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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial 76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
98=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
99 107
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
103(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
109(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
110 119
111It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
113for example). 122for example).
114 123
117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
119more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument. 132this argument.
124 133
125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
126 135
127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
134throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
135 145
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137 147
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
163 173
164=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
165 175
166Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
167C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
168you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
169 180
170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
171 182
172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
190as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
191compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
192not a problem. 203not a problem.
193 204
194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
195version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
196 208
197 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
200 212
211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
213 225
214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
215 227
216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
222 235
223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
224 237
225Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
226is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
227might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
229recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
230 243
231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
232 245
233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
234 247
288 ... 301 ...
289 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
290 303
291=back 304=back
292 305
293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
294 307
295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
297I<function>). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
298 311
299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
301not. 314do not.
302 315
303=over 4 316=over 4
304 317
305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
306 319
307This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
308yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
309false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
311 330
312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
313function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
314 333
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note 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, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
318 338
319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
324C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
325 363
326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
327backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
328 366
329The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
345around bugs. 383around bugs.
346 384
347=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
348 386
349Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
350a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
351enabling this flag.
352 389
353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
362flag. 399flag.
363 400
364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365environment variable. 402environment variable.
366 403
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them.
419
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
423
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 425
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 428but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 452This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 453C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397 454
398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
399 456
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels).
459
400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
404 464
405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
470(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
409so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4710.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
410I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 472forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 473set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
412hard to detect. 474and is of course hard to detect.
413 475
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 476Epoll 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 477of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 478I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 479even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 480on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 481employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 482events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
483not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
484perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
485
486Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
421 487
422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 488While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 489will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 490incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 491I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
518 584
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 585It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520 586
521=back 587=back
522 588
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 589If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 590then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 591here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
526 592()> will be tried.
527Example: This is the most typical usage.
528
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
531
532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
533environment settings to be taken into account:
534
535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
536
537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
541
542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
543
544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
545
546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554 593
555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 594Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
556 595
557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 596 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
558 if (!epoller) 597 if (!epoller)
559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 598 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
560 599
600Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
601used if available.
602
603 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
604
561=item ev_default_destroy () 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
562 606
563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 607Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 608etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 609sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 610responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 611calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 612the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
570 614
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 615Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 616handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 617as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574 618
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 619This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 620C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
621C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
622
623Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
624except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 625If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 626and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579 627
580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 628=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
581 629
582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
584
585=item ev_default_fork ()
586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 630This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 631reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 632name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 633the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 634child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 635
636Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
637a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
638because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
639during fork.
593 640
594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 641On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 642process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 643you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
644call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
645difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
646costly reset of the backend).
597 647
598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 648The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 649it just in case after a fork.
600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
601 650
651Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
652using pthreads.
653
654 static void
655 post_fork_child (void)
656 {
657 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
658 }
659
660 ...
602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 661 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
603
604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605
606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610 662
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 663=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612 664
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 665Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise. 666otherwise.
615 667
616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 668=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
617 669
618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 670Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 671to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
620happily wraps around with enough iterations. 672and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621 673
622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 674This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 675"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 676C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
677prepare and check phases.
625 678
626=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 679=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
627 680
628Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 681Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
629times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 682times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
630 683
631Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 684Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
632C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 685C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
633in which case it is higher. 686in which case it is higher.
634 687
635Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 688Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
636etc.), doesn't count as exit. 689etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
690ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
637 691
638=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 692=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
639 693
640Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 694Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
641use. 695use.
650 704
651=item ev_now_update (loop) 705=item ev_now_update (loop)
652 706
653Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 707Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
654returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 708returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
655is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 709is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
656 710
657This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 711This 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 712very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
659the current time is a good idea. 713the current time is a good idea.
660 714
662 716
663=item ev_suspend (loop) 717=item ev_suspend (loop)
664 718
665=item ev_resume (loop) 719=item ev_resume (loop)
666 720
667These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 721These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
668not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 722loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
669 723
670A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 724A 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 725the 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 726would 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> 727the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
675C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 729C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
676 730
677Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 731Effectively, 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 732between 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 733will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
680occured while suspended). 734occurred while suspended).
681 735
682After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 736After 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> 737given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
684without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 738without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
685 739
686Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 740Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
687event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 741event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
688 742
689=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 743=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
690 744
691Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 745Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
692after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 746after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
693events. 747handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
748the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
749is why event loops are called I<loops>.
694 750
695If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 751If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
696either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 752until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
753called.
697 754
698Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 755Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
699relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 756relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
700finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 757finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
701that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 758that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
702of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 759of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
703beauty. 760beauty.
704 761
705A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 762A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
706those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 763those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
707process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 764block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
708the loop. 765iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
766events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
709 767
710A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 768A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
711necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 769necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
712will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 770will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
713be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 771be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
714user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 772user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
715iteration of the loop. 773iteration of the loop.
