watched.
2033 2181
2034=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2182=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2044=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2192=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2045 2193
2046Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2194Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2047child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2195child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2048callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2196callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2049when a child exit is detected. 2197when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2198problem).
2050 2199
2051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2200=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2052 2201
2053=over 4 2202=over 4
2054 2203
3655defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3804defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3656 3805
3657=item EV_MINIMAL 3806=item EV_MINIMAL
3658 3807
3659If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3808If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3660speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 3809speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this
3661inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 3810is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size
3662much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3811on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over
3812the default 4-heap.
3813
3814You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need
3815and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert>
3816(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot.
3817
3818Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to
3819provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts
3820of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes
3821over time.
3822
3823=item EV_NSIG
3824
3825The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3826signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3827automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3828specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3829good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev
3830statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3663 3831
3664=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3832=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3665 3833
3666C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3834C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3667pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3835pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
3853default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4021default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3854watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4022watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3855 4023
3856=back 4024=back
3857 4025
4026=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4027
4028Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4029thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4030created/added/removed.
4031
4032For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4033which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4034languages).
4035
4036The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4037variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4038event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4039
4040First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4041
4042 typedef struct {
4043 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4044 ev_async async_w;
4045 thread_t tid;
4046 cond_t invoke_cv;
4047 } userdata;
4048
4049 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4050 {
4051 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4052 static userdata u;
4053
4054 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4055 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4056
4057 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4058 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4059
4060 // now associate this with the loop
4061 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4062 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4063 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4064
4065 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4066 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4067 }
4068
4069The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4070solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4071that might have been added:
4072
4073 static void
4074 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4075 {
4076 // just used for the side effects
4077 }
4078
4079The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4080protecting the loop data, respectively.
4081
4082 static void
4083 l_release (EV_P)
4084 {
4085 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4086 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4087 }
4088
4089 static void
4090 l_acquire (EV_P)
4091 {
4092 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4093 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4094 }
4095
4096The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4097into C<ev_loop>:
4098
4099 void *
4100 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4101 {
4102 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4103
4104 l_acquire (EV_A);
4105 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4106 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4107 l_release (EV_A);
4108
4109 return 0;
4110 }
4111
4112Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4113signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4114writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4115have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4116and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4117watchers is very beneficial):
4118
4119 static void
4120 l_invoke (EV_P)
4121 {
4122 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4123
4124 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4125 {
4126 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4127 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4128 }
4129 }
4130
4131Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4132will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4133thread to continue:
4134
4135 static void
4136 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4137 {
4138 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4139
4140 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4141 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4142 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4143 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4144 }
4145
4146Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4147event loop, you will now have to lock:
4148
4149 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4150 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4151
4152 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4153
4154 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4155 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4156 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4157 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4158
4159Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4160an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4161about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4162watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4163
3858=head3 COROUTINES 4164=head3 COROUTINES
3859 4165
3860Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4166Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3861libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4167libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3862coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4168coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3863different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4169different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3864loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4170the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3865you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4171that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3866 4172
3867Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4173Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3868C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4174C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3869they do not call any callbacks. 4175they do not call any callbacks.
3870 4176
4077=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4383=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4078 4384
4079The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4385The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4080have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4386have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
4081enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4387enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
4082implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4388implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing
4389ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least
43902200.
4083 4391
4084=back 4392=back
4085 4393
4086If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4394If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4087 4395

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