ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.118 by root, Thu Jan 10 06:00:55 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.246 by root, Thu Jul 2 12:08:55 2009 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
17 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 20
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 23 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 25 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 26 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 33 }
24 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 36 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 38 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 39 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 42 }
31 43
32 int 44 int
33 main (void) 45 main (void)
34 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 49
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 54
55 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 59
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 60 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 64 return 0;
49 } 65 }
50 66
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
52 68
69This document documents the libev software package.
70
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
56 84
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 88
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 113for example).
86 114
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 115=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 116
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 119more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument.
95 124
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 126
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 134throughout libev.
135
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs).
140
141When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
142a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
143set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
144abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
145()>.
146
147When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
148it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
149so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
150the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
151
152Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
153extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
154circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
155
106 156
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 157=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 158
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 159These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 160library in any way.
119 169
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 171
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 174this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 175
126=item int ev_version_major () 176=item int ev_version_major ()
127 177
128=item int ev_version_minor () 178=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 179
142not a problem. 192not a problem.
143 193
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 195version.
146 196
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 197 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 200
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 201=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 202
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 203Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 204value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 206a description of the set values.
157 207
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 208Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 209a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 210
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 213
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 215
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 222
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 224
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 229recommended ones.
180 230
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 232
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 234
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 236semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 237used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 238when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 239or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 240
241Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
242correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
243C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 244
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 245You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 246free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 247or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 248
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 249Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 250retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 251
199 static void * 252 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 253 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 254 {
202 for (;;) 255 for (;;)
211 } 264 }
212 265
213 ... 266 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 268
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 270
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 271Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 274callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 275matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 276requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 277(such as abort).
225 278
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 279Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 290
238=back 291=back
239 292
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 294
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 297I<function>).
245 298
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 301not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 302
253=over 4 303=over 4
254 304
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 306
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 311
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 313function.
264 314
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
318
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 324C<ev_default_init>.
271 325
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 335The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 336thing, believe me).
283 337
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 338=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 339
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 340If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 341or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 342C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 343override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 345around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 351enabling this flag.
298 352
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 357without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 358C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 359
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 360The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 361forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 362flag.
309 363
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 365environment variable.
312 366
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 368
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 372using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 373usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 374
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 375To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 376parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 377writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 378connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 379a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 380readiness notifications you get per iteration.
381
382This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
383C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
384C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
327 385
328=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)
329 387
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 388And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 389than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 390limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 391considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 392i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips. 393performance tips.
336 394
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397
337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338 399
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 404
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
345support for dup. 406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
409so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
410I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
412hard to detect.
413
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
415of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
346 421
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
351very well if you register events for both fds. 426file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
352 427file descriptors.
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
355(or space) is available.
356 428
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 429Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 430watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 431i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
432starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
433extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
434as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
435take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
360 436
437All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
438faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
439the usage. So sad.
440
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 441While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 442all kernel versions tested so far.
443
444This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
445C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
363 446
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 447=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 448
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 449Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 450was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 451with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 452it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
453is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
454without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
370unless 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
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 456C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD. 457system like NetBSD.
373 458
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 459You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 460only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 461the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 462
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 463It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 464kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 465course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 466cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 467two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 468sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
469cases
384 470
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 471This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 472
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 473While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 474everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 475almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 476(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 477(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
392sockets. 478also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
479
480This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
481C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
482C<NOTE_EOF>.
393 483
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 484=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 485
396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 486This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 487implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 492
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 493This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 494it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 495
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 499
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 503might perform better.
414 504
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 507in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
508OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
509
510This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418 512
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 514
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 516with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 518
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 520
427=back 521=back
428 522
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 526
433The most typical usage is like this: 527Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 528
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 531
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 533environment settings to be taken into account:
440 534
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 536
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
446 541
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 543
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 545
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 556
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 558 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 560
462=item ev_default_destroy () 561=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 562
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 569for example).
471 570
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
474would need to be stopped manually. 573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
475 574
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
485 584
486=item ev_default_fork () 585=item ev_default_fork ()
487 586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
488This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
489one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
490after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
491again makes little sense). 591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
492 593
493You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
494only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
495fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
496 597
497The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
498it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
499quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
500 601
501 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
502 603
503At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
504without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
505do not need to care.
506
507=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
508 605
509Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
510C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
511after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise.
512 615
513=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
514 617
515Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
516the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
531received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 634received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
532change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 635change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
533time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 636time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
534event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 637event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
535 638
639=item ev_now_update (loop)
640
641Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
642returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
643is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
644
645This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
646very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
647the current time is a good idea.
648
649See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
650
651=item ev_suspend (loop)
652
653=item ev_resume (loop)
654
655These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
656not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
657
658A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
659the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
660would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
661the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
662in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
663C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
664
665Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
666between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
667will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
668occured while suspended).
669
670After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
671given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
672without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
673
674Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
675event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
676
536=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 677=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
537 678
538Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 679Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
539after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 680after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
540events. 681events.
542If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 683If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
543either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 684either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
544 685
545Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 686Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
546relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 687relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
547finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 688finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
548automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 689that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
549relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 690of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
691beauty.
550 692
551A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 693A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
552those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 694those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
553case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 695process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
696the loop.
554 697
555A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 698A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
556neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 699necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
557your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 700will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
558one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 701be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
559external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 702user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
703iteration of the loop.
704
705This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
706with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
560libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 707own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
561usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 708usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
562 709
563Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 710Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
564 711
565 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 712 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
566 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 713 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
567 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 714 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
568 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 715 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
569 - 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.
570 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 718 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
571 - Update the "event loop time". 719 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
572 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 720 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
573 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 721 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
574 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 722 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
575 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 723 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
576 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 724 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
577 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 725 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
578 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 726 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
579 - Queue all outstanding timers. 727 - Queue all expired timers.
580 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 728 - Queue all expired periodics.
581 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 729 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
582 - Queue all check watchers. 730 - Queue all check watchers.
583 - 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).
584 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
585 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 733 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
586 - 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
591anymore. 739anymore.
592 740
593 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 741 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
594 ... 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..)
595 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 743 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
596 ... jobs done. yeah! 744 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
597 745
598=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 746=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
599 747
600Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 748Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
601has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 749has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
602C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 750C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
603C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 751C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
604 752
605This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 753This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
606 754
755It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
756
607=item ev_ref (loop) 757=item ev_ref (loop)
608 758
609=item ev_unref (loop) 759=item ev_unref (loop)
610 760
611Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 761Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
612loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 762loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
613count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 763count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
764
614a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 765If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
615returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 766from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
767stopping it.
768
616example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 769As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
617visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 770is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
618no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 771exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
619way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 772excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
620libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 773third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
621(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 774before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
622respectively). 775before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
776(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
777in the callback).
623 778
624Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 779Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
625running when nothing else is active. 780running when nothing else is active.
626 781
627 struct ev_signal exitsig; 782 ev_signal exitsig;
628 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 783 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
629 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 784 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
630 evf_unref (loop); 785 evf_unref (loop);
631 786
632Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 787Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
633 788
634 ev_ref (loop); 789 ev_ref (loop);
635 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 790 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
636 791
637=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 792=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638 793
639=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 794=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640 795
641These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 796These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
642for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 797for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
643invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 798will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
799latency.
644 800
645Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 801Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
646allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 802allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
647increase efficiency of loop iterations. 803to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
804opportunities).
648 805
649The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 806The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
650handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 807one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
651the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 808program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
652events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 809events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
653overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 810overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
654 811
655By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 812By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
656time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 813time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
657at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 814at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
658C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 815C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
659introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 816introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
817sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
818once per this interval, on average.
660 819
661Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 820Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
662to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 821to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
663latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 822latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
664will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 823later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
665any overhead in libev. 824value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
666 825
667Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 826Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
668interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 827interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
669interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 828interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
670usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 829usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
671as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 830as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
831you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
832parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
833need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
834then you can't do more than 100 transations per second).
