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Revision 1.109 by root, Mon Dec 24 13:19:12 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.247 by root, Wed Jul 8 02:46:05 2009 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
17 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 20
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 23 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 25 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 26 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 33 }
24 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 36 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 38 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 39 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 42 }
31 43
32 int 44 int
33 main (void) 45 main (void)
34 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 49
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 54
55 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 59
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 60 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 64 return 0;
49 } 65 }
50 66
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
52 68
69This document documents the libev software package.
70
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
56 84
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 88
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 113for example).
86 114
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 115=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 116
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 119more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument.
95 124
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 126
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 134throughout libev.
135
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs).
140
141When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
142a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
143set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
144abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
145()>.
146
147When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
148it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
149so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
150the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
151
152Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
153extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
154circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
155
106 156
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 157=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 158
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 159These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 160library in any way.
119 169
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 171
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 174this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 175
126=item int ev_version_major () 176=item int ev_version_major ()
127 177
128=item int ev_version_minor () 178=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 179
142not a problem. 192not a problem.
143 193
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 195version.
146 196
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 197 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 200
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 201=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 202
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 203Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 204value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 206a description of the set values.
157 207
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 208Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 209a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 210
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 213
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 215
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 222
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 224
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 229recommended ones.
180 230
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 232
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 234
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 236semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 237used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 238when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 239or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 240
241Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
242correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
243C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 244
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 245You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 246free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 247or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 248
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 249Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 250retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 251
199 static void * 252 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 253 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 254 {
202 for (;;) 255 for (;;)
211 } 264 }
212 265
213 ... 266 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 268
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 270
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 271Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 274callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 275matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 276requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 277(such as abort).
225 278
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 279Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 290
238=back 291=back
239 292
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 294
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 297I<function>).
245 298
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 301not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 302
253=over 4 303=over 4
254 304
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 306
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 311
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 313function.
264 314
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
318
319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
324C<ev_default_init>.
325
265The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 327backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267 328
268The following flags are supported: 329The following flags are supported:
269 330
274The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 335The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
275thing, believe me). 336thing, believe me).
276 337
277=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 338=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
278 339
279If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 340If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
280or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 341or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 342C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 343override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
284around bugs. 345around bugs.
290enabling this flag. 351enabling this flag.
291 352
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 357without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 358C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298 359
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 360The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 361forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag. 362flag.
302 363
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable. 365environment variable.
305 366
306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
307 368
308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 372using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 373usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313 374
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 375To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 376parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 377writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 378connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 379a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration. 380readiness notifications you get per iteration.
381
382This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
383C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
384C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
320 385
321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 386=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
322 387
323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 388And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 389than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 390limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 391considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 392i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips. 393performance tips.
329 394
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397
330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
331 399
332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 404
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
338support for dup. 406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
409so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
410I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
412hard to detect.
413
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
415of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
339 421
340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
344very well if you register events for both fds. 426file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
345 427file descriptors.
346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
348(or space) is available.
349 428
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 429Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 430watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 431i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
432starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
433extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
434as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
435take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
353 436
437All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
438faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
439the usage. So sad.
440
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 441While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far. 442all kernel versions tested so far.
443
444This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
445C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
356 446
357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 447=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
358 448
359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 449Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 450was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 451with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 452it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
453is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
454without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 455"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 456C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD. 457system like NetBSD.
366 458
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 459You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 460only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 461the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
370 462
371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 463It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 464kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 465course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 466cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 467two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 468sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
469cases
377 470
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 471This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379 472
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 473While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 474everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 475almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 476(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 477(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
385sockets. 478also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
479
480This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
481C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
482C<NOTE_EOF>.
386 483
387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 484=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
388 485
389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 486This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 487implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
395 492
396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 493This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 494it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
398 495
399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
401blocking when no data (or space) is available. 498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402 499
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better. 503might perform better.
407 504
505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
507in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
508OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
509
510This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
512
408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
409 514
410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 516with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 517C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413 518
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
415 520
416=back 521=back
417 522
418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
420specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
421order of their flag values :)
422 526
423The most typical usage is like this: 527Example: This is the most typical usage.
424 528
425 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
426 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
427 531
428Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
429environment settings to be taken into account: 533environment settings to be taken into account:
430 534
431 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
432 536
433Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
434available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
435event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
436 541
437 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
438 543
439=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
440 545
441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
445 550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554
446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
447 556
448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
449 if (!epoller) 558 if (!epoller)
450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
451 560
452=item ev_default_destroy () 561=item ev_default_destroy ()
453 562
454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
460for example). 569for example).
461 570
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
464would need to be stopped manually. 573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
465 574
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
467rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
468pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
475 584
476=item ev_default_fork () 585=item ev_default_fork ()
477 586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
478This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
479one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
480after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
481again makes little sense). 591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
482 593
483You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
484only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
485fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
486 597
487The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
488it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
489quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
490 601
491 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
492 603
493At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
494without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
495do not need to care.
496
497=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
498 605
499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise.
502 615
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504 617
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
507happily wraps around with enough iterations. 620happily wraps around with enough iterations.
508 621
509This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
510"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
511C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
625
626=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop)
627
628Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of
629times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
630
631Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
632C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
633in which case it is higher.
634
635Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
636etc.), doesn't count as exit.
512 637
513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 638=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
514 639
515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 640Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
516use. 641use.
521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 646received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 647change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 648time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 649event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
525 650
651=item ev_now_update (loop)
652
653Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
654returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
655is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
656
657This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
658very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
659the current time is a good idea.
660
661See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
662
663=item ev_suspend (loop)
664
665=item ev_resume (loop)
666
667These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
668not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
669
670A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
671the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
672would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
673the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
674in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
675C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
676
677Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
678between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
679will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
680occured while suspended).
681
682After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
683given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
684without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
685
686Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
687event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
688
526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 689=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
527 690
528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 691Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 692after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
530events. 693events.
532If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 695If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
533either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 696either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
534 697
535Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 698Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
536relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 699relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
537finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 700finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
538automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 701that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
539relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 702of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
703beauty.
540 704
541A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 705A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
542those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 706those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
543case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 707process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
708the loop.
544 709
545A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 710A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
546neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 711necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
547your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 712will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
548one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 713be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
549external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 714user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
715iteration of the loop.
716
717This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
718with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 719own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
551usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 720usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
552 721
553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 722Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
554 723
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 724 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
556 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 725 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 726 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
727 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
558 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 728 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
729 as to not disturb the other process.
559 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 730 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
560 - Update the "event loop time". 731 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
561 - Calculate for how long to block. 732 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
733 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
734 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
735 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
562 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 736 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
563 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 737 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
564 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 738 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
565 - Queue all outstanding timers. 739 - Queue all expired timers.
566 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 740 - Queue all expired periodics.
567 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 741 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
568 - Queue all check watchers. 742 - Queue all check watchers.
569 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 743 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
570 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 744 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
571 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 745 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
572 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 746 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
573 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 747 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
748 continue with step *.
574 749
575Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 750Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
576anymore. 751anymore.
577 752
578 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 753 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
579 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 754 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
580 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 755 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
581 ... jobs done. yeah! 756 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
582 757
583=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 758=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
584 759
585Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 760Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
586has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 761has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
587C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 762C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
588C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 763C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
589 764
765This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
766
767It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
768
590=item ev_ref (loop) 769=item ev_ref (loop)
591 770
592=item ev_unref (loop) 771=item ev_unref (loop)
593 772
594Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 773Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
595loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 774loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
596count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 775count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
776
597a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 777If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
598returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 778from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
779stopping it.
780
599example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 781As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
600visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 782is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
601no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 783exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
602way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 784excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
603libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 785third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
786before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
787before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
788(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
789in the callback).
604 790
605Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 791Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
606running when nothing else is active. 792running when nothing else is active.