716 774
717This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 775This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
718with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 776with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
719own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 777own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
720usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 778usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
721 779
722Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 780Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
723 781
782 - Increment loop depth.
783 - Reset the ev_break status.
724 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 784 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
785 LOOP:
725 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 786 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
726 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 787 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
727 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 788 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
789 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
728 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 790 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
729 as to not disturb the other process. 791 as to not disturb the other process.
730 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 792 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
731 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 793 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
732 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 794 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
733 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 795 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
734 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 796 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
735 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 797 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
798 - Increment loop iteration counter.
736 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 799 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
737 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 800 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
738 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 801 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
739 - Queue all expired timers. 802 - Queue all expired timers.
740 - Queue all expired periodics. 803 - Queue all expired periodics.
741 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 804 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
742 - Queue all check watchers. 805 - Queue all check watchers.
743 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 806 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
744 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 807 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
745 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 808 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
746 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 809 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
747 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 810 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
748 continue with step *. 811 continue with step LOOP.
812 FINISH:
813 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
814 - Decrement the loop depth.
815 - Return.
749 816
750Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 817Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
751anymore. 818anymore.
752 819
753 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 820 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
754 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 821 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
755 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 822 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
756 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 823 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
757 824
758=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 825=item ev_break (loop, how)
759 826
760Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 827Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
761has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 828has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
762C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 829C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
763C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 830C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
764 831
765This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 832This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
766 833
767It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 834It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
768 835
769=item ev_ref (loop) 836=item ev_ref (loop)
770 837
771=item ev_unref (loop) 838=item ev_unref (loop)
772 839
773Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 840Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
774loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 841loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
775count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 842count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
776 843
777If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 844This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
778from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 845unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
846returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
779stopping it. 847before stopping it.
780 848
781As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 849As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
782is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 850is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
783exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 851exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
784excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 852excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
785third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 853third-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 854before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
787before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 855before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
788(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 856(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
789in the callback). 857in the callback).
790 858
791Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 859Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
792running when nothing else is active. 860running when nothing else is active.
793 861
794 ev_signal exitsig; 862 ev_signal exitsig;
795 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 863 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
796 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 864 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
841usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 909usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
842as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 910as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
843you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 911you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
844parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 912parallelity, 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, 913need 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). 914then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
847 915
848Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 916Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
849saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 917saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
850are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 918are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
851times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 919times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
856more often than 100 times per second: 924more often than 100 times per second:
857 925
858 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1); 926 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
859 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 927 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
860 928
929=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
930
931This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
932pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
933but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
934function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
935when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
936event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
937thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
938
939=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
940
941Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
942are pending.
943
944=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
945
946This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
947invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
948this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
949invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
950
951If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
952callback.
953
954=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
955
956Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
957can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
958each call to a libev function.
959
960However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
961to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
962loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
963I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
964
965When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
966suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
967afterwards.
968
969Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
970C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
971
972While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
973C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
974modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
975have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
976waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
977to take note of any changes you made.
978
979In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
980invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
981
982See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
983document.
984
985=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
986
987=item ev_userdata (loop)
988
989Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
990C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
991C<0.>
992
993These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
994and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
995C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
996any other purpose as well.
997
861=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 998=item ev_verify (loop)
862 999
863This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1000This 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 1001compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
865through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1002through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
866is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1003is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
877 1014
878In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1015In 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 1016watcher 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. 1017watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
881 1018
882A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1019A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
883interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1020your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
884become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1021to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1022for that:
885 1023
886 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1024 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
887 { 1025 {
888 ev_io_stop (w); 1026 ev_io_stop (w);
889 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1027 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
890 } 1028 }
891 1029
892 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1030 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
893 1031
894 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1032 ev_io stdin_watcher;
895 1033
896 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1034 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
897 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1035 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
898 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1036 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
899 1037
900 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1038 ev_run (loop, 0);
901 1039
902As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1040As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
903watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1041watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
904stack). 1042stack).
905 1043
906Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1044Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
907or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1045or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
908 1046
909Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1047Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
910(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1048*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
911callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1049invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
912watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1050time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
913is readable and/or writable). 1051and/or writable).
914 1052
915Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1053Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
916macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1054macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
917is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1055is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
918ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1056ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
941=item C<EV_WRITE> 1079=item C<EV_WRITE>
942 1080
943The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1081The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
944writable. 1082writable.
945 1083
946=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1084=item C<EV_TIMER>
947 1085
948The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1086The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
949 1087
950=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1088=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
951 1089
969 1107
970=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1108=item C<EV_PREPARE>
971 1109
972=item C<EV_CHECK> 1110=item C<EV_CHECK>
973 1111
974All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1112All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
975to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1113to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
976C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1114C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
977received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1115received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
978many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1116many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
979(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1117(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
980C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1118C<ev_run> from blocking).