835
836Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
837saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
838are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
839times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
840reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
841they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
842
843Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
844more often than 100 times per second:
845
846 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
847 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
848
849=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
850
851This 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
853through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
854is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
855error and call C<abort ()>.
856
857This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
858circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
859data structures consistent.
672 860
673=back 861=back
674 862
675 863
676=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 864=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
865
866In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
867watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
868watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
677 869
678A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 870A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
679interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 871interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
680become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 872become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
681 873
682 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 874 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
683 { 875 {
684 ev_io_stop (w); 876 ev_io_stop (w);
685 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 877 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
686 } 878 }
687 879
688 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 880 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
881
689 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 882 ev_io stdin_watcher;
883
690 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 884 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
691 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 885 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
692 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 886 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
887
693 ev_loop (loop, 0); 888 ev_loop (loop, 0);
694 889
695As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 890As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
696watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 891watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
697although this can sometimes be quite valid). 892stack).
893
894Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
895or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
698 896
699Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 897Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
700(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 898(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
701callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 899callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
702watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 900watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
703is readable and/or writable). 901is readable and/or writable).
704 902
705Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 903Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
706with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 904macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
707to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 905is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
708(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 906ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
709 907
710To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 908To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
711with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 909with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
712*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 910*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
713corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 911corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
714 912
715As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 913As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
716must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 914must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
717reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 915reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
718 916
719Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 917Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
720registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 918registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
721third argument. 919third argument.
722 920
776=item C<EV_FORK> 974=item C<EV_FORK>
777 975
778The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 976The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
779C<ev_fork>). 977C<ev_fork>).
780 978
979=item C<EV_ASYNC>
980
981The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
982
983=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
984
985Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
986by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
987
781=item C<EV_ERROR> 988=item C<EV_ERROR>
782 989
783An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 990An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
784happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 991happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
785ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 992ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
993problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
994
786problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 995You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
787with the watcher being stopped. 996watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
997an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
998bug in your program.
788 999
789Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 1000Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
790for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 1001example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
791your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 1002callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
792with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 1003the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
793programs, though, so beware. 1004programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1005thing, so beware.
794 1006
795=back 1007=back
796 1008
797=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1009=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
798
799In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
800e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
801 1010
802=over 4 1011=over 4
803 1012
804=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1013=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
805 1014
811which rolls both calls into one. 1020which rolls both calls into one.
812 1021
813You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1022You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
814(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1023(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
815 1024
816The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1025The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
817int revents)>. 1026int revents)>.
1027
1028Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1029
1030 ev_io w;
1031 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1032 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
818 1033
819=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1034=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
820 1035
821This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1036This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
822call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1037call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
825difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 1040difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
826 1041
827Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 1042Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
828(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 1043(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
829 1044
1045See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1046
830=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 1047=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
831 1048
832This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 1049This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
833calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 1050calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
834a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 1051a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1052
1053Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1054
1055 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
835 1056
836=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1057=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
837 1058
838Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1059Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
839events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1060events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
840 1061
1062Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1063whole section.
1064
1065 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1066
841=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1067=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
842 1068
843Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1069Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1070the watcher was active or not).
1071
844status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1072It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
845non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1073non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
846C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1074calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
847you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1075pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
848good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1076therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
849 1077
850=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1078=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
851 1079
852Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1080Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
853and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1081and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
879integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1107integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
880(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1108(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
881before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1109before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
882from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1110from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
883 1111
884This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
885invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
886example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
887watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
888
889If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1112If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
890you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1113you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
891 1114
892You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1115You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
893pending. 1116pending.
894 1117
1118Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1119fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1120or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1121
895The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1122The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
896always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1123always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
897 1124
898Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1125See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
899fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1126priorities.
900or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
901 1127
902=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1128=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
903 1129
904Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1130Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
905C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1131C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
906can deal with that fact. 1132can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1133callback.
907 1134
908=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1135=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
909 1136
910If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1137If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
911and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1138returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
912watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1139watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
913 1140
1141Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1142callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1143
914=back 1144=back
915 1145
916 1146
917=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1147=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
918 1148
919Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1149Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
920and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1150and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
921to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1151to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
922don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1152don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
923member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1153member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
924data: 1154data:
925 1155
926 struct my_io 1156 struct my_io
927 { 1157 {
928 struct ev_io io; 1158 ev_io io;
929 int otherfd; 1159 int otherfd;
930 void *somedata; 1160 void *somedata;
931 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1161 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
932 } 1162 };
1163
1164 ...
1165 struct my_io w;
1166 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
933 1167
934And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1168And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
935can cast it back to your own type: 1169can cast it back to your own type:
936 1170
937 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1171 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
938 { 1172 {
939 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1173 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
940 ... 1174 ...
941 } 1175 }
942 1176
943More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1177More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
944instead have been omitted. 1178instead have been omitted.
945 1179
946Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1180Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
947watchers: 1181embedded watchers:
948 1182
949 struct my_biggy 1183 struct my_biggy
950 { 1184 {
951 int some_data; 1185 int some_data;
952 ev_timer t1; 1186 ev_timer t1;
953 ev_timer t2; 1187 ev_timer t2;
954 } 1188 }
955 1189
956In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1190In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
957you need to use C<offsetof>: 1191complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1192in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1193some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1194programmers):
958 1195
959 #include <stddef.h> 1196 #include <stddef.h>
960 1197
961 static void 1198 static void
962 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1199 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
963 { 1200 {
964 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1201 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
965 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1202 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
966 } 1203 }
967 1204
968 static void 1205 static void
969 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1206 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
970 { 1207 {
971 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1208 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
972 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1209 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
973 } 1210 }
1211
1212=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1213
1214Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1215integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1216between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1217
1218In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1219description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1220range.
1221
1222There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1223by event loops:
1224
1225In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1226of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1227watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1228
1229The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1230callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1231watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1232before polling for new events.
1233
1234Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1235except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1236
1237The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1238watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1239libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1240their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1241common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1242priority ones.
1243
1244Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1245watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1246C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1247timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1248other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1249handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1250the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1251handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1252always, what you want).
1253
1254Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1255will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1256received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1257required.
1258
1259For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1260you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1261the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1262processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1263continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1264the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1265workable.
1266
1267Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1268miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1269it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1270idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1271the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1272
1273Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1274priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1275other events are pending:
1276
1277 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1278 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1279
1280 static void
1281 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1282 {
1283 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1284 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1285 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1286
1287 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1288 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1289 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1290 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1291 }
1292
1293 static void
1294 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1295 {
1296 // actual processing
1297 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1298
1299 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1300 // we have handled the event
1301 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1302 }
1303
1304 // initialisation
1305 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1306 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1307 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1308
1309In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1310low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1311enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1312during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1313important ones.
974 1314
975 1315
976=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1316=head1 WATCHER TYPES
977 1317
978This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1318This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1002In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1342In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1003fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1343fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1004descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1344descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1005required if you know what you are doing). 1345required if you know what you are doing).
1006 1346
1007If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1347If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1008(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1348known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1009C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1349C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1350descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1351files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1010 1352
1011Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1353Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1012receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1354receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1013be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1355be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1014because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1356because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1015lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1357lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1016this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1358this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1017it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1359it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1018C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1360C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1019 1361
1020If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1362If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1021play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1363not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1022whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1364re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1023such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1365interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1024its own, so its quite safe to use). 1366does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1367use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1368indefinitely.
1369
1370But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1025 1371
1026=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1372=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1027 1373
1028Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1374Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1029descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1375descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1030such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1376such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1031descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1377descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1032this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1378this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1033registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1379registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1034fact, a different file descriptor. 1380fact, a different file descriptor.