607 793
608 struct ev_signal exitsig; 794 ev_signal exitsig;
609 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 795 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
610 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 796 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
611 evf_unref (loop); 797 evf_unref (loop);
612 798
613Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 799Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
614 800
615 ev_ref (loop); 801 ev_ref (loop);
616 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 802 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
617 803
618=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 804=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
619 805
620=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 806=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
621 807
622These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 808These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
623for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 809for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
624invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 810will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
811latency.
625 812
626Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 813Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
627allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 814allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
628increase efficiency of loop iterations. 815to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
816opportunities).
629 817
630The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 818The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
631handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 819one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
632the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 820program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
633events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 821events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
634overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 822overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
635 823
636By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 824By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
637time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 825time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
638at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 826at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
639C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 827C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
640introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 828introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
829sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
830once per this interval, on average.
641 831
642Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 832Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
643to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 833to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
644latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 834latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
645will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 835later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
646any overhead in libev. 836value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
647 837
648Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 838Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
649interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 839interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
650interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 840interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
651usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 841usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
652as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 842as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
843you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
844parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
845need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
846then you can't do more than 100 transations per second).
847
848Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
849saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
850are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
851times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
852reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
853they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
854
855Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
856more often than 100 times per second:
857
858 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
859 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
860
861=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
862
863This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
864compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
865through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
866is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
867error and call C<abort ()>.
868
869This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
870circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
871data structures consistent.
653 872
654=back 873=back
655 874
656 875
657=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 876=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
877
878In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
879watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
880watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
658 881
659A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 882A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
660interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 883interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
661become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 884become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
662 885
663 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 886 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
664 { 887 {
665 ev_io_stop (w); 888 ev_io_stop (w);
666 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 889 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
667 } 890 }
668 891
669 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 892 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
893
670 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 894 ev_io stdin_watcher;
895
671 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 896 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
672 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 897 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
673 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 898 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
899
674 ev_loop (loop, 0); 900 ev_loop (loop, 0);
675 901
676As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 902As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
677watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 903watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
678although this can sometimes be quite valid). 904stack).
905
906Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
907or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
679 908
680Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 909Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
681(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 910(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
682callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 911callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
683watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 912watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
684is readable and/or writable). 913is readable and/or writable).
685 914
686Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 915Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
687with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 916macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
688to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 917is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
689(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 918ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
690 919
691To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 920To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
692with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 921with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
693*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 922*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
694corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 923corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
695 924
696As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 925As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
697must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 926must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
698reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 927reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
699 928
700Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 929Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
701registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 930registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
702third argument. 931third argument.
703 932
757=item C<EV_FORK> 986=item C<EV_FORK>
758 987
759The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 988The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
760C<ev_fork>). 989C<ev_fork>).
761 990
991=item C<EV_ASYNC>
992
993The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
994
995=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
996
997Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
998by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
999
762=item C<EV_ERROR> 1000=item C<EV_ERROR>
763 1001
764An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1002An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
765happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1003happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
766ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 1004ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1005problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1006
767problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1007You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
768with the watcher being stopped. 1008watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1009an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1010bug in your program.
769 1011
770Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 1012Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
771for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 1013example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
772your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 1014callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
773with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 1015the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
774programs, though, so beware. 1016programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1017thing, so beware.
775 1018
776=back 1019=back
777 1020
778=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1021=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
779
780In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
781e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
782 1022
783=over 4 1023=over 4
784 1024
785=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1025=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
786 1026
792which rolls both calls into one. 1032which rolls both calls into one.
793 1033
794You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1034You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
795(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1035(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
796 1036
797The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1037The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
798int revents)>. 1038int revents)>.
1039
1040Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1041
1042 ev_io w;
1043 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1044 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
799 1045
800=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1046=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
801 1047
802This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1048This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
803call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1049call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
806difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 1052difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
807 1053
808Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 1054Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
809(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 1055(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
810 1056
1057See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1058
811=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 1059=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
812 1060
813This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 1061This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
814calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 1062calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
815a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 1063a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1064
1065Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1066
1067 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
816 1068
817=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1069=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
818 1070
819Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1071Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
820events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1072events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
821 1073
1074Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1075whole section.
1076
1077 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1078
822=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1079=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
823 1080
824Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1081Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1082the watcher was active or not).
1083
825status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1084It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
826non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1085non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
827C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1086calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
828you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1087pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
829good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1088therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
830 1089
831=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1090=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
832 1091
833Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1092Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
834and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1093and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
860integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1119integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
861(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1120(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
862before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1121before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
863from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1122from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
864 1123
865This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
866invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
867example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
868watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
869
870If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1124If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
871you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1125you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
872 1126
873You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1127You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
874pending. 1128pending.
875 1129
1130Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1131fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1132or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1133
876The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1134The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
877always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1135always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
878 1136
879Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1137See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
880fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1138priorities.
881or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
882 1139
883=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1140=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
884 1141
885Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1142Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
886C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1143C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
887can deal with that fact. 1144can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1145callback.
888 1146
889=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1147=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
890 1148
891If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1149If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
892and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1150returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
893watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1151watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
894 1152
1153Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1154callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1155
895=back 1156=back
896 1157
897 1158
898=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1159=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
899 1160
900Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1161Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
901and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1162and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
902to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1163to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
903don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1164don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
904member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1165member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
905data: 1166data:
906 1167
907 struct my_io 1168 struct my_io
908 { 1169 {
909 struct ev_io io; 1170 ev_io io;
910 int otherfd; 1171 int otherfd;
911 void *somedata; 1172 void *somedata;
912 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1173 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
913 } 1174 };
1175
1176 ...
1177 struct my_io w;
1178 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
914 1179
915And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1180And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
916can cast it back to your own type: 1181can cast it back to your own type:
917 1182
918 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1183 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
919 { 1184 {
920 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1185 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
921 ... 1186 ...
922 } 1187 }
923 1188
924More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1189More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
925instead have been omitted. 1190instead have been omitted.
926 1191
927Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1192Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
928watchers: 1193embedded watchers:
929 1194
930 struct my_biggy 1195 struct my_biggy
931 { 1196 {
932 int some_data; 1197 int some_data;
933 ev_timer t1; 1198 ev_timer t1;
934 ev_timer t2; 1199 ev_timer t2;
935 } 1200 }
936 1201
937In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1202In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
938you need to use C<offsetof>: 1203complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1204in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1205some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1206programmers):
939 1207
940 #include <stddef.h> 1208 #include <stddef.h>
941 1209
942 static void 1210 static void
943 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1211 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
944 { 1212 {
945 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1213 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
946 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1214 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
947 } 1215 }
948 1216
949 static void 1217 static void
950 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1218 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
951 { 1219 {
952 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1220 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
953 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1221 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
954 } 1222 }
1223
1224=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1225
1226Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1227integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1228between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1229
1230In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1231description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1232range.
1233
1234There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1235by event loops:
1236
1237In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1238of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1239watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1240
1241The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1242callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1243watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1244before polling for new events.
1245
1246Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1247except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1248
1249The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1250watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1251libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1252their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1253common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1254priority ones.
1255
1256Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1257watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1258C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1259timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1260other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1261handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1262the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1263handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1264always, what you want).
1265
1266Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1267will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1268received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1269required.
1270
1271For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1272you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1273the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1274processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1275continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1276the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1277workable.
1278
1279Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1280miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1281it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1282idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1283the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1284
1285Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1286priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1287other events are pending:
1288
1289 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1290 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1291
1292 static void
1293 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1294 {
1295 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1296 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1297 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1298
1299 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1300 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1301 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1302 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1303 }
1304
1305 static void
1306 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1307 {
1308 // actual processing
1309 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1310
1311 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1312 // we have handled the event
1313 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1314 }
1315
1316 // initialisation
1317 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1318 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1319 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1320
1321In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1322low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1323enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1324during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1325important ones.
955 1326
956 1327
957=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1328=head1 WATCHER TYPES
958 1329
959This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1330This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
983In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1354In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
984fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1355fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
985descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1356descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
986required if you know what you are doing). 1357required if you know what you are doing).