981 1119
982=item C<EV_EMBED> 1120=item C<EV_EMBED>
983 1121
984The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1122The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
985 1123
986=item C<EV_FORK> 1124=item C<EV_FORK>
987 1125
988The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1126The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
989C<ev_fork>). 1127C<ev_fork>).
1128
1129=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1130
1131The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
990 1132
991=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1133=item C<EV_ASYNC>
992 1134
993The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1135The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
994 1136
1041 1183
1042 ev_io w; 1184 ev_io w;
1043 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1185 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1044 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1186 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1045 1187
1046=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1188=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1047 1189
1048This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1190This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1049call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1191call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1050call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1192call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1051macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1193macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1064 1206
1065Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1207Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1066 1208
1067 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1209 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1068 1210
1069=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1211=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1070 1212
1071Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1213Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1072events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1214events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1073 1215
1074Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1216Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1075whole section. 1217whole section.
1076 1218
1077 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1219 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1078 1220
1079=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1221=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1080 1222
1081Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1223Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1082the watcher was active or not). 1224the watcher was active or not).
1083 1225
1084It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1226It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1109=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1251=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1110 1252
1111Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1253Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1112(modulo threads). 1254(modulo threads).
1113 1255
1114=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1256=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1115 1257
1116=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1258=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1117 1259
1118Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1260Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1119integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1261integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1151watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1293watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1152 1294
1153Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1295Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1154callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1296callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1155 1297
1298=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1299
1300Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1301had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1302initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1303not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1304
1305Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1306C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1307not started in the first place.
1308
1309See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1310functions that do not need a watcher.
1311
1156=back 1312=back
1157
1158 1313
1159=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1314=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1160 1315
1161Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1316Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1162and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1317and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1218 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1373 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1219 { 1374 {
1220 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1375 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1221 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1376 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1222 } 1377 }
1378
1379=head2 WATCHER STATES
1380
1381There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1382active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1383transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1384rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1385
1386=over 4
1387
1388=item initialiased
1389
1390Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1391initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1392C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1393
1394In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1395in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1396
1397=item started/running/active
1398
1399Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1400property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1401this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1402freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1403and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1404
1405=item pending
1406
1407If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1408in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1409stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1410about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1411callback.
1412
1413The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1414an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1415is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1416but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1417moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1418previous item still apply.
1419
1420It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1421via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1422active.
1423
1424=item stopped
1425
1426A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1427be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1428latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1429of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1430freeing it is often a good idea.
1431
1432While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1433initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1434you wish.
1435
1436=back
1223 1437
1224=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1438=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1225 1439
1226Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1440Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1227integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1441integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1270 1484
1271For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1485For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1272you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1486you 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 1487the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1274processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1488processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1275continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1489continuously 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 1490the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1277workable. 1491workable.
1278 1492
1279Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1493Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1280miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1494miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1294 { 1508 {
1295 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1509 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1296 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1510 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1297 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1511 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1298 1512
1299 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1513 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1300 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1514 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1301 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1515 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1302 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1516 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1303 } 1517 }
1304 1518
1358 1572
1359If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1573If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1360known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1574known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1361C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1575C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1362descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1576descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1363files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1577files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1364 1578
1365Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1579Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1366receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1580receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1367be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1581be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1368because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1582because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1433 1647
1434So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1648So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1435ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1649ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1436somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1650somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1437 1651
1652=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1653
1654Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1655found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1656connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1657
1658For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1659of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1660rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1661the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1662typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1663
1664Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1665operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1666situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1667cope with overload is known (to me).
1668
1669One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1670- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1671situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1672event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1673
1674A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1675C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1676messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1677what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1678the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1679usage.
1680
1681If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1682descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1683when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1684close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1685clients under typical overload conditions.
1686
1687The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1688is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1689opportunity for a DoS attack.
1438 1690
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1691=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1440 1692
1441=over 4 1693=over 4
1442 1694
1474 ... 1726 ...