1035 1381
1064To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1410To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1065C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1411C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1066enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1412enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1067C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1413C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1068 1414
1415=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1416
1417While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1418when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1419sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1420this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1421
1422So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1423ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1424somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1425
1069 1426
1070=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1427=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1071 1428
1072=over 4 1429=over 4
1073 1430
1074=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1431=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1075 1432
1076=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1433=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1077 1434
1078Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1435Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1079rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1436receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1080C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1437C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1081 1438
1082=item int fd [read-only] 1439=item int fd [read-only]
1083 1440
1084The file descriptor being watched. 1441The file descriptor being watched.
1085 1442
1093 1450
1094Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1451Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1095readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1452readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1096attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1453attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1097 1454
1098 static void 1455 static void
1099 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1456 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1100 { 1457 {
1101 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1458 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1102 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1459 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1103 } 1460 }
1104 1461
1105 ... 1462 ...
1106 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1463 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1107 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1464 ev_io stdin_readable;
1108 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1465 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1109 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1466 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1110 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1467 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1111 1468
1112 1469
1113=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1470=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1114 1471
1115Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1472Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1116given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1473given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1117 1474
1118The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1475The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1119times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1476times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1120time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1477year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1121detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1478detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1122monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1479monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1480
1481The 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
1483might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1484same 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
1486callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1487
1488=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1489
1490Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1491recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1492you want to raise some error after a while.
1493
1494What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1495inefficient to smart and efficient.
1496
1497In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1498gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1499data or other life sign was received).
1500
1501=over 4
1502
1503=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1504
1505This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1506start the watcher:
1507
1508 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1509 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1510
1511Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1512and start it again:
1513
1514 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1515 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1516 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1517
1518This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1519some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1520data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1521still not a constant-time operation.
1522
1523=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1524
1525This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1526C<ev_timer_start>.
1527
1528To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1529of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1530successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1531you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1532the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1533
1534That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1535C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1536member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1537
1538At start:
1539
1540 ev_init (timer, callback);
1541 timer->repeat = 60.;
1542 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1543
1544Each time there is some activity:
1545
1546 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1547
1548It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1549whether the watcher is active or not:
1550
1551 timer->repeat = 30.;
1552 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1553
1554This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1555you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1556remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1557
1558It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1559
1560=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1561
1562This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1563relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1564our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1565associated activity resets.
1566
1567In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1568but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1569within the callback:
1570
1571 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1572
1573 static void
1574 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1575 {
1576 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1577 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1578
1579 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1580 if (timeout < now)
1581 {
1582 // timeout occured, take action
1583 }
1584 else
1585 {
1586 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1587 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1588 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1589 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1590 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1591 }
1592 }
1593
1594To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1595as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1596been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1597the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1598re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1599a timeout then.
1600
1601Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1602C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1603
1604This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1605minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1606libev to change the timeout.
1607
1608To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1609to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1610callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1611
1612 ev_init (timer, callback);
1613 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1614 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1615
1616And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1617C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1618
1619 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1620
1621This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1622time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1623
1624Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1625callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1626fix things for you.
1627
1628=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1629
1630If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1631employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1632do even better:
1633
1634When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1635at the I<end> of the list.
1636
1637Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1638the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1639
1640When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1641the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1642update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1643
1644This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1645starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1646complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1647ensures that the list stays sorted.
1648
1649=back
1650
1651So which method the best?
1652
1653Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1654situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1655better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1656one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1657
1658Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1659rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1660off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1661overkill :)
1662
1663=head3 The special problem of time updates
1664
1665Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1666least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1667time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1668growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1669lots of events in one iteration.
1123 1670
1124The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1671The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1125time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1672time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1126of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1673of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1127you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1674you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1128on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1675timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1129 1676
1130 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1677 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1131 1678
1132The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1679If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1133but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1680update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1134order of execution is undefined. 1681()>.
1135 1682
1136=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1683=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1137 1684
1138=over 4 1685=over 4
1139 1686
1140=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1687=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1141 1688
1142=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1689=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1143 1690
1144Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1691Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1145C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1692is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1146timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1693reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1147later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1694configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1695until stopped manually.
1148 1696
1149The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1697The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1150configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1698you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1151exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1699trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1152the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1700keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1153timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1701do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1154 1702
1155=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1703=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1156 1704
1157This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1705This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1158repeating. The exact semantics are: 1706repeating. The exact semantics are:
1159 1707
1160If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1708If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1161 1709
1162If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1710If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1163 1711
1164If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1712If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1165C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1713C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1166 1714
1167This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1715This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1168example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1716usage example.
1169timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1170seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1171configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1172C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1173you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1174socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1175automatically restart it if need be.
1176
1177That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1178altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1179
1180 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1181 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1182 ...
1183 timer->again = 17.;
1184 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1185 ...
1186 timer->again = 10.;
1187 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1188
1189This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1190you want to modify its timeout value.
1191 1717
1192=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1718=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1193 1719
1194The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1720The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1195or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1721or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1196which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1722which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1197 1723
1198=back 1724=back
1199 1725
1200=head3 Examples 1726=head3 Examples
1201 1727
1202Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1728Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1203 1729
1204 static void 1730 static void
1205 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1731 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1206 { 1732 {
1207 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1733 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1208 } 1734 }
1209 1735
1210 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1736 ev_timer mytimer;
1211 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1737 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1212 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1738 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1213 1739
1214Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1740Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1215inactivity. 1741inactivity.
1216 1742
1217 static void 1743 static void
1218 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1744 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1219 { 1745 {
1220 .. ten seconds without any activity 1746 .. ten seconds without any activity
1221 } 1747 }
1222 1748
1223 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1749 ev_timer mytimer;
1224 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1750 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1225 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1751 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1226 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1752 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1227 1753
1228 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1754 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1229 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1755 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1230 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1756 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1231 1757
1232 1758
1233=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1759=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1234 1760
1235Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1761Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1236(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1762(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1237 1763
1238Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1764Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1239but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1765relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1240to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1766(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1241periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1767difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1242+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1768time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1243take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1769wrist-watch).
1244roughly 10 seconds later).
1245 1770
1246They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1771You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1247triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1772in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1248rules. 1773seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1774not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1775year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1776C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1777it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1249 1778
1779C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1780timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1781other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1782those cannot react to time jumps.
1783
1250As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1784As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1251time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1785point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1252during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1786timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1787earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1788(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1253 1789
1254=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1790=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1255 1791
1256=over 4 1792=over 4
1257 1793
1258=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1794=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1259 1795
1260=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1796=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1261 1797
1262Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1798Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1263operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1799operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1264 1800
1265=over 4 1801=over 4
1266 1802
1267=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1803=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1268 1804
1269In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1805In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1270C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1806time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1271that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1807time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1272system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1808will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1809this point in time.
1273 1810
1274=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1811=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1275 1812
1276In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1813In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1277C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1814C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1278and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1815negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1816argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1279 1817
1280This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1818This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1281time: 1819system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1820hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1282 1821
1283 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1822 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1284 1823
1285This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1824This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1286but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1825but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1287full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1826full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1288by 3600. 1827by 3600.
1289 1828
1290Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1829Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1291C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1830C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1292time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1831time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1293 1832
1294For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1833For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1295C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1834C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1296this value. 1835this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1297 1836
1837Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1838speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1839will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1840millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1841
1298=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1842=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1299 1843
1300In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1844In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1301ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1845ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1302reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1846reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1303current time as second argument. 1847current time as second argument.
1304 1848
1305NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1849NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1306ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1850or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1307return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1851allowed by documentation here>.
1308starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1309 1852
1853If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1854it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1855only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1856
1310Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1857The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1311ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1858*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1312 1859
1860 static ev_tstamp
1313 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1861 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1314 { 1862 {
1315 return now + 60.; 1863 return now + 60.;
1316 } 1864 }
1317 1865
1318It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1866It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1319(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1867(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1320will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1868will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1321might be called at other times, too. 1869might be called at other times, too.