987 1358
988If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1359If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
989(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1360known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
990C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1361C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1362descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1363files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
991 1364
992Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1365Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
993receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1366receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
994be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1367be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
995because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1368because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
996lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1369lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
997this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1370this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
998it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1371it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
999C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1372C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1000 1373
1001If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1374If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1002play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1375not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1003whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1376re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1004such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1377interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1005its own, so its quite safe to use). 1378does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1379use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1380indefinitely.
1381
1382But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1006 1383
1007=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1384=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1008 1385
1009Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1386Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1010descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1387descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1011such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1388such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1012descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1389descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1013this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1390this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1014registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1391registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1015fact, a different file descriptor. 1392fact, a different file descriptor.
1016 1393
1045To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1422To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1046C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1423C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1047enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1424enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1048C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1425C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1049 1426
1427=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1428
1429While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1430when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1431sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1432this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1433
1434So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1435ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1436somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1437
1050 1438
1051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1052 1440
1053=over 4 1441=over 4
1054 1442
1055=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1443=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1056 1444
1057=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1445=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1058 1446
1059Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1447Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1060rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1448receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1061C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1449C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1062 1450
1063=item int fd [read-only] 1451=item int fd [read-only]
1064 1452
1065The file descriptor being watched. 1453The file descriptor being watched.
1066 1454
1067=item int events [read-only] 1455=item int events [read-only]
1068 1456
1069The events being watched. 1457The events being watched.
1070 1458
1071=back 1459=back
1460
1461=head3 Examples
1072 1462
1073Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1463Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1074readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1464readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1075attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1465attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1076 1466
1077 static void 1467 static void
1078 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1468 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1079 { 1469 {
1080 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1470 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1081 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1471 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1082 } 1472 }
1083 1473
1084 ... 1474 ...
1085 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1475 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1086 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1476 ev_io stdin_readable;
1087 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1477 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1088 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1478 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1089 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1479 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1090 1480
1091 1481
1092=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1482=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1093 1483
1094Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1484Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1095given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1485given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1096 1486
1097The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1487The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1098times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1488times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1099time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1489year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1100detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1490detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1101monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1491monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1492
1493The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1494passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1495might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1496same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1497before ones with later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a
1498callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1499
1500=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1501
1502Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1503recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1504you want to raise some error after a while.
1505
1506What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1507inefficient to smart and efficient.
1508
1509In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1510gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1511data or other life sign was received).
1512
1513=over 4
1514
1515=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1516
1517This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1518start the watcher:
1519
1520 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1521 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1522
1523Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1524and start it again:
1525
1526 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1527 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1528 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1529
1530This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1531some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1532data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1533still not a constant-time operation.
1534
1535=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1536
1537This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1538C<ev_timer_start>.
1539
1540To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1541of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1542successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1543you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1544the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1545
1546That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1547C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1548member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1549
1550At start:
1551
1552 ev_init (timer, callback);
1553 timer->repeat = 60.;
1554 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1555
1556Each time there is some activity:
1557
1558 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1559
1560It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1561whether the watcher is active or not:
1562
1563 timer->repeat = 30.;
1564 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1565
1566This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1567you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1568remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1569
1570It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1571
1572=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1573
1574This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1575relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1576our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1577associated activity resets.
1578
1579In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1580but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1581within the callback:
1582
1583 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1584
1585 static void
1586 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1587 {
1588 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1589 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1590
1591 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1592 if (timeout < now)
1593 {
1594 // timeout occured, take action
1595 }
1596 else
1597 {
1598 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1599 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1600 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1601 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1602 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1603 }
1604 }
1605
1606To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1607as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1608been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1609the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1610re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1611a timeout then.
1612
1613Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1614C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1615
1616This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1617minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1618libev to change the timeout.
1619
1620To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1621to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1622callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1623
1624 ev_init (timer, callback);
1625 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1626 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1627
1628And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1629C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1630
1631 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1632
1633This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1634time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1635
1636Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1637callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1638fix things for you.
1639
1640=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1641
1642If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1643employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1644do even better:
1645
1646When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1647at the I<end> of the list.
1648
1649Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1650the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1651
1652When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1653the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1654update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1655
1656This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1657starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1658complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1659ensures that the list stays sorted.
1660
1661=back
1662
1663So which method the best?
1664
1665Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1666situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1667better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1668one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1669
1670Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1671rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1672off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1673overkill :)
1674
1675=head3 The special problem of time updates
1676
1677Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1678least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1679time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1680growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1681lots of events in one iteration.
1102 1682
1103The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1683The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1104time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1684time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1105of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1685of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1106you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1686you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1107on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1687timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1108 1688
1109 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1689 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1110 1690
1111The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1691If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1112but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1692update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1113order of execution is undefined. 1693()>.
1114 1694
1115=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1695=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1116 1696
1117=over 4 1697=over 4
1118 1698
1119=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1699=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1120 1700
1121=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1701=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1122 1702
1123Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1703Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1124C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1704is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1125timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1705reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1126later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1706configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1707until stopped manually.
1127 1708
1128The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1709The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1129configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1710you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1130exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1711trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1131the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1712keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1132timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1713do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1133 1714
1134=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1715=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1135 1716
1136This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1717This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1137repeating. The exact semantics are: 1718repeating. The exact semantics are:
1138 1719
1139If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1720If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1140 1721
1141If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1722If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1142 1723
1143If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1724If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1144C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1725C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1145 1726
1146This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1727This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1147example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1728usage example.
1148timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1149seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1150configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1151C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1152you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1153socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1154automatically restart it if need be.
1155
1156That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1157altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1158
1159 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1160 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1161 ...
1162 timer->again = 17.;
1163 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1164 ...
1165 timer->again = 10.;
1166 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1167
1168This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1169you want to modify its timeout value.
1170 1729
1171=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1730=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1172 1731
1173The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1732The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1174or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1733or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1175which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1734which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1176 1735
1177=back 1736=back
1178 1737
1738=head3 Examples
1739
1179Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1740Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1180 1741
1181 static void 1742 static void
1182 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1743 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1183 { 1744 {
1184 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1745 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1185 } 1746 }
1186 1747
1187 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1748 ev_timer mytimer;
1188 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1749 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1189 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1750 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1190 1751
1191Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1752Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1192inactivity. 1753inactivity.
1193 1754
1194 static void 1755 static void
1195 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1756 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1196 { 1757 {
1197 .. ten seconds without any activity 1758 .. ten seconds without any activity
1198 } 1759 }
1199 1760
1200 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1761 ev_timer mytimer;
1201 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1762 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1202 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1763 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1203 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1764 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1204 1765
1205 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1766 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1206 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1767 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1207 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1768 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1208 1769
1209 1770
1210=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1771=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1211 1772
1212Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1773Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1213(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1774(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1214 1775
1215Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1776Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1216but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1777relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1217to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1778(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1218periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1779difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1219+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1780time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1220take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1781wrist-watch).
1221roughly 10 seconds later).
1222 1782
1223They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1783You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1224triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1784in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1225rules. 1785seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1786not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1787year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1788C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1789it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1226 1790
1791C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1792timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1793other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1794those cannot react to time jumps.
1795
1227As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1796As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1228time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1797point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1229during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1798timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1799earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1800(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1230 1801
1231=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1802=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1232 1803
1233=over 4 1804=over 4
1234 1805
1235=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1806=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1236 1807
1237=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1808=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1238 1809
1239Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1810Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1240operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1811operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1241 1812
1242=over 4 1813=over 4
1243 1814
1244=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1815=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1245 1816
1246In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1817In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1247C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1818time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1248that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1819time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1249system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1820will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1821this point in time.
1250 1822
1251=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1823=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1252 1824
1253In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1825In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1254C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1826C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1255and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1827negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1828argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1256 1829
1257This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1830This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1258time: 1831system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1832hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1259 1833
1260 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1834 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1261 1835
1262This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1836This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1263but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1837but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1264full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1838full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1265by 3600. 1839by 3600.