1475 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1727 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1476 ev_io stdin_readable; 1728 ev_io stdin_readable;
1477 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1729 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1478 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1730 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1479 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1731 ev_run (loop, 0);
1480 1732
1481 1733
1482=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1734=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1483 1735
1484Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1736Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1493The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1745The 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 1746passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1495might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1747might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1496same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1748same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1497before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1749before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1498no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1750no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1499 1751
1500=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1752=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1501 1753
1502Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1754Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1503recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1755recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1589 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1841 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1590 1842
1591 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1843 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1592 if (timeout < now) 1844 if (timeout < now)
1593 { 1845 {
1594 // timeout occured, take action 1846 // timeout occurred, take action
1595 } 1847 }
1596 else 1848 else
1597 { 1849 {
1598 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1850 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1599 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1851 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1621to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1873to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1622callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1874callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1623 1875
1624 ev_init (timer, callback); 1876 ev_init (timer, callback);
1625 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1877 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1626 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1878 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1627 1879
1628And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1880And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1629C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1881C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1630 1882
1631 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1883 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1632 1884
1633This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1885This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1634time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1886time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1635 1887
1636Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1888Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1674 1926
1675=head3 The special problem of time updates 1927=head3 The special problem of time updates
1676 1928
1677Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1929Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1678least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1930least 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 1931time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1680growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1932growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1681lots of events in one iteration. 1933lots of events in one iteration.
1682 1934
1683The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1935The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1684time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1936time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1690 1942
1691If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1943If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1692update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1944update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1693()>. 1945()>.
1694 1946
1947=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1948
1949When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1950can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1951
1952Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1953all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1954to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1955system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1956was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1957towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1958clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1959long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1960be adjusted accordingly.
1961
1962I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1963operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1964
1965The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1966time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1967is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1968then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1969will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1970use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1971
1972It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1973and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1974deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1975C<SIGSTOP>).
1976
1695=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1977=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1696 1978
1697=over 4 1979=over 4
1698 1980
1699=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1981=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1725C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2007C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1726 2008
1727This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2009This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1728usage example. 2010usage example.
1729 2011
2012=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2013
2014Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2015then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2016the timeout value currently configured.
2017
2018That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2019C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2020will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2021roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2022too), and so on.
2023
1730=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2024=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1731 2025
1732The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2026The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1733or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2027or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1734which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 2028which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1759 } 2053 }
1760 2054
1761 ev_timer mytimer; 2055 ev_timer mytimer;
1762 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2056 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1763 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2057 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1764 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2058 ev_run (loop, 0);
1765 2059
1766 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2060 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1767 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2061 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1768 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2062 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1769 2063
1795 2089
1796As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2090As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1797point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2091point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1798timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2092timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1799earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2093earlier 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). 2094(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1801 2095
1802=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2096=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1803 2097
1804=over 4 2098=over 4
1805 2099
1933Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2227Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1934system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2228system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1935potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2229potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1936 2230
1937 static void 2231 static void
1938 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2232 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1939 { 2233 {
1940 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2234 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1941 } 2235 }
1942 2236
1943 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2237 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1969Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2263Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1970signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2264signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1971will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2265will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1972normal event processing, like any other event. 2266normal event processing, like any other event.
1973 2267
1974If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2268If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1975do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2269C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1976C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2270the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2271synchronously wake up an event loop.
1977 2272
1978You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2273You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2274only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2275default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2276C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2277the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2278
1979first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2279When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1980with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2280with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1981you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2281you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1982the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1983signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1984 2282
1985If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2283If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1986C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2284C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1987interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2285not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1988signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2286interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1989them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2287and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2288
2289=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2290
2291Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2292(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2293stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2294and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2295
2296While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2297sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2298C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2299certain signals to be blocked.
2300
2301This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2302the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2303choice usually).
2304
2305The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2306to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2307catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2308
2309In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2310unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2311the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2312I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2313
2314So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2315you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2316is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1990 2317
1991=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2318=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1992 2319
1993=over 4 2320=over 4
1994 2321
2010Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2337Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2011 2338
2012 static void 2339 static void
2013 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2340 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2014 { 2341 {
2015 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2342 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2016 } 2343 }
2017 2344
2018 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2345 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2019 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2346 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2020 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2347 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2039libev) 2366libev)
2040 2367
2041=head3 Process Interaction 2368=head3 Process Interaction
2042 2369
2043Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2370Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2044initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2371initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2045the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2372first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2046of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2373of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2047synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2374synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2048children, even ones not watched. 2375children, even ones not watched.
2049 2376
2050=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2377=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2060=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2387=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2061 2388
2062Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2389Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2063child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2390child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2064callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2391callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2065when a child exit is detected. 2392when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2393problem).
2066 2394
2067=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2395=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2068 2396
2069=over 4 2397=over 4
2070 2398
2405 2733
2406Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2734Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2407prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2735prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2408afterwards. 2736afterwards.
2409 2737
2410You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2738You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2411the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2739the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2412watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2740watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2413rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2741rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2414those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2742those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2415C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2743C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2583 2911
2584 if (timeout >= 0) 2912 if (timeout >= 0)
2585 // create/start timer 2913 // create/start timer
2586 2914
2587 // poll 2915 // poll
2588 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2916 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2589 2917
2590 // stop timer again 2918 // stop timer again
2591 if (timeout >= 0) 2919 if (timeout >= 0)
2592 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2920 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2593 2921
2671if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2999if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2672 3000
2673=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3001=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2674 3002
2675Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3003Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2676similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3004similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2677appropriate way for embedded loops. 3005appropriate way for embedded loops.