1322 1870
1323NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1871NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1324passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1872equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1325 1873
1326This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1874This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1327triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1875triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1328next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1876next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1329you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1877you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1330reason I omitted it as an example). 1878reason I omitted it as an example).
1331 1879
1332=back 1880=back
1336Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1884Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1337when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1885when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1338a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1886a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1339program when the crontabs have changed). 1887program when the crontabs have changed).
1340 1888
1889=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1890
1891When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1892to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
1893C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
1894rescheduling modes.
1895
1341=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1896=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1342 1897
1343When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1898When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1344absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1899absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
1900although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1345 1901
1346Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 1902Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1347timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1903timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1348 1904
1349=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1905=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1350 1906
1351The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1907The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1352take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1908take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1353called. 1909called.
1354 1910
1355=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1911=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1356 1912
1357The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1913The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1358switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1914switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1359the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1915the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1360 1916
1361=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1362
1363When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1364trigger next.
1365
1366=back 1917=back
1367 1918
1368=head3 Examples 1919=head3 Examples
1369 1920
1370Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1921Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1371system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1922system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1372potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1923potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1373 1924
1374 static void 1925 static void
1375 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1926 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1376 { 1927 {
1377 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1928 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1378 } 1929 }
1379 1930
1380 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1931 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1381 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1932 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1382 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1933 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1383 1934
1384Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1935Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1385 1936
1386 #include <math.h> 1937 #include <math.h>
1387 1938
1388 static ev_tstamp 1939 static ev_tstamp
1389 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1940 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1390 { 1941 {
1391 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1942 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1392 } 1943 }
1393 1944
1394 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1945 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1395 1946
1396Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1947Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1397 1948
1398 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1949 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1399 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1950 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1400 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1951 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1401 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1952 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1402 1953
1403 1954
1404=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1955=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1405 1956
1406Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1957Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1407signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1958signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1408will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1959will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1409normal event processing, like any other event. 1960normal event processing, like any other event.
1410 1961
1962If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1963do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1964C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1965
1411You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1966You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1412first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1967first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1413with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1968with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1414as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1969you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1415watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1970the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1416SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1971signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1972
1973If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1974C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1975interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1976signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1977them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1417 1978
1418=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1979=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1419 1980
1420=over 4 1981=over 4
1421 1982
1430 1991
1431The signal the watcher watches out for. 1992The signal the watcher watches out for.
1432 1993
1433=back 1994=back
1434 1995
1996=head3 Examples
1997
1998Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1999
2000 static void
2001 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2002 {
2003 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
2004 }
2005
2006 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2007 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2008 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2009
1435 2010
1436=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2011=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1437 2012
1438Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 2013Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1439some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 2014some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
2015exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2016has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2017as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2018forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2019but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
2020in the next callback invocation is not.
2021
2022Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2023you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2024
2025=head3 Process Interaction
2026
2027Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2028initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
2029the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2030of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2031synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2032children, even ones not watched.
2033
2034=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2035
2036Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
2037processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
2038handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
2039C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
2040default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
2041event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
2042that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
2043
2044=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2045
2046Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2047child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2048callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2049when a child exit is detected.
1440 2050
1441=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1442 2052
1443=over 4 2053=over 4
1444 2054
1445=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 2055=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1446 2056
1447=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 2057=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1448 2058
1449Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 2059Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1450I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 2060I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1451at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 2061at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1452the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 2062the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1453C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 2063C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1454process causing the status change. 2064process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
2065activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
2066activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1455 2067
1456=item int pid [read-only] 2068=item int pid [read-only]
1457 2069
1458The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 2070The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1459 2071
1468 2080
1469=back 2081=back
1470 2082
1471=head3 Examples 2083=head3 Examples
1472 2084
1473Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2085Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
2086its completion.
1474 2087
2088 ev_child cw;
2089
1475 static void 2090 static void
1476 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2091 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1477 { 2092 {
1478 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2093 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
2094 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1479 } 2095 }
1480 2096
1481 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2097 pid_t pid = fork ();
1482 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2098
1483 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2099 if (pid < 0)
2100 // error
2101 else if (pid == 0)
2102 {
2103 // the forked child executes here
2104 exit (1);
2105 }
2106 else
2107 {
2108 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
2109 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
2110 }
1484 2111
1485 2112
1486=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2113=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1487 2114
1488This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2115This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1489C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2116C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1490compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2117and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2118it did.
1491 2119
1492The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2120The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1493not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2121not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1494not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2122exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1495otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2123C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1496the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2124least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2125contents.
1497 2126
1498The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2127The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2128C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1499relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2129your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1500 2130
1501Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 2131Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1502calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 2132portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1503can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 2133to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1504a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 2134interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1505unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 2135recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1506five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 2136(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1507impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 2137change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1508usually overkill. 2138currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1509 2139
1510This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2140This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1511as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2141as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1512resource-intensive. 2142resource-intensive.
1513 2143
1514At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 2144At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1515implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 2145is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1516reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 2146exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1517semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 2147implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1518to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1519usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1520polling.
1521 2148
1522=head3 Inotify 2149=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1523 2150
2151Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
2152compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
2153support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
2154structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
2155use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
2156compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
2157obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
2158most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
2159
2160The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
2161file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
2162optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
2163to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
2164default compilation environment.
2165
2166=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
2167
1524When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2168When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1525available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2169runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1526change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2170inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1527when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2171watcher is being started.
1528 2172
1529Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2173Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1530except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2174except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1531making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 2175making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1532there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 2176there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2177but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2178many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2179a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2180xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1533 2181
1534(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2182There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1535implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2183implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1536descriptor open on the object at all times). 2184descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2185etc. is difficult.
2186
2187=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2188
2189Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2190the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2191()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2192
2193For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2194busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2195as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2196watcher).
2197
2198For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2199time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2200often takes multiple milliseconds.
2201
2202Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2203paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1537 2204
1538=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2205=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1539 2206
1540The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2207The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1541even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 2208and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1542only support whole seconds. 2209still only support whole seconds.
1543 2210
1544That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2211That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1545miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 2212easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1546your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2213calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1547the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2214within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2215stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1548 2216
1549The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2217The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1550the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 2218than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1551(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 2219a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1552is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 2220ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1553systems. 2221
2222The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2223of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2224might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2225C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2226a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2227update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2228the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2229the timer callback).
1554 2230
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2231=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 2232
1557=over 4 2233=over 4
1558 2234
1564C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2240C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1565be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2241be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1566a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2242a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1567path for as long as the watcher is active. 2243path for as long as the watcher is active.
1568 2244
1569The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2245The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1570relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2246relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1571last change was detected). 2247last change was detected).
1572 2248
1573=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2249=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1574 2250
1575Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2251Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1576watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2252watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1577detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2253detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1578useful simply to find out the new values. 2254the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2255new values.
1579 2256
1580=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2257=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1581 2258
1582The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2259The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1583C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2260C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1584suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2261suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2262members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1585was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2263some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1586 2264
1587=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2265=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1588 2266
1589The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2267The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1590C<prev> != C<attr>. 2268C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2269differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2270C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1591 2271
1592=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2272=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1593 2273
1594The specified interval. 2274The specified interval.
1595 2275
1596=item const char *path [read-only] 2276=item const char *path [read-only]
1597 2277
1598The filesystem path that is being watched. 2278The file system path that is being watched.
1599 2279
1600=back 2280=back
1601 2281
1602=head3 Examples 2282=head3 Examples
1603 2283
1604Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2284Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1605 2285
1606 static void 2286 static void
1607 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2287 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1608 { 2288 {
1609 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2289 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1610 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2290 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1611 { 2291 {
1612 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2292 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1613 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2293 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1614 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2294 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1615 } 2295 }
1616 else 2296 else
1617 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2297 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1618 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2298 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1619 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2299 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1620 } 2300 }
1621 2301
1622 ... 2302 ...