1266 1840
1267Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1841Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1268C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1842C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1269time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1843time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1270 1844
1271For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1845For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1272C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1846C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1273this value. 1847this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1274 1848
1849Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1850speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1851will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1852millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1853
1275=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1854=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1276 1855
1277In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1856In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1278ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1857ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1279reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1858reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1280current time as second argument. 1859current time as second argument.
1281 1860
1282NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1861NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1283ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1862or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1284return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1863allowed by documentation here>.
1285starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1286 1864
1865If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1866it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1867only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1868
1287Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1869The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1288ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1870*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1289 1871
1872 static ev_tstamp
1290 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1873 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1291 { 1874 {
1292 return now + 60.; 1875 return now + 60.;
1293 } 1876 }
1294 1877
1295It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1878It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1296(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1879(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1297will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1880will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1298might be called at other times, too. 1881might be called at other times, too.
1299 1882
1300NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1883NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1301passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1884equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1302 1885
1303This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1886This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1304triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1887triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1305next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1888next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1306you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1889you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1307reason I omitted it as an example). 1890reason I omitted it as an example).
1308 1891
1309=back 1892=back
1313Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1896Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1314when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1897when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1315a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1898a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1316program when the crontabs have changed). 1899program when the crontabs have changed).
1317 1900
1901=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1902
1903When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1904to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
1905C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
1906rescheduling modes.
1907
1318=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1908=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1319 1909
1320When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1910When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1321absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1911absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
1912although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1322 1913
1323Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 1914Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1324timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1915timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1325 1916
1326=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1917=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1327 1918
1328The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1919The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1329take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1920take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1330called. 1921called.
1331 1922
1332=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1923=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1333 1924
1334The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1925The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1335switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1926switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1336the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1927the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1337 1928
1338=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1339
1340When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1341trigger next.
1342
1343=back 1929=back
1344 1930
1931=head3 Examples
1932
1345Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1933Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1346system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1934system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1347potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1935potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1348 1936
1349 static void 1937 static void
1350 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1938 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1351 { 1939 {
1352 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1940 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1353 } 1941 }
1354 1942
1355 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1943 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1356 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1944 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1357 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1945 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1358 1946
1359Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1947Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1360 1948
1361 #include <math.h> 1949 #include <math.h>
1362 1950
1363 static ev_tstamp 1951 static ev_tstamp
1364 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1952 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1365 { 1953 {
1366 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1954 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1367 } 1955 }
1368 1956
1369 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1957 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1370 1958
1371Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1959Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1372 1960
1373 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1961 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1374 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1962 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1375 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1963 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1376 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1964 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1377 1965
1378 1966
1379=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1967=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1380 1968
1381Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1969Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1382signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1970signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1383will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1971will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1384normal event processing, like any other event. 1972normal event processing, like any other event.
1385 1973
1974If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1975do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1976C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1977
1386You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1978You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1387first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1979first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1388with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1980with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1389as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1981you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1390watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1982the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1391SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1983signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1984
1985If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1986C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1987interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1988signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1989them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1392 1990
1393=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1991=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1394 1992
1395=over 4 1993=over 4
1396 1994
1405 2003
1406The signal the watcher watches out for. 2004The signal the watcher watches out for.
1407 2005
1408=back 2006=back
1409 2007
2008=head3 Examples
2009
2010Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2011
2012 static void
2013 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2014 {
2015 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
2016 }
2017
2018 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2019 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2020 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2021
1410 2022
1411=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2023=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1412 2024
1413Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 2025Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1414some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 2026some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
2027exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2028has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2029as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2030forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2031but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
2032in the next callback invocation is not.
2033
2034Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2035you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2036
2037=head3 Process Interaction
2038
2039Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2040initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
2041the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2042of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2043synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2044children, even ones not watched.
2045
2046=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2047
2048Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
2049processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
2050handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
2051C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
2052default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
2053event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
2054that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
2055
2056=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2057
2058Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2059child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2060callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2061when a child exit is detected.
1415 2062
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2063=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417 2064
1418=over 4 2065=over 4
1419 2066
1420=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 2067=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1421 2068
1422=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 2069=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1423 2070
1424Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 2071Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1425I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 2072I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1426at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 2073at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1427the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 2074the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1428C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 2075C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1429process causing the status change. 2076process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
2077activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
2078activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1430 2079
1431=item int pid [read-only] 2080=item int pid [read-only]
1432 2081
1433The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 2082The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1434 2083
1441The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 2090The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1442C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 2091C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1443 2092
1444=back 2093=back
1445 2094
1446Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2095=head3 Examples
1447 2096
2097Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
2098its completion.
2099
2100 ev_child cw;
2101
1448 static void 2102 static void
1449 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2103 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1450 { 2104 {
1451 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2105 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
2106 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1452 } 2107 }
1453 2108
1454 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2109 pid_t pid = fork ();
1455 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2110
1456 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2111 if (pid < 0)
2112 // error
2113 else if (pid == 0)
2114 {
2115 // the forked child executes here
2116 exit (1);
2117 }
2118 else
2119 {
2120 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
2121 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
2122 }
1457 2123
1458 2124
1459=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2125=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1460 2126
1461This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2127This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1462C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2128C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1463compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2129and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2130it did.
1464 2131
1465The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2132The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1466not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2133not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1467not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2134exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1468otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2135C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1469the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2136least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2137contents.
1470 2138
1471The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2139The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2140C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1472relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2141your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1473 2142
1474Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 2143Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1475calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 2144portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1476can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 2145to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1477a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 2146interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1478unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 2147recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1479five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 2148(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1480impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 2149change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1481usually overkill. 2150currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1482 2151
1483This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2152This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1484as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2153as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1485resource-intensive. 2154resource-intensive.
1486 2155
1487At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 2156At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1488implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 2157is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1489reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 2158exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1490semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 2159implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1491to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1492usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1493polling.
1494 2160
1495=head3 Inotify 2161=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1496 2162
2163Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
2164compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
2165support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
2166structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
2167use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
2168compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
2169obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
2170most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
2171
2172The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
2173file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
2174optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
2175to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
2176default compilation environment.
2177
2178=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
2179
1497When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2180When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1498available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2181runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1499change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2182inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1500when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2183watcher is being started.
1501 2184
1502Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2185Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1503except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2186except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1504making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 2187making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1505there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 2188there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2189but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2190many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2191a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2192xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1506 2193
1507(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2194There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1508implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2195implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1509descriptor open on the object at all times). 2196descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2197etc. is difficult.
2198
2199=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2200
2201Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2202the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2203()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2204
2205For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2206busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2207as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2208watcher).
2209
2210For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2211time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2212often takes multiple milliseconds.
2213
2214Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2215paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1510 2216
1511=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2217=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1512 2218
1513The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2219The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1514even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 2220and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1515only support whole seconds. 2221still only support whole seconds.
1516 2222
1517That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2223That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1518miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 2224easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1519your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2225calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1520the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2226within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2227stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1521 2228
1522The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2229The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1523the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 2230than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1524(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 2231a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1525is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 2232ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1526systems. 2233
2234The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2235of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2236might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2237C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2238a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2239update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2240the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2241the timer callback).
1527 2242
1528=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2243=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1529 2244
1530=over 4 2245=over 4
1531 2246
1537C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2252C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1538be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2253be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1539a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2254a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1540path for as long as the watcher is active. 2255path for as long as the watcher is active.
1541 2256
1542The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2257The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1543relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2258relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1544last change was detected). 2259last change was detected).
1545 2260
1546=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2261=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1547 2262
1548Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2263Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1549watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2264watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1550detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2265detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1551useful simply to find out the new values. 2266the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2267new values.
1552 2268
1553=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2269=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1554 2270
1555The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2271The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1556C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2272C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1557suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2273suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2274members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1558was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2275some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1559 2276
1560=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2277=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1561 2278
1562The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2279The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1563C<prev> != C<attr>. 2280C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2281differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2282C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1564 2283
1565=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2284=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1566 2285
1567The specified interval. 2286The specified interval.