2678 3006
2679=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3007=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2680 3008
2681The embedded event loop. 3009The embedded event loop.
2741C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3069C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2742handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3070handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2743 3071
2744=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3072=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2745 3073
2746Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3074Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2747up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3075up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2748sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3076sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2749 3077
2750This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3078This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2751in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3079in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2767disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3095disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2768signal watchers). 3096signal watchers).
2769 3097
2770When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3098When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2771other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3099other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2772C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3100C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2773the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3101Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2774have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3102watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2775also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3103those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3104signal watchers.
2776 3105
2777=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3106=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2778 3107
2779=over 4 3108=over 4
2780 3109
2781=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3110=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2782 3111
2783Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3112Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2784kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3113kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2785believe me. 3114really.
2786 3115
2787=back 3116=back
2788 3117
2789 3118
3119=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3120
3121Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3122by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3123
3124While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3125watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3126program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3127loop when you want them to be invoked.
3128
3129Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3130all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3131makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3132can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3133
3134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3135
3136=over 4
3137
3138=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3139
3140Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3141any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3142pointless, I assure you.
3143
3144=back
3145
3146Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3147cleanup functions are called.
3148
3149 static void
3150 program_exits (void)
3151 {
3152 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3153 }
3154
3155 ...
3156 atexit (program_exits);
3157
3158
2790=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3159=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2791 3160
2792In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3161In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2793asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3162asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2794loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3163loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2795 3164
2796Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3165Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2797control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3166for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2798C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3167watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2799can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3168it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2800safe.
2801 3169
2802This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3170This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2803too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3171too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2804(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3172(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2805C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3173C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2810=head3 Queueing 3178=head3 Queueing
2811 3179
2812C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3180C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2813is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3181is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2814multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3182multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2815need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3183need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3184semantics.
2816 3185
2817That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3186That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2818queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3187queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2819queue: 3188queue:
2820 3189
2959 3328
2960If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3329If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2961started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3330started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2962repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3331repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2963 3332
2964The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3333The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2965passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3334passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2966C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3335C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2967value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3336value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2968a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3337a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2969events precedence. 3338events precedence.
2970 3339
2971Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3340Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2972 3341
2973 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3342 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2974 { 3343 {
2975 if (revents & EV_READ) 3344 if (revents & EV_READ)
2976 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3345 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2977 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3346 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2978 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3347 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2979 } 3348 }
2980 3349
2981 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3350 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2982 3351
2983=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2984
2985Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2986had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2987initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2988
2989=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3352=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2990 3353
2991Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3354Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2992the given events it. 3355the given events it.
2993 3356
2994=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3357=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2995 3358
2996Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3359Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2997loop!). 3360loop!).
2998 3361
2999=back 3362=back
3079 3442
3080=over 4 3443=over 4
3081 3444
3082=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3445=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3083 3446
3084=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3447=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3085 3448
3086=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3449=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3087 3450
3088The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3451The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3089with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3452with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3122 myclass obj; 3485 myclass obj;
3123 ev::io iow; 3486 ev::io iow;
3124 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3487 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3125 3488
3126=item w->set (object *) 3489=item w->set (object *)
3127
3128This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3129 3490
3130This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3491This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3131will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3492will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3132functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3493functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3133the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3494the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3166Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3527Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3167 3528
3168 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3529 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3169 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3530 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3170 3531
3171=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3532=item w->set (loop)
3172 3533
3173Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3534Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3174do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3535do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3175 3536
3176=item w->set ([arguments]) 3537=item w->set ([arguments])
3177 3538
3178Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3539Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3179called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3540method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3180automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3541C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3181method. 3542when reconfiguring it with this method.
3182 3543
3183=item w->start () 3544=item w->start ()
3184 3545
3185Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3546Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3186constructor already stores the event loop. 3547constructor already stores the event loop.
3187 3548
3549=item w->start ([arguments])
3550
3551Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3552convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3553the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3554
3188=item w->stop () 3555=item w->stop ()
3189 3556
3190Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3557Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3191 3558
3192=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3559=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3204 3571
3205=back 3572=back
3206 3573
3207=back 3574=back
3208 3575
3209Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3576Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3210the constructor. 3577watchers in the constructor.
3211 3578
3212 class myclass 3579 class myclass
3213 { 3580 {
3214 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3581 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3582 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3215 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3583 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3216 3584
3217 myclass (int fd) 3585 myclass (int fd)
3218 { 3586 {
3219 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3587 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3588 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3220 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3589 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3221 3590
3222 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3591 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3592 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3593
3594 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3223 } 3595 }
3224 }; 3596 };
3225 3597
3226 3598
3227=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3599=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3273=item Ocaml 3645=item Ocaml
3274 3646
3275Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3647Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3276L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3648L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3277 3649
3650=item Lua
3651
3652Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3653time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3654L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3655
3278=back 3656=back
3279 3657
3280 3658
3281=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3659=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3282 3660
3295loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3673loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3296C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3674C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3297 3675
3298 ev_unref (EV_A); 3676 ev_unref (EV_A);
3299 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3677 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3300 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3678 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3301 3679
3302It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3680It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3303which is often provided by the following macro. 3681which is often provided by the following macro.
3304 3682
3305=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3683=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3345 } 3723 }
3346 3724
3347 ev_check check; 3725 ev_check check;
3348 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3726 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3349 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3727 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3350 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3728 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3351 3729
3352=head1 EMBEDDING 3730=head1 EMBEDDING
3353 3731
3354Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3732Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3355applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3733applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3435 libev.m4 3813 libev.m4
3436 3814
3437=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3815=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3438 3816
3439Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3817Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3440define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3818define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3441autoconf is documented for every option. 3819the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3820
3821Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3822values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3823to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3824to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3825users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3826settings.
3442 3827
3443=over 4 3828=over 4
3444 3829
3830=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3831
3832Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3833release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3834have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3835
3836You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3837versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3838sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3839from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3840typedef in that case.
3841
3842In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3843and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3844removed completely.
3845
3445=item EV_STANDALONE 3846=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3446 3847
3447Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3848Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3448keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3849keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3449implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3850implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3450supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3851supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3451F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3852F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3452 3853
3453In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3854In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3454configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3855configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3455 3856
3456=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3857=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3457 3858
3458If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3859If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3523be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3924be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3524C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3925C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3525it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3926it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3526on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3927on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3527 3928
3528=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3929=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3529 3930
3530If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3931If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3531file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3932file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3532default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3933default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3533correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3934correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3534in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3935in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3936
3937=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3938
3939If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3940using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3941their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3942to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3943
3944=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3945
3946If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3947macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3948file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3949the underlying OS handle.
3535 3950
3536=item EV_USE_POLL 3951=item EV_USE_POLL
3537 3952
3538If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3953If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3539backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3954backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3586as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4001as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3587 4002
3588In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4003In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3589(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4004(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3590 4005
3591=item EV_H 4006=item EV_H (h)
3592 4007
3593The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4008The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3594undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4009undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3595used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4010used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3596 4011
3597=item EV_CONFIG_H 4012=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3598 4013
3599If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4014If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3600F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4015F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3601C<EV_H>, above. 4016C<EV_H>, above.
3602 4017
3603=item EV_EVENT_H 4018=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3604 4019
3605Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4020Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3606of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4021of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3607 4022
3608=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4023=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3609 4024
3610If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4025If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3611prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4026prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3612occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4027occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3613around libev functions. 4028around libev functions.
3635fine. 4050fine.
3636 4051
3637If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4052If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3638both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4053both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3639 4054
3640=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4055=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4056EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4057EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3641 4058
3642If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4059If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3643defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4060the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3644code. 4061is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3645 4062
3646=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4063=item EV_FEATURES
3647
3648If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3649defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3650code.
3651
3652=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3653
3654If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3655defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3656watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3657
3658=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3659
3660If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3661defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3662
3663=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3664
3665If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3666defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3667
3668=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3669
3670If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3671defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3672
3673=item EV_MINIMAL
3674 4064
3675If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4065If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3676speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4066speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3677inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4067certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3678much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4068that can be enabled on the platform.
4069
4070A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4071with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4072additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4073but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4074backend, use this:
4075
4076 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4077 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4078 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4079 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4080 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4081
4082The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4083values:
4084
4085=over 4
4086
4087=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4088
4089Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4090
4091Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4092code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4093
4094When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4095gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4096assertions.
4097
4098=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4099
4100Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4101hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4102and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4103runtime.
4104
4105=item C<4> - full API configuration
4106
4107This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4108enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4109
4110=item C<8> - full API
4111
4112This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4113details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4114feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4115
4116=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4117
4118Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4119only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4120embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4121C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4122
4123=item C<32> - enable all backends
4124
4125This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4126least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4127
4128=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4129
4130Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4131default.
4132
4133=back
4134
4135Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4136reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4137code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4138watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4139
4140With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4141when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4142your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4143I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4144
4145=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4146
4147If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4148functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4149somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4150libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4151big.
4152
4153Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4154enabled.