1623 ev_stat passwd; 2303 ev_stat passwd;
1624 2304
1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2305 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2306 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1627 2307
1628Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2308Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1629miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2309miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1630one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2310one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1631C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2311C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1632 2312
1633 static ev_stat passwd; 2313 static ev_stat passwd;
1634 static ev_timer timer; 2314 static ev_timer timer;
1635 2315
1636 static void 2316 static void
1637 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2317 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1638 { 2318 {
1639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2319 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1640 2320
1641 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2321 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1642 } 2322 }
1643 2323
1644 static void 2324 static void
1645 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2325 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1646 { 2326 {
1647 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2327 /* reset the one-second timer */
1648 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2328 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1649 } 2329 }
1650 2330
1651 ... 2331 ...
1652 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2332 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1653 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2333 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1654 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2334 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1655 2335
1656 2336
1657=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2337=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1658 2338
1659Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2339Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1660priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2340priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1661count). 2341as receiving "events").
1662 2342
1663That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2343That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1664(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2344(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1665triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2345triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1666are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2346are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1677 2357
1678=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2358=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1679 2359
1680=over 4 2360=over 4
1681 2361
1682=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2362=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1683 2363
1684Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2364Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1685kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2365kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1686believe me. 2366believe me.
1687 2367
1690=head3 Examples 2370=head3 Examples
1691 2371
1692Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2372Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1693callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2373callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1694 2374
1695 static void 2375 static void
1696 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2376 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1697 { 2377 {
1698 free (w); 2378 free (w);
1699 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2379 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1700 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 2380 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1701 } 2381 }
1702 2382
1703 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2383 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1704 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2384 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1705 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2385 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1706 2386
1707 2387
1708=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2388=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1709 2389
1710Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2390Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1711prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2391prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1712afterwards. 2392afterwards.
1713 2393
1714You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2394You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1715the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2395the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1718those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2398those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1719C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2399C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1720called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2400called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1721 2401
1722Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2402Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1723their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2403their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1724variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2404variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1725coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2405coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1726you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2406you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1727in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2407in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1728watcher). 2408watcher).
1729 2409
1730This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2410This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1731to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2411need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1732them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2412for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1733provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2413libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1734any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2414you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1735and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2415of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1736callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2416I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1737because you never know, you know?). 2417nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1738 2418
1739As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2419As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1740coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2420coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1741during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2421during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1742are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2422are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1745loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2425loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1746low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2426low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1747 2427
1748It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2428It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1749priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2429priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2430after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2431
1750after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2432Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1751too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2433activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1752supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2434might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1753did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2435C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1754(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2436loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1755state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2437C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1756coexist peacefully with others). 2438others).
1757 2439
1758=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2440=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1759 2441
1760=over 4 2442=over 4
1761 2443
1763 2445
1764=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2446=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1765 2447
1766Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2448Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1767parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2449parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1768macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2450macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2451pointless.
1769 2452
1770=back 2453=back
1771 2454
1772=head3 Examples 2455=head3 Examples
1773 2456
1774There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2457There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1775into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2458into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1776(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2459(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1777use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2460use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1778embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2461Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1779into the Glib event loop). 2462Glib event loop).
1780 2463
1781Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2464Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1782and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2465and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1783is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2466is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1784priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2467priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1785the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2468the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1786 2469
1787 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2470 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1788 static ev_timer tw; 2471 static ev_timer tw;
1789 2472
1790 static void 2473 static void
1791 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2474 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1792 { 2475 {
1793 } 2476 }
1794 2477
1795 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2478 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1796 static void 2479 static void
1797 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2480 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1798 { 2481 {
1799 int timeout = 3600000; 2482 int timeout = 3600000;
1800 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2483 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1801 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2484 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1802 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2485 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1803 2486
1804 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2487 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1805 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2488 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
1806 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2489 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1807 2490
1808 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2491 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1809 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2492 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1810 { 2493 {
1811 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2494 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1812 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2495 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1813 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2496 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1814 2497
1815 fds [i].revents = 0; 2498 fds [i].revents = 0;
1816 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2499 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1817 } 2500 }
1818 } 2501 }
1819 2502
1820 // stop all watchers after blocking 2503 // stop all watchers after blocking
1821 static void 2504 static void
1822 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2505 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1823 { 2506 {
1824 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2507 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1825 2508
1826 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2509 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1827 { 2510 {
1828 // set the relevant poll flags 2511 // set the relevant poll flags
1829 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2512 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1830 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2513 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1831 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2514 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1832 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2515 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1833 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2516 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1834 2517
1835 // now stop the watcher 2518 // now stop the watcher
1836 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2519 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1837 } 2520 }
1838 2521
1839 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2522 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1840 } 2523 }
1841 2524
1842Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2525Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1843in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2526in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1844 2527
1845Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2528Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1846notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2529notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1847callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2530callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1848 2531
1849 static void 2532 static void
1850 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2533 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1851 { 2534 {
1852 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2535 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1853 update_now (EV_A); 2536 update_now (EV_A);
1854 2537
1855 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2538 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1856 } 2539 }
1857 2540
1858 static void 2541 static void
1859 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2542 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1860 { 2543 {
1861 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2544 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1862 update_now (EV_A); 2545 update_now (EV_A);
1863 2546
1864 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2547 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1865 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2548 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1866 } 2549 }
1867 2550
1868 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2551 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1869 2552
1870Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2553Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1871want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2554want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1872their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2555override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1873loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2556main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1874this. 2557this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2558libglib event loop.
1875 2559
1876 static gint 2560 static gint
1877 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2561 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1878 { 2562 {
1879 int got_events = 0; 2563 int got_events = 0;
1880 2564
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2565 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2566 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1883 2567
1884 if (timeout >= 0) 2568 if (timeout >= 0)
1885 // create/start timer 2569 // create/start timer
1886 2570
1887 // poll 2571 // poll
1888 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2572 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1889 2573
1890 // stop timer again 2574 // stop timer again
1891 if (timeout >= 0) 2575 if (timeout >= 0)
1892 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2576 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1893 2577
1894 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2578 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1895 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2579 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1896 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2580 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1897 2581
1898 return got_events; 2582 return got_events;
1899 } 2583 }
1900 2584
1901 2585
1902=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2586=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1903 2587
1904This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2588This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1910prioritise I/O. 2594prioritise I/O.
1911 2595
1912As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2596As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1913sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2597sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1914still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2598still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1915so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2599so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1916into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2600it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1917be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2601will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1918at least you can use both at what they are best. 2602C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2603best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1919 2604
1920As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2605As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1921to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2606some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1922priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2607and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1923you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2608this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1924a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2609the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1925 2610
1926As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2611As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1927there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2612time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1928call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2613must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1929their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2614sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1930loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2615C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1931to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2616to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1932embedded loop sweep.
1933 2617
1934As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2618You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1935callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2619will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1936set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1937interested in that.
1938 2620
1939Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2621Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1940when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2622is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1941but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2623embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1942yourself. 2624C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1943 2625
1944Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2626Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1945C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2627C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1946portable one. 2628portable one.
1947 2629
1948So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2630So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1949that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2631that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1950this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2632this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1951create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2633create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1952 2634
2635=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2636
2637While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2638automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2639fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2640however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2641as applicable.
2642
1953=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2643=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1954 2644
1955=over 4 2645=over 4
1956 2646
1957=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2647=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1960 2650
1961Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2651Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1962embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2652embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1963invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2653invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1964to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2654to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1965if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2655if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1966 2656
1967=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2657=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1968 2658
1969Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2659Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1970similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2660similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1971apropriate way for embedded loops. 2661appropriate way for embedded loops.
1972 2662
1973=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2663=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1974 2664
1975The embedded event loop. 2665The embedded event loop.