1568 2287
1569=item const char *path [read-only] 2288=item const char *path [read-only]
1570 2289
1571The filesystem path that is being watched. 2290The file system path that is being watched.
1572 2291
1573=back 2292=back
1574 2293
1575=head3 Examples 2294=head3 Examples
1576 2295
1577Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2296Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1578 2297
1579 static void 2298 static void
1580 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2299 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1581 { 2300 {
1582 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2301 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1583 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2302 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1584 { 2303 {
1585 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2304 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1586 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2305 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1587 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2306 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1588 } 2307 }
1589 else 2308 else
1590 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2309 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1591 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2310 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1592 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2311 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1593 } 2312 }
1594 2313
1595 ... 2314 ...
1596 ev_stat passwd; 2315 ev_stat passwd;
1597 2316
1598 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2317 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1599 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2318 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1600 2319
1601Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2320Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1602miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2321miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1603one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2322one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1604C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2323C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1605 2324
1606 static ev_stat passwd; 2325 static ev_stat passwd;
1607 static ev_timer timer; 2326 static ev_timer timer;
1608 2327
1609 static void 2328 static void
1610 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2329 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1611 { 2330 {
1612 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2331 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1613 2332
1614 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2333 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1615 } 2334 }
1616 2335
1617 static void 2336 static void
1618 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2337 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1619 { 2338 {
1620 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2339 /* reset the one-second timer */
1621 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2340 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1622 } 2341 }
1623 2342
1624 ... 2343 ...
1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2344 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2345 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1627 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2346 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1628 2347
1629 2348
1630=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2349=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1631 2350
1632Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2351Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1633priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2352priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1634count). 2353as receiving "events").
1635 2354
1636That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2355That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1637(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2356(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1638triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2357triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1639are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2358are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1650 2369
1651=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2370=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1652 2371
1653=over 4 2372=over 4
1654 2373
1655=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2374=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1656 2375
1657Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2376Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1658kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2377kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1659believe me. 2378believe me.
1660 2379
1661=back 2380=back
1662 2381
2382=head3 Examples
2383
1663Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2384Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1664callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2385callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1665 2386
1666 static void 2387 static void
1667 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2388 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1668 { 2389 {
1669 free (w); 2390 free (w);
1670 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2391 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1671 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 2392 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1672 } 2393 }
1673 2394
1674 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2395 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1675 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2396 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1676 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2397 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1677 2398
1678 2399
1679=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2400=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1680 2401
1681Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2402Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1682prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2403prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1683afterwards. 2404afterwards.
1684 2405
1685You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2406You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1686the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2407the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1689those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2410those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1690C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2411C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1691called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2412called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1692 2413
1693Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2414Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1694their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2415their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1695variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2416variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1696coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2417coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1697you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2418you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1698in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2419in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1699watcher). 2420watcher).
1700 2421
1701This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2422This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1702to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2423need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1703them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2424for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1704provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2425libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1705any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2426you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1706and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2427of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1707callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2428I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1708because you never know, you know?). 2429nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1709 2430
1710As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2431As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1711coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2432coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1712during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2433during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1713are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2434are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1716loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2437loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1717low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2438low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1718 2439
1719It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2440It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1720priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2441priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2442after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2443
1721after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2444Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1722too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2445activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1723supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2446might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1724did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2447C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1725(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2448loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1726state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2449C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1727coexist peacefully with others). 2450others).
1728 2451
1729=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2452=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1730 2453
1731=over 4 2454=over 4
1732 2455
1734 2457
1735=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2458=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1736 2459
1737Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2460Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1738parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2461parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1739macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2462macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2463pointless.
1740 2464
1741=back 2465=back
2466
2467=head3 Examples
1742 2468
1743There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2469There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1744into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2470into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1745(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2471(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1746use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2472use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1747embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2473Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1748into the Glib event loop). 2474Glib event loop).
1749 2475
1750Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2476Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1751and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2477and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1752is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2478is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1753priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2479priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1754the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2480the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1755 2481
1756 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2482 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1757 static ev_timer tw; 2483 static ev_timer tw;
1758 2484
1759 static void 2485 static void
1760 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2486 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1761 { 2487 {
1762 } 2488 }
1763 2489
1764 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2490 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1765 static void 2491 static void
1766 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2492 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1767 { 2493 {
1768 int timeout = 3600000; 2494 int timeout = 3600000;
1769 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2495 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1770 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2496 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1771 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2497 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1772 2498
1773 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2499 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1774 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2500 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
1775 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2501 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1776 2502
1777 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2503 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1778 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2504 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1779 { 2505 {
1780 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2506 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1781 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2507 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1782 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2508 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1783 2509
1784 fds [i].revents = 0; 2510 fds [i].revents = 0;
1785 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2511 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1786 } 2512 }
1787 } 2513 }
1788 2514
1789 // stop all watchers after blocking 2515 // stop all watchers after blocking
1790 static void 2516 static void
1791 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2517 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1792 { 2518 {
1793 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2519 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1794 2520
1795 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2521 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1796 { 2522 {
1797 // set the relevant poll flags 2523 // set the relevant poll flags
1798 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2524 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1799 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2525 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1800 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2526 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1801 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2527 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1802 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2528 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1803 2529
1804 // now stop the watcher 2530 // now stop the watcher
1805 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2531 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1806 } 2532 }
1807 2533
1808 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2534 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1809 } 2535 }
1810 2536
1811Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2537Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1812in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2538in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1813 2539
1814Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2540Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1815notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2541notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1816callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2542callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1817 2543
1818 static void 2544 static void
1819 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2545 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1820 { 2546 {
1821 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2547 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1822 update_now (EV_A); 2548 update_now (EV_A);
1823 2549
1824 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2550 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1825 } 2551 }
1826 2552
1827 static void 2553 static void
1828 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2554 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1829 { 2555 {
1830 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2556 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1831 update_now (EV_A); 2557 update_now (EV_A);
1832 2558
1833 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2559 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1834 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2560 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1835 } 2561 }
1836 2562
1837 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2563 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1838 2564
1839Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2565Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1840want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2566want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1841their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2567override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1842loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2568main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1843this. 2569this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2570libglib event loop.
1844 2571
1845 static gint 2572 static gint
1846 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2573 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1847 { 2574 {
1848 int got_events = 0; 2575 int got_events = 0;
1849 2576
1850 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2577 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1851 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2578 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1852 2579
1853 if (timeout >= 0) 2580 if (timeout >= 0)
1854 // create/start timer 2581 // create/start timer
1855 2582
1856 // poll 2583 // poll
1857 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2584 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1858 2585
1859 // stop timer again 2586 // stop timer again
1860 if (timeout >= 0) 2587 if (timeout >= 0)
1861 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2588 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1862 2589
1863 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2590 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1864 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2591 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1865 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2592 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1866 2593
1867 return got_events; 2594 return got_events;
1868 } 2595 }
1869 2596
1870 2597
1871=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2598=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1872 2599
1873This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2600This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1879prioritise I/O. 2606prioritise I/O.
1880 2607
1881As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2608As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1882sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2609sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1883still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2610still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1884so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2611so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1885into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2612it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1886be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2613will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1887at least you can use both at what they are best. 2614C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2615best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1888 2616
1889As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2617As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1890to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2618some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1891priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2619and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1892you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2620this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1893a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2621the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1894 2622
1895As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2623As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1896there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2624time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1897call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2625must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1898their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2626sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1899loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2627C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1900to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2628to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1901embedded loop sweep.
1902 2629
1903As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2630You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1904callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2631will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1905set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1906interested in that.
1907 2632
1908Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2633Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1909when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2634is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1910but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2635embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1911yourself. 2636C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1912 2637
1913Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2638Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1914C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2639C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1915portable one. 2640portable one.