4155
4156=item EV_NSIG
4157
4158The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4159signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4160automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4161specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4162good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4163statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3679 4164
3680=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4165=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3681 4166
3682C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4167C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3683pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4168pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3684than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4169usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3685increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4170might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3686 4171
3687=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4172=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3688 4173
3689C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4174C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3690inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4175inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3691usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4176disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3692watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4177C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3693two). 4178power of two).
3694 4179
3695=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4180=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3696 4181
3697Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4182Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3698timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4183timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3699to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4184to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3700faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4185faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3701 4186
3702The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4187The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3703(disabled). 4188will be C<0>.
3704 4189
3705=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4190=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3706 4191
3707Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4192Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3708timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4193timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3709the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4194the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3710which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4195which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3711but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4196but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3712noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4197noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3713 4198
3714The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4199The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3715(disabled). 4200will be C<0>.
3716 4201
3717=item EV_VERIFY 4202=item EV_VERIFY
3718 4203
3719Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4204Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3720be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4205be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3721in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4206in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3722called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4207called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3723called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4208called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3724verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4209verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3725libev considerably. 4210libev considerably.
3726 4211
3727The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4212The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3728C<0>. 4213will be C<0>.
3729 4214
3730=item EV_COMMON 4215=item EV_COMMON
3731 4216
3732By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4217By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3733this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4218this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3734members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4219members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3735though, and it must be identical each time. 4220though, and it must be identical each time.
3736 4221
3737For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4222For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3738 4223
3791file. 4276file.
3792 4277
3793The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4278The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3794that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4279that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3795 4280
3796 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4281 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3797 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4282 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3798 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3799 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4283 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4284 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3800 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4285 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3801 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4286 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4287 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3802 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4288 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3803 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3804 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3805 4289
3806 #include "ev++.h" 4290 #include "ev++.h"
3807 4291
3808And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4292And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3809 4293
3869default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4353default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3870watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4354watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3871 4355
3872=back 4356=back
3873 4357
4358=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4359
4360Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4361thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4362created/added/removed.
4363
4364For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4365which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4366languages).
4367
4368The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4369variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4370event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4371
4372First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4373
4374 typedef struct {
4375 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4376 ev_async async_w;
4377 thread_t tid;
4378 cond_t invoke_cv;
4379 } userdata;
4380
4381 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4382 {
4383 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4384 static userdata u;
4385
4386 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4387 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4388
4389 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4390 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4391
4392 // now associate this with the loop
4393 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4394 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4395 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4396
4397 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4398 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4399 }
4400
4401The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4402solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4403that might have been added:
4404
4405 static void
4406 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4407 {
4408 // just used for the side effects
4409 }
4410
4411The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4412protecting the loop data, respectively.
4413
4414 static void
4415 l_release (EV_P)
4416 {
4417 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4418 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4419 }
4420
4421 static void
4422 l_acquire (EV_P)
4423 {
4424 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4425 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4426 }
4427
4428The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4429into C<ev_run>:
4430
4431 void *
4432 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4433 {
4434 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4435
4436 l_acquire (EV_A);
4437 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4438 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4439 l_release (EV_A);
4440
4441 return 0;
4442 }
4443
4444Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4445signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4446writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4447have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4448and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4449watchers is very beneficial):
4450
4451 static void
4452 l_invoke (EV_P)
4453 {
4454 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4455
4456 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4457 {
4458 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4459 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4460 }
4461 }
4462
4463Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4464will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4465thread to continue:
4466
4467 static void
4468 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4469 {
4470 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4471
4472 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4473 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4474 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4475 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4476 }
4477
4478Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4479event loop, you will now have to lock:
4480
4481 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4482 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4483
4484 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4485
4486 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4487 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4488 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4489 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4490
4491Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4492an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4493about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4494watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4495
3874=head3 COROUTINES 4496=head3 COROUTINES
3875 4497
3876Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4498Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3877libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4499libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3878coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4500coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3879different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4501different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3880loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4502the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3881you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4503that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3882 4504
3883Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4505Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3884C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4506C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3885they do not call any callbacks. 4507they do not call any callbacks.
3886 4508
3887=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4509=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3888 4510
3889Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4511Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3900maintainable. 4522maintainable.
3901 4523
3902And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4524And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3903wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4525wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3904seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4526seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3905warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4527warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3906been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4528been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3907such buggy versions. 4529such buggy versions.
3908 4530
3909While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4531While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3910"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4532"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3946I suggest using suppression lists. 4568I suggest using suppression lists.
3947 4569
3948 4570
3949=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4571=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3950 4572
4573=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4574
4575GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4576interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4577
4578That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4579files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4580
4581Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4582by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4583standard libev compiled for their system.
4584
4585Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4586suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4587i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4588
4589=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4590
4591The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4592you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4593OpenGL drivers.
4594
4595=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4596
4597The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4598only sockets, many support pipes.
4599
4600Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4601rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4602loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4603probably going to work well.