1976 2666
1978 2668
1979=head3 Examples 2669=head3 Examples
1980 2670
1981Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2671Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1982event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2672event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1983loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2673loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1984C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2674C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1985used). 2675used).
1986 2676
1987 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2677 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1988 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2678 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1989 struct ev_embed embed; 2679 ev_embed embed;
1990 2680
1991 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2681 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1992 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2682 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1993 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2683 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1994 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2684 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1995 : 0; 2685 : 0;
1996 2686
1997 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2687 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1998 if (loop_lo) 2688 if (loop_lo)
1999 { 2689 {
2000 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2690 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2001 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2691 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2002 } 2692 }
2003 else 2693 else
2004 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2694 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2005 2695
2006Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2696Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2007a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2697a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2008kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2698kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2009C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2699C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2010 2700
2011 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2701 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2012 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2702 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2013 struct ev_embed embed; 2703 ev_embed embed;
2014 2704
2015 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2705 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2016 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2706 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2017 { 2707 {
2018 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2708 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2019 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2709 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2020 } 2710 }
2021 2711
2022 if (!loop_socket) 2712 if (!loop_socket)
2023 loop_socket = loop; 2713 loop_socket = loop;
2024 2714
2025 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2715 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2026 2716
2027 2717
2028=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2718=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2029 2719
2030Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2720Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2033event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2723event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2034and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2724and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2035C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2725C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2036handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2726handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2037 2727
2728=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2729
2730Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2731up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2732sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2733
2734This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2735in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2736fork.
2737
2738The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2739forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2740when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2741
2742When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2743wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2744supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2745process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2746
2747The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2748simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2749use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2750memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2751disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2752signal watchers).
2753
2754When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2755other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2756C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2757the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2758have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2759also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2760
2038=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2761=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2039 2762
2040=over 4 2763=over 4
2041 2764
2042=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2765=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
2046believe me. 2769believe me.
2047 2770
2048=back 2771=back
2049 2772
2050 2773
2774=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2775
2776In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2777asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2778loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2779
2780Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2781control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2782C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2783can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2784safe.
2785
2786This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2787too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2788(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2789C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2790
2791Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2792just the default loop.
2793
2794=head3 Queueing
2795
2796C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2797is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2798multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2799need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2800
2801That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2802queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2803queue:
2804
2805=over 4
2806
2807=item queueing from a signal handler context
2808
2809To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2810handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2811an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2812
2813 static ev_async mysig;
2814
2815 static void
2816 sigusr1_handler (void)
2817 {
2818 sometype data;
2819
2820 // no locking etc.
2821 queue_put (data);
2822 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2823 }
2824
2825 static void
2826 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2827 {
2828 sometype data;
2829 sigset_t block, prev;
2830
2831 sigemptyset (&block);
2832 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2833 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2834
2835 while (queue_get (&data))
2836 process (data);
2837
2838 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2839 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2840 }
2841
2842(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2843instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2844either...).
2845
2846=item queueing from a thread context
2847
2848The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2849threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2850employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2851
2852 static ev_async mysig;
2853 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2854
2855 static void
2856 otherthread (void)
2857 {
2858 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2859 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2860 queue_put (data);
2861 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2862
2863 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2864 }
2865
2866 static void
2867 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2868 {
2869 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2870
2871 while (queue_get (&data))
2872 process (data);
2873
2874 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2875 }
2876
2877=back
2878
2879
2880=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2881
2882=over 4
2883
2884=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2885
2886Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2887kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2888trust me.
2889
2890=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2891
2892Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2893an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2894C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2895similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2896section below on what exactly this means).
2897
2898Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
2899compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
2900is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
2901reset when the event loop detects that).
2902
2903This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2904iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2905repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2906
2907=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2908
2909Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2910watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2911event loop.
2912
2913C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2914the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2915it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2916quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2917
2918Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2919only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
2920is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
2921notification, and the callback being invoked.
2922
2923=back
2924
2925
2051=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2926=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2052 2927
2053There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2928There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2054 2929
2055=over 4 2930=over 4
2056 2931
2057=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2932=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2058 2933
2059This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2934This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2060callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2935callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2061watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2936watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2062or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2937or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2063more watchers yourself. 2938more watchers yourself.
2064 2939
2065If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2940If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2066is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2941C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2067C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2942the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2068 2943
2069If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2944If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2070started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2945started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2071repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2946repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2072dubious value.
2073 2947
2074The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2948The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2075passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2949passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2076C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2950C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2077value passed to C<ev_once>: 2951value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2952a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2953events precedence.
2078 2954
2955Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2956
2079 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2957 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2080 { 2958 {
2081 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2082 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2083 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2959 if (revents & EV_READ)
2084 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2960 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2961 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2962 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2085 } 2963 }
2086 2964
2087 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2965 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2088 2966
2089=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2967=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2090 2968
2091Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2969Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2092had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2970had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2093initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2971initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2094 2972
2095=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2973=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2096 2974
2097Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2975Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2098the given events it. 2976the given events it.
2099 2977
2100=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2978=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2101 2979
2102Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2980Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2103loop!). 2981loop!).
2104 2982
2105=back 2983=back
2106 2984
2107 2985
2123 3001
2124=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3002=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2125will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3003will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2126is an ev_pri field. 3004is an ev_pri field.
2127 3005
3006=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3007first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
3008
2128=item * Other members are not supported. 3009=item * Other members are not supported.
2129 3010
2130=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3011=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2131to use the libev header file and library. 3012to use the libev header file and library.
2132 3013
2133=back 3014=back
2134 3015
2135=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3016=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2136 3017
2137Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3018Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2138you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3019you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2139the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3020the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2140 3021
2141To use it, 3022To use it,
2142 3023
2143 #include <ev++.h> 3024 #include <ev++.h>
2144 3025
2145This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3026This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2146of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3027of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2147put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3028put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2148options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 3029options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2215your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 3096your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2216thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 3097thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2217 3098
2218Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 3099Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2219 3100
2220 struct myclass 3101 struct myclass
2221 { 3102 {
2222 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3103 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2223 } 3104 }
2224 3105
2225 myclass obj; 3106 myclass obj;
2226 ev::io iow; 3107 ev::io iow;
2227 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3108 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3109
3110=item w->set (object *)
3111
3112This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3113
3114This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3115will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3116functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3117the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3118list.
3119
3120The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3121int revents)>.
3122
3123See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3124
3125Example: use a functor object as callback.
3126
3127 struct myfunctor
3128 {
3129 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3130 {
3131 ...
3132 }
3133 }
3134
3135 myfunctor f;
3136
3137 ev::io w;
3138 w.set (&f);
2228 3139
2229=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3140=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2230 3141
2231Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3142Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2232callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3143callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2234 3145
2235The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 3146The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2236 3147
2237See the method-C<set> above for more details. 3148See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2238 3149
2239Example: 3150Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2240 3151
2241 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3152 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2242 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3153 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2243 3154
2244=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3155=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2245 3156
2246Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3157Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2247do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3158do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2248 3159
2249=item w->set ([args]) 3160=item w->set ([arguments])
2250 3161
2251Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 3162Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2252called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3163called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2253automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3164automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2254method. 3165method.
2255 3166
2256=item w->start () 3167=item w->start ()
2280=back 3191=back
2281 3192
2282Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3193Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2283the constructor. 3194the constructor.
2284 3195
2285 class myclass 3196 class myclass
2286 { 3197 {
2287 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3198 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2288 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3199 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2289 3200
2290 myclass (); 3201 myclass (int fd)
2291 } 3202 {
2292
2293 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2294 {
2295 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3203 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2296 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3204 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2297 3205
2298 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3206 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
3207 }
2299 } 3208 };
3209
3210
3211=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3212
3213Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
3214number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
3215any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
3216me a note.