1916 2641
1917So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2642So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1918that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2643that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1919this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2644this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1920create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2645create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1921 2646
1922 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2647=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
1923 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1924 struct ev_embed embed;
1925
1926 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1927 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1928 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1929 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1930 : 0;
1931 2648
1932 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2649While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
1933 if (loop_lo) 2650automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
1934 { 2651fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
1935 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2652however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
1936 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2653as applicable.
1937 }
1938 else
1939 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1940 2654
1941=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2655=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1942 2656
1943=over 4 2657=over 4
1944 2658
1948 2662
1949Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2663Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1950embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2664embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1951invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2665invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1952to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2666to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1953if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2667if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1954 2668
1955=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2669=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1956 2670
1957Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2671Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1958similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2672similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1959apropriate way for embedded loops. 2673appropriate way for embedded loops.
1960 2674
1961=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2675=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1962 2676
1963The embedded event loop. 2677The embedded event loop.
1964 2678
1965=back 2679=back
2680
2681=head3 Examples
2682
2683Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2684event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2685loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2686C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2687used).
2688
2689 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2690 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2691 ev_embed embed;
2692
2693 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2694 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2695 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2696 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2697 : 0;
2698
2699 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2700 if (loop_lo)
2701 {
2702 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2703 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2704 }
2705 else
2706 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2707
2708Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2709a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2710kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2711C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2712
2713 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2714 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2715 ev_embed embed;
2716
2717 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2718 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2719 {
2720 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2721 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2722 }
2723
2724 if (!loop_socket)
2725 loop_socket = loop;
2726
2727 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1966 2728
1967 2729
1968=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2730=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1969 2731
1970Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2732Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1973event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2735event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1974and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2736and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1975C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2737C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1976handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2738handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1977 2739
2740=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2741
2742Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2743up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2744sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2745
2746This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2747in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2748fork.
2749
2750The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2751forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2752when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2753
2754When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2755wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2756supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2757process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2758
2759The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2760simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2761use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2762memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2763disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2764signal watchers).
2765
2766When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2767other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2768C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2769the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2770have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2771also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2772
1978=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2773=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1979 2774
1980=over 4 2775=over 4
1981 2776
1982=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2777=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1986believe me. 2781believe me.
1987 2782
1988=back 2783=back
1989 2784
1990 2785
2786=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2787
2788In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2789asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2790loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2791
2792Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2793control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2794C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2795can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2796safe.
2797
2798This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2799too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2800(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2801C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2802
2803Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2804just the default loop.
2805
2806=head3 Queueing
2807
2808C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2809is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2810multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2811need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2812
2813That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2814queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2815queue:
2816
2817=over 4
2818
2819=item queueing from a signal handler context
2820
2821To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2822handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2823an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2824
2825 static ev_async mysig;
2826
2827 static void
2828 sigusr1_handler (void)
2829 {
2830 sometype data;
2831
2832 // no locking etc.
2833 queue_put (data);
2834 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2835 }
2836
2837 static void
2838 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2839 {
2840 sometype data;
2841 sigset_t block, prev;
2842
2843 sigemptyset (&block);
2844 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2845 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2846
2847 while (queue_get (&data))
2848 process (data);
2849
2850 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2851 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2852 }
2853
2854(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2855instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2856either...).
2857
2858=item queueing from a thread context
2859
2860The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2861threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2862employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2863
2864 static ev_async mysig;
2865 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2866
2867 static void
2868 otherthread (void)
2869 {
2870 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2871 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2872 queue_put (data);
2873 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2874
2875 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2876 }
2877
2878 static void
2879 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2880 {
2881 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2882
2883 while (queue_get (&data))
2884 process (data);
2885
2886 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2887 }
2888
2889=back
2890
2891
2892=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2893
2894=over 4
2895
2896=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2897
2898Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2899kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2900trust me.
2901
2902=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2903
2904Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2905an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2906C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2907similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2908section below on what exactly this means).
2909
2910Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
2911compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
2912is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
2913reset when the event loop detects that).
2914
2915This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2916iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2917repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2918
2919=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2920
2921Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2922watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2923event loop.
2924
2925C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2926the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2927it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2928quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2929
2930Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2931only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
2932is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
2933notification, and the callback being invoked.
2934
2935=back
2936
2937
1991=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2938=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1992 2939
1993There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2940There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1994 2941
1995=over 4 2942=over 4
1996 2943
1997=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2944=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
1998 2945
1999This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2946This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2000callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2947callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2001watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2948watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2002or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2949or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2003more watchers yourself. 2950more watchers yourself.
2004 2951
2005If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2952If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2006is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2953C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2007C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2954the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2008 2955
2009If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2956If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2010started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2957started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2011repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2958repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2012dubious value.
2013 2959
2014The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2960The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2015passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2961passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2016C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2962C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2017value passed to C<ev_once>: 2963value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2964a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2965events precedence.
2018 2966
2967Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2968
2019 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2969 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2020 { 2970 {
2021 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2022 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2023 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2971 if (revents & EV_READ)
2024 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2972 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2973 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2974 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2025 } 2975 }
2026 2976
2027 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2977 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2028 2978
2029=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2979=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2030 2980
2031Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2981Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2032had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2982had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2033initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2983initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2034 2984
2035=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2985=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2036 2986
2037Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2987Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2038the given events it. 2988the given events it.
2039 2989
2040=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2990=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2041 2991
2042Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2992Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2043loop!). 2993loop!).
2044 2994
2045=back 2995=back
2046 2996
2047 2997
2063 3013
2064=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3014=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2065will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3015will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2066is an ev_pri field. 3016is an ev_pri field.
2067 3017
3018=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3019first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
3020
2068=item * Other members are not supported. 3021=item * Other members are not supported.
2069 3022
2070=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3023=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2071to use the libev header file and library. 3024to use the libev header file and library.
2072 3025
2073=back 3026=back
2074 3027
2075=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3028=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2076 3029
2077Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3030Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2078you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3031you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2079the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3032the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2080 3033
2081To use it, 3034To use it,
2082 3035
2083 #include <ev++.h> 3036 #include <ev++.h>
2084 3037
2085This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3038This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2086of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3039of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2087put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3040put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2088options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 3041options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2155your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 3108your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2156thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 3109thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2157 3110
2158Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 3111Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2159 3112
2160 struct myclass 3113 struct myclass
2161 { 3114 {
2162 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3115 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2163 } 3116 }
2164 3117
2165 myclass obj; 3118 myclass obj;
2166 ev::io iow; 3119 ev::io iow;
2167 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3120 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3121
3122=item w->set (object *)
3123
3124This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3125
3126This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3127will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3128functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3129the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3130list.
3131
3132The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3133int revents)>.
3134
3135See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3136
3137Example: use a functor object as callback.
3138
3139 struct myfunctor
3140 {
3141 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3142 {
3143 ...
3144 }
3145 }
3146
3147 myfunctor f;
3148
3149 ev::io w;
3150 w.set (&f);
2168 3151
2169=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3152=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2170 3153
2171Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3154Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2172callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3155callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2174 3157
2175The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 3158The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2176 3159
2177See the method-C<set> above for more details. 3160See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2178 3161
2179Example: 3162Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2180 3163
2181 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3164 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2182 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3165 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2183 3166
2184=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3167=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2185 3168
2186Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3169Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2187do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3170do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2188 3171
2189=item w->set ([args]) 3172=item w->set ([arguments])
2190 3173
2191Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 3174Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2192called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3175called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2193automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3176automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2194method. 3177method.
2195 3178
2196=item w->start () 3179=item w->start ()
2220=back 3203=back
2221 3204
2222Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3205Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2223the constructor. 3206the constructor.
2224 3207
2225 class myclass 3208 class myclass
2226 { 3209 {
2227 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3210 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2228 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3211 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2229 3212
2230 myclass (); 3213 myclass (int fd)
2231 } 3214 {
2232
2233 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2234 {
2235 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3215 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2236 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3216 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2237 3217
2238 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3218 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
3219 }
2239 } 3220 };
3221
3222
3223=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3224
3225Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
3226number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
3227any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
3228me a note.
3229
3230=over 4
3231
3232=item Perl
3233
3234The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
3235libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
3236there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
3237to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
3238C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
3239and C<EV::Glib>).
3240
3241It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
3242L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3243
3244=item Python
3245
3246Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3247seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3248
3249=item Ruby
3250
3251Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3252of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3253more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
3254L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3255
3256Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3257makes rev work even on mingw.
3258
3259=item Haskell
3260
3261A haskell binding to libev is available at
3262L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3263
3264=item D
3265
3266Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3267be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3268
3269=item Ocaml
3270
3271Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3272L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3273
3274=back
2240 3275
2241 3276
2242=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3277=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2243 3278
2244Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 3279Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2245of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 3280of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2246functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 3281functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2247 3282
2248To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 3283To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2249following macros are defined: 3284following macros are defined:
2254 3289
2255This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3290This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2256loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3291loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2257C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3292C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2258 3293
2259 ev_unref (EV_A); 3294 ev_unref (EV_A);
2260 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3295 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2261 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3296 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2262 3297
2263It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3298It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2264which is often provided by the following macro. 3299which is often provided by the following macro.
2265 3300
2266=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3301=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2267 3302
2268This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3303This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2269loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3304loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2270C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3305C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2271 3306
2272 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3307 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2273 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3308 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2274 3309
2275 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3310 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2276 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3311 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2277 3312
2278It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3313It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2279suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3314suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2280 3315
2281=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3316=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2282 3317
2283Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3318Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2284loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3319loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3320
3321=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3322
3323Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3324default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3325is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3326execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3327
3328It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3329watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2285 3330
2286=back 3331=back
2287 3332
2288Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3333Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2289macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3334macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2290or not. 3335or not.
2291 3336
2292 static void 3337 static void
2293 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3338 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2294 { 3339 {
2295 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3340 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2296 } 3341 }
2297 3342
2298 ev_check check; 3343 ev_check check;
2299 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3344 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2300 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3345 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2301 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3346 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2302 3347
2303=head1 EMBEDDING 3348=head1 EMBEDDING
2304 3349
2305Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3350Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2306applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3351applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2313libev somewhere in your source tree). 3358libev somewhere in your source tree).
2314 3359
2315=head2 FILESETS 3360=head2 FILESETS
2316 3361
2317Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3362Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2318in your app. 3363in your application.
2319 3364
2320=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3365=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2321 3366
2322To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3367To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2323configuration (no autoconf): 3368configuration (no autoconf):
2324 3369
2325 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3370 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2326 #include "ev.c" 3371 #include "ev.c"
2327 3372
2328This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3373This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2329single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3374single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2330it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3375it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2331done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3376done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2332where you can put other configuration options): 3377where you can put other configuration options):
2333 3378
2334 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3379 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2335 #include "ev.h" 3380 #include "ev.h"
2336 3381
2337Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3382Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2338compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3383compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2339as a bug). 3384as a bug).
2340 3385
2341You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3386You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2342in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3387in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2343 3388
2344 ev.h 3389 ev.h
2345 ev.c 3390 ev.c
2346 ev_vars.h 3391 ev_vars.h
2347 ev_wrap.h 3392 ev_wrap.h
2348 3393
2349 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3394 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2350 3395
2351 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3396 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2352 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3397 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2353 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3398 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2354 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3399 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2355 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3400 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2356 3401
2357F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3402F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2358to compile this single file. 3403to compile this single file.
2359 3404
2360=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3405=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2361 3406
2362To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3407To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2363 3408
2364 #include "event.c" 3409 #include "event.c"
2365 3410
2366in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3411in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2367 3412
2368 #include "event.h" 3413 #include "event.h"
2369 3414
2370in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3415in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2371 3416
2372You need the following additional files for this: 3417You need the following additional files for this:
2373 3418
2374 event.h 3419 event.h
2375 event.c 3420 event.c
2376 3421
2377=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3422=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2378 3423
2379Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3424Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2380whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3425whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2381F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3426F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2382include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3427include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2383 3428
2384For this of course you need the m4 file: 3429For this of course you need the m4 file:
2385 3430
2386 libev.m4 3431 libev.m4
2387 3432
2388=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3433=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2389 3434
2390Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3435Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2391before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3436define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2392and only include the select backend. 3437autoconf is documented for every option.
2393 3438
2394=over 4 3439=over 4
2395 3440
2396=item EV_STANDALONE 3441=item EV_STANDALONE
2397 3442
2399keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3444keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2400implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3445implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2401supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3446supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2402F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3447F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2403 3448
3449In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3450configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3451
2404=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3452=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2405 3453
2406If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3454If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2407monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3455monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2408of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3456use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2409usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3457you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2410the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3458when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2411to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3459to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2412function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3460function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2413 3461
2414=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3462=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2415 3463
2416If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2417realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3465real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2418runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3466at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2419be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3467option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2420(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3468by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2421note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3469correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3470C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3471C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3472
3473=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3474
3475If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3476of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3477exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3478unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3479programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3480theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3481the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3482higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2422 3483
2423=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3484=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2424 3485
2425If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3486If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2426and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3487and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2427 3488
3489=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3490
3491If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3492available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3493C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3494If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
34952.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3496
2428=item EV_USE_SELECT 3497=item EV_USE_SELECT
2429 3498
2430If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3499If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2431C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3500C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2432other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3501other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2433will not be compiled in. 3502will not be compiled in.
2434 3503
2435=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3504=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2436 3505
2437If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3506If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2438structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3507structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2439C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3508C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2440exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3509on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2441low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3510some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2442allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3511only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2443influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3512configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2444 3513
2445=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3514=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2446 3515
2447When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3516When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2448select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3517select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2450be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3519be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2451C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3520C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2452it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3521it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2453on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3522on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2454 3523
3524=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
3525
3526If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3527file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3528default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3529correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3530in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3531
2455=item EV_USE_POLL 3532=item EV_USE_POLL
2456 3533
2457If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3534If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2458backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3535backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2459takes precedence over select. 3536takes precedence over select.
2460 3537
2461=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3538=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2462 3539
2463If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3540If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2464C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3541C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2465otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3542otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2466preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3543backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3544headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2467 3545
2468=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3546=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2469 3547
2470If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3548If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2471C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3549C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2484otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3562otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2485backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3563backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2486 3564
2487=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3565=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2488 3566
2489reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3567Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2490 3568
2491=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3569=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2492 3570
2493If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3571If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2494interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3572interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2495be detected at runtime. 3573be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3574indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3575
3576=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3577
3578Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3579access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3580type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3581that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3582as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3583
3584In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3585(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2496 3586
2497=item EV_H 3587=item EV_H
2498 3588
2499The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3589The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2500undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 3590undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2501can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3591used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2502 3592
2503=item EV_CONFIG_H 3593=item EV_CONFIG_H
2504 3594
2505If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3595If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2506F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3596F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2507C<EV_H>, above. 3597C<EV_H>, above.
2508 3598
2509=item EV_EVENT_H 3599=item EV_EVENT_H
2510 3600
2511Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3601Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2512of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 3602of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2513 3603
2514=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3604=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2515 3605
2516If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3606If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2517prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3607prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2538When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3628When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2539all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3629all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2540and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3630and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2541fine. 3631fine.
2542 3632
2543If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3633If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2544C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3634both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2545 3635
2546=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3636=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2547 3637
2548If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3638If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2549defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3639defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2556code. 3646code.
2557 3647
2558=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3648=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2559 3649
2560If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3650If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2561defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3651defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3652watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2562 3653
2563=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3654=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2564 3655
2565If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3656If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2566defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3657defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2568=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3659=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2569 3660
2570If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3661If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2571defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3662defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2572 3663
3664=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3665
3666If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3667defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3668
2573=item EV_MINIMAL 3669=item EV_MINIMAL
2574 3670
2575If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3671If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2576speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3672speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2577some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3673inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3674much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2578 3675
2579=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3676=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2580 3677
2581C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3678C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2582pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3679pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2589inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3686inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2590usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3687usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2591watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3688watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2592two). 3689two).
2593 3690
3691=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3692
3693Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3694timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3695to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3696faster performance with many (thousands) 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_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3702
3703Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3704timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3705the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3706which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3707but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3708noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3709
3710The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3711(disabled).
3712
3713=item EV_VERIFY
3714
3715Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3716be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3717in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3718called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3719called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3720verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3721libev considerably.
3722
3723The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3724C<0>.
3725
2594=item EV_COMMON 3726=item EV_COMMON
2595 3727
2596By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3728By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2597this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3729this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2598members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3730members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2599though, and it must be identical each time. 3731though, and it must be identical each time.
2600 3732
2601For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3733For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2602 3734
2603 #define EV_COMMON \ 3735 #define EV_COMMON \
2604 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3736 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2605 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3737 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2606 3738
2607=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3739=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2608 3740
2609=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3741=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2610 3742
2615definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3747definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2616their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3748their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2617avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3749avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2618method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3750method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2619 3751
3752=back
3753
2620=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3754=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2621 3755
2622If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3756If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2623exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3757exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2624all public symbols, one per line: 3758all public symbols, one per line:
2625 3759
2626 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3760 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2627 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3761 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2628 3762
2629This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3763This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2630multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3764multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2631itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3765itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2632 3766
2633A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3767A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2634include before including F<ev.h>: 3768include before including F<ev.h>:
2635 3769
2636 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3770 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2653file. 3787file.
2654 3788
2655The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3789The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2656that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3790that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2657 3791
2658 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3792 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2659 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3793 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2660 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3794 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2661 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3795 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2662 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3796 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2663 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3797 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2664 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3798 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2665 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3799 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2666 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3800 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2667 3801
2668 #include "ev++.h" 3802 #include "ev++.h"
2669 3803
2670And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3804And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2671 3805
2672 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3806 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2673 #include "ev.c" 3807 #include "ev.c"
2674 3808
3809=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2675 3810
3811=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3812
3813=head3 THREADS
3814
3815All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3816documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3817that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3818are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3819parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3820of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3821structures that need any locking.
3822
3823Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3824concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3825must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3826only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3827a mutex per loop).
3828
3829Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3830so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3831concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3832outside".
3833
3834If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3835without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3836help you, but here is some generic advice:
3837
3838=over 4
3839
3840=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3841in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3842
3843This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3844themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3845
3846=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3847
3848Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3849exists, but it is always a good start.
3850
3851=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3852loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3853
3854Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3855better than you currently do :-)
3856
3857=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3858event loop.
3859
3860C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3861(or from signal contexts...).
3862
3863An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3864work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3865default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3866watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3867
3868=back
3869
3870=head3 COROUTINES
3871
3872Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3873libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3874coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3875different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3876loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3877you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3878
3879Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3880C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3881they do not call any callbacks.
3882
3883=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3884
3885Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3886lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3887scared by this.
3888
3889However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3890has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3891warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3892targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3893
3894Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3895workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3896maintainable.
3897
3898And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3899wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3900seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3901warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3902been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3903such buggy versions.
3904
3905While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3906"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3907with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3908them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3909warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3910
3911
3912=head2 VALGRIND
3913
3914Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3915highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3916
3917If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3918in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3919
3920 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3921 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3922 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3923
3924Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3925is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3926
3927Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3928as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3929although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3930confused.
3931
3932Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3933make it into some kind of religion.
3934
3935If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3936with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3937is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3938annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3939of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3940
3941If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3942I suggest using suppression lists.
3943
3944
3945=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3946
3947=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3948
3949Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3950requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3951model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3952the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3953descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3954e.g. cygwin.
3955
3956Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3957re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3958things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3959way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3960
3961There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3962embedding it into other applications.
3963
3964Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
3965tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3966
3967Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3968accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3969either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3970so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3971megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3972available).
3973
3974Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3975the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3976is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3977more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3978different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3979notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3980(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3981
3982A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3983section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3984of F<ev.h>:
3985
3986 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3987 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3988
3989 #include "ev.h"
3990
3991And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3992you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3993
3994 #include "evwrap.h"
3995 #include "ev.c"
3996
3997=over 4
3998
3999=item The winsocket select function
4000
4001The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4002requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4003also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4004requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4005C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
4006discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
4007C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
4008
4009The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
4010libraries and raw winsocket select is:
4011
4012 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4013 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4014
4015Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4016complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4017
4018=item Limited number of file descriptors
4019
4020Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4021
4022Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4023of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4024can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
4025recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
4026previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
4027
4028Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
4029to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
4030call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
4031other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
4032
4033Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
4034libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
4035fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
4036by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
4037(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
4038runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4039(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4040you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4041the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4042
4043=back
4044
4045=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4046
4047In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4048backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4049
4050=over 4
4051
4052=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
4053calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
4054
4055Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4056structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4057assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4058callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4059calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4060
4061=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4062
4063The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4064C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4065threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4066believed to be sufficiently portable.
4067
4068=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
4069
4070Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
4071allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
4072pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
4073thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4074be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4075C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4076
4077The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4078except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
4079well.
4080
4081=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4082
4083To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4084instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4085systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
4086least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
4087watchers.
4088
4089=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4090
4091The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4092have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
4093enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
4094implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing
4095ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least
40962200.
4097
4098=back
4099
4100If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4101
4102
2676=head1 COMPLEXITIES 4103=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
2677 4104
2678In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 4105In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2679libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 4106libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
2680documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 4107the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2681 4108
2682All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 4109All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2683extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 4110extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2684happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 4111happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2685mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 4112mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
2686it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 4113average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2687 4114
2688=over 4 4115=over 4
2689 4116
2690=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 4117=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2691 4118
2692This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 4119This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2693there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 4120there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
2694have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers. 4121have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2695 4122
2696=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 4123=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2697 4124
2698That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 4125That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
2699as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 4126as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2700 4127
2701=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 4128=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2702 4129
2703These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 4130These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2704 4131
2705=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 4132=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2706 4133
2707=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 4134=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2708 4135
2709These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 4136These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
2710correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 4137correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2711have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 4138have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
4139is rare).
2712 4140
2713=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 4141=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2714 4142
2715By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 4143By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2716beginning of the storage array. 4144fixed position in the storage array.
2717 4145
2718=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 4146=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2719 4147
2720A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 4148A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2721libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 4149libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2722on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 4150on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2723 4151
2724=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 4152=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2725 4153
2726=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 4154=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2727 4155
2728Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 4156Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2729priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 4157priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2730linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating 4158linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2731watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling. 4159watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4160
4161=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4162
4163=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4164
4165=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4166
4167Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4168calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4169involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2732 4170
2733=back 4171=back
2734 4172
2735 4173
4174=head1 GLOSSARY
4175
4176=over 4
4177
4178=item active
4179
4180A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4181an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4182
4183=item application
4184
4185In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4186
4187=item callback
4188
4189The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4190detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4191received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4192
4193=item callback invocation
4194
4195The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4196
4197=item event
4198
4199A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4200for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4201any other events happening anymore.
4202
4203In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4204C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4205
4206=item event library
4207
4208A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4209
4210=item event loop
4211
4212An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4213into callback invocations.
4214
4215=item event model
4216
4217The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4218watchers and events.
4219
4220=item pending
4221
4222A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4223and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
4224pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4225
4226A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4227its pending status.
4228
4229=item real time
4230
4231The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4232
4233=item wall-clock time
4234
4235The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4236be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4237clock.
4238
4239=item watcher
4240
4241A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4242to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4243
4244=item watcher invocation
4245
4246The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4247
4248=back
4249
2736=head1 AUTHOR 4250=head1 AUTHOR
2737 4251
2738Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4252Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
2739 4253

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