4604
4605=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4606
4607Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4608implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4609release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4610
4611Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4612this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4613a loop.
4614
4615=head3 C<select> is buggy
4616
4617All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4618one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4619descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4620you use more.
4621
4622There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4623C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4624work on OS/X.
4625
4626=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4627
4628=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4629
4630The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4631thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4632without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4633defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4634
4635If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4636it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4637
4638=head3 Event port backend
4639
4640The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4641ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4642releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4643a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4644and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4645are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4646great.
4647
4648If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4649the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4650C<select> backends.
4651
4652=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4653
4654AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4655this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4656compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4657with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4658
3951=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4659=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4660
4661=head3 General issues
3952 4662
3953Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4663Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3954requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4664requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3955model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4665model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3956the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4666the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3957descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4667descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3958e.g. cygwin. 4668e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4669as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4670environment.
3959 4671
3960Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4672Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3961re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4673re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3962things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4674then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3963way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4675also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3964 4676
3965There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4677There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3966embedding it into other applications. 4678embedding it into other applications.
3967 4679
3968Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4680Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
3996you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4708you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3997 4709
3998 #include "evwrap.h" 4710 #include "evwrap.h"
3999 #include "ev.c" 4711 #include "ev.c"
4000 4712
4001=over 4
4002
4003=item The winsocket select function 4713=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4004 4714
4005The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4715The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4006requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4716requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4007also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4717also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4008requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4718requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4017 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4727 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4018 4728
4019Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4729Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4020complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4730complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4021 4731
4022=item Limited number of file descriptors 4732=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4023 4733
4024Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4734Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4025 4735
4026Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4736Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4027of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4737of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4042runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4752runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4043(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4753(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4044you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4754you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4045the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4755the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4046 4756
4047=back
4048
4049=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4757=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4050 4758
4051In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4759In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4052backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4760backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4053 4761
4059Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4767Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4060structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4768structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4061assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4769assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4062callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4770callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4063calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4771calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4772
4773=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4774
4775Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4776writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4064 4777
4065=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4778=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4066 4779
4067The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4780The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4068C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4781C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4091watchers. 4804watchers.
4092 4805
4093=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4806=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4094 4807
4095The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4808The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4096have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4809have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4097enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4810good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4811(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4098implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4812implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4099ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4813IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
41002200.
4101 4814
4102=back 4815=back
4103 4816
4104If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4817If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4105 4818
4173involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4886involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4174 4887
4175=back 4888=back
4176 4889
4177 4890
4891=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4892
4893The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4894
4895At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4896for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4897layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4898new API early than late.
4899
4900=over 4
4901
4902=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4903
4904The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4905C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4906section.
4907
4908=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4909
4910These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4911
4912 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4913 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4914
4915=item function/symbol renames
4916
4917A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4918
4919 ev_loop => ev_run
4920 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4921 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4922
4923 ev_unloop => ev_break
4924 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4925 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4926 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4927
4928 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4929
4930 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4931 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4932 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4933
4934Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4935C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4936associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4937ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4938as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4939C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4940typedef.
4941
4942=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4943
4944The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4945mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4946and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4947
4948=back
4949
4950
4178=head1 GLOSSARY 4951=head1 GLOSSARY
4179 4952
4180=over 4 4953=over 4
4181 4954
4182=item active 4955=item active
4183 4956
4184A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4957A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4185an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4958See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4186 4959
4187=item application 4960=item application
4188 4961
4189In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4962In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4963
4964=item backend
4965
4966The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4190 4967
4191=item callback 4968=item callback
4192 4969
4193The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4970The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4194detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4971detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4195received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4972received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4196 4973
4197=item callback invocation 4974=item callback/watcher invocation
4198 4975
4199The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4976The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4200 4977
4201=item event 4978=item event
4202 4979
4203A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4980A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4204for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 4981for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4205any other events happening anymore. 4982any other events happening anymore.
4206 4983
4207In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4984In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4208C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4985C<EV_TIMER>).
4209 4986
4210=item event library 4987=item event library
4211 4988
4212A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4989A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4213 4990
4221The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4998The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4222watchers and events. 4999watchers and events.
4223 5000
4224=item pending 5001=item pending
4225 5002
4226A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5003A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4227and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5004detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4228pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4229
4230A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4231its pending status.
4232 5005
4233=item real time 5006=item real time
4234 5007
4235The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5008The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4236 5009
4243=item watcher 5016=item watcher
4244 5017
4245A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5018A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4246to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5019to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4247 5020
4248=item watcher invocation
4249
4250The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4251
4252=back 5021=back
4253 5022
4254=head1 AUTHOR 5023=head1 AUTHOR
4255 5024
4256Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5025Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5026Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4257 5027

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