3217
3218=over 4
3219
3220=item Perl
3221
3222The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
3223libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
3224there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
3225to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
3226C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
3227and C<EV::Glib>).
3228
3229It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
3230L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3231
3232=item Python
3233
3234Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3235seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3236
3237=item Ruby
3238
3239Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3240of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3241more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
3242L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3243
3244Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3245makes rev work even on mingw.
3246
3247=item Haskell
3248
3249A haskell binding to libev is available at
3250L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3251
3252=item D
3253
3254Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3255be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3256
3257=item Ocaml
3258
3259Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3260L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3261
3262=back
2300 3263
2301 3264
2302=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3265=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2303 3266
2304Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 3267Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2305of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 3268of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2306functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 3269functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2307 3270
2308To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 3271To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2309following macros are defined: 3272following macros are defined:
2314 3277
2315This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3278This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2316loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3279loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2317C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3280C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2318 3281
2319 ev_unref (EV_A); 3282 ev_unref (EV_A);
2320 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3283 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2321 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3284 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2322 3285
2323It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3286It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2324which is often provided by the following macro. 3287which is often provided by the following macro.
2325 3288
2326=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3289=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2327 3290
2328This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3291This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2329loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3292loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2330C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3293C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2331 3294
2332 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3295 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2333 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3296 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2334 3297
2335 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3298 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2336 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3299 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2337 3300
2338It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3301It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2339suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3302suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2340 3303
2341=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3304=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2342 3305
2343Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3306Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2344loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3307loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3308
3309=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3310
3311Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3312default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3313is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3314execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3315
3316It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3317watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2345 3318
2346=back 3319=back
2347 3320
2348Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3321Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2349macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3322macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2350or not. 3323or not.
2351 3324
2352 static void 3325 static void
2353 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3326 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2354 { 3327 {
2355 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3328 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2356 } 3329 }
2357 3330
2358 ev_check check; 3331 ev_check check;
2359 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3332 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2360 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3333 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2361 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3334 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2362 3335
2363=head1 EMBEDDING 3336=head1 EMBEDDING
2364 3337
2365Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3338Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2366applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3339applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2373libev somewhere in your source tree). 3346libev somewhere in your source tree).
2374 3347
2375=head2 FILESETS 3348=head2 FILESETS
2376 3349
2377Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3350Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2378in your app. 3351in your application.
2379 3352
2380=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3353=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2381 3354
2382To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3355To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2383configuration (no autoconf): 3356configuration (no autoconf):
2384 3357
2385 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3358 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2386 #include "ev.c" 3359 #include "ev.c"
2387 3360
2388This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3361This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2389single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3362single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2390it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3363it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2391done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3364done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2392where you can put other configuration options): 3365where you can put other configuration options):
2393 3366
2394 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3367 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2395 #include "ev.h" 3368 #include "ev.h"
2396 3369
2397Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3370Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2398compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3371compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2399as a bug). 3372as a bug).
2400 3373
2401You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3374You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2402in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3375in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2403 3376
2404 ev.h 3377 ev.h
2405 ev.c 3378 ev.c
2406 ev_vars.h 3379 ev_vars.h
2407 ev_wrap.h 3380 ev_wrap.h
2408 3381
2409 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3382 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2410 3383
2411 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3384 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2412 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3385 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2413 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3386 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2414 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3387 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2415 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3388 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2416 3389
2417F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3390F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2418to compile this single file. 3391to compile this single file.
2419 3392
2420=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3393=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2421 3394
2422To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3395To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2423 3396
2424 #include "event.c" 3397 #include "event.c"
2425 3398
2426in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3399in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2427 3400
2428 #include "event.h" 3401 #include "event.h"
2429 3402
2430in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3403in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2431 3404
2432You need the following additional files for this: 3405You need the following additional files for this:
2433 3406
2434 event.h 3407 event.h
2435 event.c 3408 event.c
2436 3409
2437=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3410=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2438 3411
2439Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3412Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2440whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3413whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2441F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3414F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2442include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3415include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2443 3416
2444For this of course you need the m4 file: 3417For this of course you need the m4 file:
2445 3418
2446 libev.m4 3419 libev.m4
2447 3420
2448=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3421=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2449 3422
2450Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3423Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2451before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3424define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2452and only include the select backend. 3425autoconf is documented for every option.
2453 3426
2454=over 4 3427=over 4
2455 3428
2456=item EV_STANDALONE 3429=item EV_STANDALONE
2457 3430
2459keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3432keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2460implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3433implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2461supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3434supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2462F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3435F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2463 3436
3437In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3438configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3439
2464=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3440=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2465 3441
2466If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3442If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2467monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3443monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2468of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3444use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2469usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3445you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2470the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3446when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2471to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3447to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2472function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3448function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2473 3449
2474=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3450=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2475 3451
2476If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3452If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2477realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3453real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2478runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3454at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2479be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3455option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2480(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3456by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2481note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3457correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3458C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3459C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3460
3461=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3462
3463If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3464of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3465exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3466unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3467programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3468theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3469the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3470higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2482 3471
2483=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3472=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2484 3473
2485If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3474If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2486and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3475and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2487 3476
3477=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3478
3479If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3480available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3481C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3482If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
34832.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3484
2488=item EV_USE_SELECT 3485=item EV_USE_SELECT
2489 3486
2490If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3487If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2491C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3488C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2492other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3489other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2493will not be compiled in. 3490will not be compiled in.
2494 3491
2495=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3492=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2496 3493
2497If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3494If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2498structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3495structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2499C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3496C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2500exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3497on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2501low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3498some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2502allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3499only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2503influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3500configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2504 3501
2505=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3502=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2506 3503
2507When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3504When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2508select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3505select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2528 3525
2529=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3526=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2530 3527
2531If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3528If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2532C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3529C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2533otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3530otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2534preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3531backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3532headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2535 3533
2536=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3534=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2537 3535
2538If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3536If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2539C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3537C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2552otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3550otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2553backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3551backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2554 3552
2555=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3553=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2556 3554
2557reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3555Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2558 3556
2559=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3557=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2560 3558
2561If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3559If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2562interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3560interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2563be detected at runtime. 3561be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3562indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3563
3564=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3565
3566Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3567access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3568type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3569that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3570as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3571
3572In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3573(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2564 3574
2565=item EV_H 3575=item EV_H
2566 3576
2567The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3577The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2568undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3578undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2606When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3616When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2607all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3617all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2608and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3618and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2609fine. 3619fine.
2610 3620
2611If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3621If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2612C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3622both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2613 3623
2614=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3624=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2615 3625
2616If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2617defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3627defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2624code. 3634code.
2625 3635
2626=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3636=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2627 3637
2628If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3638If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2629defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3639defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3640watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2630 3641
2631=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3642=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2632 3643
2633If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3644If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2634defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3645defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2636=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3647=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2637 3648
2638If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3649If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2639defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3650defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2640 3651
3652=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3653
3654If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3655defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3656
2641=item EV_MINIMAL 3657=item EV_MINIMAL
2642 3658
2643If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3659If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2644speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3660speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2645some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3661inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3662much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2646 3663
2647=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3664=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2648 3665
2649C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3666C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2650pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3667pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2657inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3674inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2658usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3675usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2659watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3676watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2660two). 3677two).
2661 3678
3679=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3680
3681Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3682timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3683to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3684faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3685
3686The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3687(disabled).
3688
3689=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3690
3691Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3692timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3693the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3694which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3695but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3696noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3697
3698The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3699(disabled).
3700
3701=item EV_VERIFY
3702
3703Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3704be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3705in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3706called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3707called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3708verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3709libev considerably.
3710
3711The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3712C<0>.
3713
2662=item EV_COMMON 3714=item EV_COMMON
2663 3715
2664By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3716By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2665this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3717this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2666members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3718members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2667though, and it must be identical each time. 3719though, and it must be identical each time.
2668 3720
2669For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3721For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2670 3722
2671 #define EV_COMMON \ 3723 #define EV_COMMON \
2672 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3724 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2673 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3725 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2674 3726
2675=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3727=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2676 3728
2677=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3729=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2678 3730
2683definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3735definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2684their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3736their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2685avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3737avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2686method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3738method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2687 3739
3740=back
3741
2688=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3742=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2689 3743
2690If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3744If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2691exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3745exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2692all public symbols, one per line: 3746all public symbols, one per line:
2693 3747
2694 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3748 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2695 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3749 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2696 3750
2697This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3751This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2698multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3752multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2699itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3753itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2700 3754
2701A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3755A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2702include before including F<ev.h>: 3756include before including F<ev.h>:
2703 3757
2704 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3758 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2721file. 3775file.
2722 3776
2723The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3777The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2724that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3778that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2725 3779
2726 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3780 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2727 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3781 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2728 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3782 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2729 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3783 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2730 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3784 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2731 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3785 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2732 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3786 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2733 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3787 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2734 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3788 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2735 3789
2736 #include "ev++.h" 3790 #include "ev++.h"
2737 3791
2738And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3792And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2739 3793
2740 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3794 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2741 #include "ev.c" 3795 #include "ev.c"
2742 3796
3797=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2743 3798
2744=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3799=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2745 3800
2746In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3801=head3 THREADS
2747libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2748documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2749 3802
2750All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3803All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2751extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3804documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2752happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3805that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2753mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3806are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2754it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3807parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3808of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3809structures that need any locking.
3810
3811Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3812concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3813must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3814only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3815a mutex per loop).
3816
3817Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3818so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3819concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3820outside".
3821
3822If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3823without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3824help you, but here is some generic advice:
2755 3825
2756=over 4 3826=over 4
2757 3827
2758=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3828=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3829in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2759 3830
2760This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3831This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2761there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3832themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2762have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2763 3833
2764=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3834=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2765 3835
2766That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3836Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2767as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3837exists, but it is always a good start.
2768 3838
2769=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3839=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3840loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2770 3841
2771These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3842Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3843better than you currently do :-)
2772 3844
2773=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3845=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3846event loop.
2774 3847
2775=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3848C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3849(or from signal contexts...).
2776 3850
2777These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3851An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2778correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3852work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2779have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3853default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2780 3854watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2781=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2782
2783By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2784beginning of the storage array.
2785
2786=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2787
2788A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2789libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2790on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2791
2792=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2793
2794=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2795
2796Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2797priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2798linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2799watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2800 3855
2801=back 3856=back
2802 3857
3858=head3 COROUTINES
2803 3859
2804=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3860Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3861libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3862coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3863different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3864loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3865you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3866
3867Care 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
3869they do not call any callbacks.
3870
3871=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3872
3873Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3874lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3875scared by this.
3876
3877However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3878has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3879warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3880targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3881
3882Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3883workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3884maintainable.
3885
3886And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3887wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3888seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3889warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3890been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3891such buggy versions.
3892
3893While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3894"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3895with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3896them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3897warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3898
3899
3900=head2 VALGRIND
3901
3902Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3903highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3904
3905If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3906in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3907
3908 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3909 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3910 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3911
3912Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3913is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3914
3915Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3916as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3917although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3918confused.
3919
3920Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3921make it into some kind of religion.
3922
3923If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3924with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3925is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3926annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3927of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3928
3929If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3930I suggest using suppression lists.
3931
3932
3933=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3934
3935=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2805 3936
2806Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3937Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2807requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3938requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2808model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3939model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2809the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3940the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2810descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3941descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2811e.g. cygwin. 3942e.g. cygwin.
2812 3943
3944Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3945re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3946things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3947way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3948
2813There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3949There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2814embedding it into other applications. 3950embedding it into other applications.
2815 3951
3952Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
3953tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3954
3955Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3956accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3957either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3958so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3959megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3960available).
3961
2816Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3962Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2817abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3963the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2818recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3964is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2819a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3965more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2820implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3966different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2821be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3967notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3968(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3969
3970A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3971section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3972of F<ev.h>:
3973
3974 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3975 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3976
3977 #include "ev.h"
3978
3979And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3980you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3981
3982 #include "evwrap.h"
3983 #include "ev.c"
2822 3984
2823=over 4 3985=over 4
2824 3986
2825=item The winsocket select function 3987=item The winsocket select function
2826 3988
2827The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3989The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2828socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3990requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2829very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3991also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2830to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3992requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2831C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3993C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2832symbols for more info. 3994discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3995C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2833 3996
2834The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3997The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2835libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3998libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2836 3999
2837 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 4000 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2838 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4001 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2839 4002
2840Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4003Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2841complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4004complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2842 4005
2843=item Limited number of file descriptors 4006=item Limited number of file descriptors
2844 4007
2845Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 4008Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2846of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 4009
4010Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2847(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 4011of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2848C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 4012can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2849chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 4013recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
4014previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
2850 4015
2851Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4016Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2852to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4017to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2853call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4018call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
2854select emulation on windows). 4019other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
2855 4020
2856Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 4021Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2857libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4022libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
2858or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4023fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
2859C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4024by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
2860arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 4025(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
2861libraries.
2862
2863This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4026runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
2864windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4027(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
2865wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4028you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
2866calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4029the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2867 4030
2868=back 4031=back
2869 4032
4033=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4034
4035In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4036backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4037
4038=over 4
4039
4040=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
4041calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
4042
4043Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4044structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4045assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4046callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4047calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4048
4049=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4050
4051The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4052C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4053threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4054believed to be sufficiently portable.
4055
4056=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
4057
4058Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
4059allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
4060pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
4061thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4062be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4063C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4064
4065The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4066except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
4067well.
4068
4069=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4070
4071To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4072instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4073systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
4074least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
4075watchers.
4076
4077=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4078
4079The 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
4081enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
4082implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing
4083ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least
40842200.
4085
4086=back
4087
4088If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4089
4090
4091=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
4092
4093In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
4094libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
4095the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
4096
4097All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
4098extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
4099happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
4100mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
4101average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
4102
4103=over 4
4104
4105=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
4106
4107This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
4108there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
4109have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
4110
4111=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
4112
4113That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
4114as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
4115
4116=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4117
4118These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
4119
4120=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4121
4122=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
4123
4124These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
4125correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
4126have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
4127is rare).
4128
4129=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
4130
4131By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
4132fixed position in the storage array.
4133
4134=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
4135
4136A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
4137libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
4138on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
4139
4140=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
4141
4142=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
4143
4144Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
4145priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
4146linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
4147watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4148
4149=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4150
4151=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4152
4153=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4154
4155Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4156calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4157involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4158
4159=back
4160
4161
4162=head1 GLOSSARY
4163
4164=over 4
4165
4166=item active
4167
4168A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4169an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4170
4171=item application
4172
4173In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4174
4175=item callback
4176
4177The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4178detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4179received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4180
4181=item callback invocation
4182
4183The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4184
4185=item event
4186
4187A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4188for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4189any other events happening anymore.
4190
4191In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4192C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4193
4194=item event library
4195
4196A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4197
4198=item event loop
4199
4200An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4201into callback invocations.
4202
4203=item event model
4204
4205The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4206watchers and events.
4207
4208=item pending
4209
4210A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4211and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
4212pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4213
4214A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4215its pending status.
4216
4217=item real time
4218
4219The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4220
4221=item wall-clock time
4222
4223The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4224be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4225clock.
4226
4227=item watcher
4228
4229A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4230to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4231
4232=item watcher invocation
4233
4234The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4235
4236=back
2870 4237
2871=head1 AUTHOR 4238=head1 AUTHOR
2872 4239
2873Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4240Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
2874 4241

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines