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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
394 451
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)
456
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels).
399 459
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).
415of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 475of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 476I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 477even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 478on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 479employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 480events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
481not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
482perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
421 483
422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 484While 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 485will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 486incident (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 487I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
518 580
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 581It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520 582
521=back 583=back
522 584
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 585If 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 586then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 587here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
526 588()> 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.
554 589
555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 590Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
556 591
557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 592 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
558 if (!epoller) 593 if (!epoller)
559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 594 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
560 595
596Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
597used if available.
598
599 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
600
561=item ev_default_destroy () 601=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
562 602
563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 603Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 604etc.). 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 605sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 606responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 607calling 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 608the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
570 610
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 611Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 612handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 613as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574 614
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 615This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 616C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
617C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
618
619Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
620except 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 621If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 622and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579 623
580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 624=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
581 625
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 626This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 627reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 628name, 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 629the 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 630child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 631
632Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
633a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
634because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
635during fork.
593 636
594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 637On 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 638process 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. 639you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
640call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
641difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
642costly reset of the backend).
597 643
598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 644The 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 645it just in case after a fork.
600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
601 646
647Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
648using pthreads.
649
650 static void
651 post_fork_child (void)
652 {
653 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
654 }
655
656 ...
602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 657 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.
610 658
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 659=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612 660
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 661Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise. 662otherwise.
615 663
616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 664=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
617 665
618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 666Returns 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 667to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
620happily wraps around with enough iterations. 668and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621 669
622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 670This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 671"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 672C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
673prepare and check phases.
625 674
626=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 675=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
627 676
628Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 677Returns 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. 678times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
630 679
631Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 680Outside 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), 681C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
633in which case it is higher. 682in which case it is higher.
634 683
635Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 684Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
636etc.), doesn't count as exit. 685etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
686ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
637 687
638=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 688=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
639 689
640Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 690Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
641use. 691use.
650 700
651=item ev_now_update (loop) 701=item ev_now_update (loop)
652 702
653Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 703Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
654returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 704returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
655is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 705is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
656 706
657This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 707This 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 708very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
659the current time is a good idea. 709the current time is a good idea.
660 710
662 712
663=item ev_suspend (loop) 713=item ev_suspend (loop)
664 714
665=item ev_resume (loop) 715=item ev_resume (loop)
666 716
667These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 717These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
668not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 718loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
669 719
670A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 720A 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 721the 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 722would 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> 723the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
675C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 725C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
676 726
677Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 727Effectively, 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 728between 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 729will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
680occured while suspended). 730occurred while suspended).
681 731
682After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 732After 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> 733given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
684without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 734without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
685 735
686Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 736Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
687event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 737event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
688 738
689=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 739=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
690 740
691Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 741Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
692after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 742after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
693events. 743handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
744the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
745is why event loops are called I<loops>.
694 746
695If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 747If 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. 748until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
749called.
697 750
698Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 751Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
699relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 752relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
700finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 753finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
701that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 754that 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 755of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
703beauty. 756beauty.
704 757
705A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 758A 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 759those 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 760block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
708the loop. 761iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
762events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
709 763
710A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 764A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
711necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 765necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
712will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 766will 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 767be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
714user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 768user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
715iteration of the loop. 769iteration of the loop.
716 770
717This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 771This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
718with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 772with 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 773own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
720usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 774usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
721 775
722Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 776Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
723 777
778 - Increment loop depth.
779 - Reset the ev_break status.
724 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 780 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
781 LOOP:
725 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 782 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
726 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 783 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
727 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 784 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
785 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
728 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 786 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
729 as to not disturb the other process. 787 as to not disturb the other process.
730 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 788 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
731 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 789 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
732 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 790 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
733 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 791 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
734 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 792 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
735 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 793 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
794 - Increment loop iteration counter.
736 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 795 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
737 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 796 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
738 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 797 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
739 - Queue all expired timers. 798 - Queue all expired timers.
740 - Queue all expired periodics. 799 - Queue all expired periodics.
741 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 800 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
742 - Queue all check watchers. 801 - Queue all check watchers.
743 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 802 - 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 803 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
745 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 804 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
746 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 805 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
747 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 806 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
748 continue with step *. 807 continue with step LOOP.
808 FINISH:
809 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
810 - Decrement the loop depth.
811 - Return.
749 812
750Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 813Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
751anymore. 814anymore.
752 815
753 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 816 ... 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..) 817 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
755 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 818 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
756 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 819 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
757 820
758=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 821=item ev_break (loop, how)
759 822
760Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 823Can 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 824has 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 825C<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. 826C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
764 827
765This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 828This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
766 829
767It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 830It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
768 831
769=item ev_ref (loop) 832=item ev_ref (loop)
770 833
771=item ev_unref (loop) 834=item ev_unref (loop)
772 835
773Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 836Ref/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 837loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
775count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 838count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
776 839
777If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 840This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
778from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 841unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
842returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
779stopping it. 843before stopping it.
780 844
781As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 845As 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 846is 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 847exiting 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 848excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
785third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 849third-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 850before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
787before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 851before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
788(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 852(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
789in the callback). 853in the callback).
790 854
791Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 855Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
792running when nothing else is active. 856running when nothing else is active.
793 857
794 ev_signal exitsig; 858 ev_signal exitsig;
795 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 859 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
796 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 860 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
841usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 905usually 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 906as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
843you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 907you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
844parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 908parallelity, 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, 909need 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). 910then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
847 911
848Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 912Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
849saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 913saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
850are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 914are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
851times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 915times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
859 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 923 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
860 924
861=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 925=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
862 926
863This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 927This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
864pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 928pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
865but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 929but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
930function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
931when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
932event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
933thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
934
935=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
936
937Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
938are pending.
866 939
867=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 940=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
868 941
869This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 942This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
870invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 943invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
871this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 944this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
872invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 945invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
873 946
874If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 947If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
875callback. 948callback.
878 951
879Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 952Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
880can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 953can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
881each call to a libev function. 954each call to a libev function.
882 955
883However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 956However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
884wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 957to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
885C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 958loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
886and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 959I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
887 960
888When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 961When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
889suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 962suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
890afterwards. 963afterwards.
891 964
892Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and 965Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
893C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again. 966C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
967
968While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
969C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
970modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
971have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
972waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
973to take note of any changes you made.
974
975In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
976invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
977
978See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
979document.
894 980
895=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 981=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
896 982
897=item ev_userdata (loop) 983=item ev_userdata (loop)
898 984
903These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 989These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
904and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 990and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
905C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 991C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
906any other purpose as well. 992any other purpose as well.
907 993
908=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 994=item ev_verify (loop)
909 995
910This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 996This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
911compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 997compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
912through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 998through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
913is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 999is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
924 1010
925In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1011In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
926watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1012watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
927watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1013watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
928 1014
929A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1015A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
930interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1016your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
931become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1017to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1018for that:
932 1019
933 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1020 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
934 { 1021 {
935 ev_io_stop (w); 1022 ev_io_stop (w);
936 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1023 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
937 } 1024 }
938 1025
939 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1026 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
940 1027
941 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1028 ev_io stdin_watcher;
942 1029
943 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1030 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
944 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1031 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
945 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1032 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
946 1033
947 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1034 ev_run (loop, 0);
948 1035
949As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1036As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
950watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1037watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
951stack). 1038stack).
952 1039
953Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1040Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
954or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1041or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
955 1042
956Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1043Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
957(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1044*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
958callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1045invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
959watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1046time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
960is readable and/or writable). 1047and/or writable).
961 1048
962Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1049Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
963macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1050macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
964is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1051is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
965ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1052ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
988=item C<EV_WRITE> 1075=item C<EV_WRITE>
989 1076
990The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1077The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
991writable. 1078writable.
992 1079
993=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1080=item C<EV_TIMER>
994 1081
995The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1082The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
996 1083
997=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1084=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
998 1085
1016 1103
1017=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1104=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1018 1105
1019=item C<EV_CHECK> 1106=item C<EV_CHECK>
1020 1107
1021All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1108All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1022to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1109to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1023C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1110C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1024received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1111received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1025many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1112many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1026(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1113(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1027C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1114C<ev_run> from blocking).
1028 1115
1029=item C<EV_EMBED> 1116=item C<EV_EMBED>
1030 1117
1031The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1118The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1032 1119
1033=item C<EV_FORK> 1120=item C<EV_FORK>
1034 1121
1035The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1122The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1036C<ev_fork>). 1123C<ev_fork>).
1124
1125=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1126
1127The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1037 1128
1038=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1129=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1039 1130
1040The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1131The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1041 1132
1088 1179
1089 ev_io w; 1180 ev_io w;
1090 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1181 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1091 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1182 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1092 1183
1093=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1184=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1094 1185
1095This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1186This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1096call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1187call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1097call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1188call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1098macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1189macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1111 1202
1112Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1203Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1113 1204
1114 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1205 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1115 1206
1116=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1207=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1117 1208
1118Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1209Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1119events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1210events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1120 1211
1121Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1212Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1122whole section. 1213whole section.
1123 1214
1124 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1215 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1125 1216
1126=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1217=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1127 1218
1128Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1219Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1129the watcher was active or not). 1220the watcher was active or not).
1130 1221
1131It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1222It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1156=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1247=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1157 1248
1158Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1249Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1159(modulo threads). 1250(modulo threads).
1160 1251
1161=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1252=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1162 1253
1163=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1254=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1164 1255
1165Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1256Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1166integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1257integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1198watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1289watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1199 1290
1200Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1291Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1201callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1292callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1202 1293
1294=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1295
1296Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1297had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1298initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1299not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1300
1301Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1302C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1303not started in the first place.
1304
1305See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1306functions that do not need a watcher.
1307
1203=back 1308=back
1204
1205 1309
1206=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1310=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1207 1311
1208Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1312Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1209and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1313and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1265 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1369 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1266 { 1370 {
1267 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1371 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1268 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1372 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1269 } 1373 }
1374
1375=head2 WATCHER STATES
1376
1377There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1378active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1379transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1380rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1381
1382=over 4
1383
1384=item initialiased
1385
1386Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1387initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1388C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1389
1390In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1391in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1392
1393=item started/running/active
1394
1395Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1396property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1397this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1398freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1399and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1400
1401=item pending
1402
1403If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1404in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1405stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1406about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1407callback.
1408
1409The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1410an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1411is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1412but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1413moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1414previous item still apply.
1415
1416It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1417via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1418active.
1419
1420=item stopped
1421
1422A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1423be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1424latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1425of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1426freeing it is often a good idea.
1427
1428While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1429initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1430you wish.
1431
1432=back
1270 1433
1271=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1434=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1272 1435
1273Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1436Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1274integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1437integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1317 1480
1318For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1481For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1319you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1482you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1320the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1483the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1321processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1484processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1322continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1485continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1323the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1486the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1324workable. 1487workable.
1325 1488
1326Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1489Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1327miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1490miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1341 { 1504 {
1342 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1505 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1343 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1506 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1344 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1507 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1345 1508
1346 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1509 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1347 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1510 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1348 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1511 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1349 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1512 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1350 } 1513 }
1351 1514
1405 1568
1406If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1569If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1407known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1570known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1408C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1571C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1409descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1572descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1410files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1573files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1411 1574
1412Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1575Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1413receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1576receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1414be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1577be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1415because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1578because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1480 1643
1481So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1644So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1482ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1645ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1483somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1646somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1484 1647
1648=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1649
1650Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1651found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1652connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1653
1654For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1655of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1656rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1657the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1658typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1659
1660Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1661operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1662situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1663cope with overload is known (to me).
1664
1665One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1666- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1667situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1668event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1669
1670A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1671C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1672messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1673what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1674the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1675usage.
1676
1677If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1678descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1679when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1680close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1681clients under typical overload conditions.
1682
1683The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1684is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1685opportunity for a DoS attack.
1485 1686
1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1687=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1487 1688
1488=over 4 1689=over 4
1489 1690
1521 ... 1722 ...
1522 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1723 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1523 ev_io stdin_readable; 1724 ev_io stdin_readable;
1524 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1725 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1525 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1726 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1526 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1727 ev_run (loop, 0);
1527 1728
1528 1729
1529=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1730=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1530 1731
1531Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1732Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1540The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1741The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1541passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1742passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1542might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1743might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1543same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1744same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1544before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1745before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1545no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1746no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1546 1747
1547=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1748=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1548 1749
1549Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1750Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1550recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1751recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1636 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1837 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1637 1838
1638 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1839 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1639 if (timeout < now) 1840 if (timeout < now)
1640 { 1841 {
1641 // timeout occured, take action 1842 // timeout occurred, take action
1642 } 1843 }
1643 else 1844 else
1644 { 1845 {
1645 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1846 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1646 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1847 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1668to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1869to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1669callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1870callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1670 1871
1671 ev_init (timer, callback); 1872 ev_init (timer, callback);
1672 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1873 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1673 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1874 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1674 1875
1675And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1876And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1676C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1877C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1677 1878
1678 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1879 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1679 1880
1680This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1881This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1681time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1882time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1682 1883
1683Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1884Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1721 1922
1722=head3 The special problem of time updates 1923=head3 The special problem of time updates
1723 1924
1724Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1925Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1725least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1926least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1726time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1927time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1727growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1928growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1728lots of events in one iteration. 1929lots of events in one iteration.
1729 1930
1730The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1931The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1731time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1932time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1737 1938
1738If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1939If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1739update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1940update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1740()>. 1941()>.
1741 1942
1943=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1944
1945When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1946can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1947
1948Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1949all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1950to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1951system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1952was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1953towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1954clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1955long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1956be adjusted accordingly.
1957
1958I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1959operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1960
1961The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1962time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1963is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1964then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1965will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1966use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1967
1968It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1969and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1970deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1971C<SIGSTOP>).
1972
1742=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1973=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1743 1974
1744=over 4 1975=over 4
1745 1976
1746=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1977=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1772C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2003C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1773 2004
1774This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2005This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1775usage example. 2006usage example.
1776 2007
2008=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2009
2010Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2011then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2012the timeout value currently configured.
2013
2014That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2015C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2016will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2017roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2018too), and so on.
2019
1777=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2020=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1778 2021
1779The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2022The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1780or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2023or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1781which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 2024which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1806 } 2049 }
1807 2050
1808 ev_timer mytimer; 2051 ev_timer mytimer;
1809 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2052 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1810 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2053 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1811 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2054 ev_run (loop, 0);
1812 2055
1813 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2056 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1814 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2057 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1815 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2058 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1816 2059
1842 2085
1843As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2086As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1844point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2087point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1845timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2088timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1846earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2089earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1847(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2090(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1848 2091
1849=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2092=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1850 2093
1851=over 4 2094=over 4
1852 2095
1980Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2223Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1981system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2224system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1982potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2225potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1983 2226
1984 static void 2227 static void
1985 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2228 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1986 { 2229 {
1987 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2230 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1988 } 2231 }
1989 2232
1990 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2233 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2016Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2259Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2017signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2260signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2018will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2261will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2019normal event processing, like any other event. 2262normal event processing, like any other event.
2020 2263
2021If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2264If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2022do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2265C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2023C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2266the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2267synchronously wake up an event loop.
2024 2268
2025You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2269You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2270only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2271default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2272C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2273the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2274
2026first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2275When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
2027with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2276with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
2028you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2277you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
2029the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
2030signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
2031 2278
2032If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2279If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2033C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2280C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2034interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2281not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2035signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2282interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2036them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2283and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2284
2285=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2286
2287Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2288(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2289stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2290and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2291
2292While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2293sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2294C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2295certain signals to be blocked.
2296
2297This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2298the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2299choice usually).
2300
2301The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2302to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2303catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2304
2305In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2306unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2307the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2308I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2309
2310So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2311you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2312is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2037 2313
2038=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2314=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2039 2315
2040=over 4 2316=over 4
2041 2317
2057Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2333Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2058 2334
2059 static void 2335 static void
2060 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2336 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2061 { 2337 {
2062 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2338 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2063 } 2339 }
2064 2340
2065 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2341 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2066 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2342 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2067 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2343 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2086libev) 2362libev)
2087 2363
2088=head3 Process Interaction 2364=head3 Process Interaction
2089 2365
2090Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2366Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2091initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2367initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2092the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2368first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2093of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2369of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2094synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2370synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2095children, even ones not watched. 2371children, even ones not watched.
2096 2372
2097=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2373=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2107=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2383=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2108 2384
2109Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2385Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2110child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2386child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2111callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2387callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2112when a child exit is detected. 2388when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2389problem).
2113 2390
2114=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2391=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2115 2392
2116=over 4 2393=over 4
2117 2394
2452 2729
2453Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2730Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2454prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2731prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2455afterwards. 2732afterwards.
2456 2733
2457You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2734You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2458the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2735the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2459watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2736watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2460rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2737rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2461those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2738those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2462C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2739C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2630 2907
2631 if (timeout >= 0) 2908 if (timeout >= 0)
2632 // create/start timer 2909 // create/start timer
2633 2910
2634 // poll 2911 // poll
2635 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2912 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2636 2913
2637 // stop timer again 2914 // stop timer again
2638 if (timeout >= 0) 2915 if (timeout >= 0)
2639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2916 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2640 2917
2718if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2995if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2719 2996
2720=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2997=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2721 2998
2722Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2999Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2723similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3000similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2724appropriate way for embedded loops. 3001appropriate way for embedded loops.
2725 3002
2726=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3003=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2727 3004
2728The embedded event loop. 3005The embedded event loop.
2788C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3065C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2789handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3066handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2790 3067
2791=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3068=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2792 3069
2793Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3070Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2794up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3071up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2795sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3072sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2796 3073
2797This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3074This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2798in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3075in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2814disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3091disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2815signal watchers). 3092signal watchers).
2816 3093
2817When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3094When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2818other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3095other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2819C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3096C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2820the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3097Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2821have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3098watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2822also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3099those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3100signal watchers.
2823 3101
2824=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3102=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2825 3103
2826=over 4 3104=over 4
2827 3105
2828=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3106=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2829 3107
2830Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3108Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2831kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3109kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2832believe me. 3110really.
2833 3111
2834=back 3112=back
2835 3113
2836 3114
3115=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3116
3117Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3118by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3119
3120While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3121watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3122program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3123loop when you want them to be invoked.
3124
3125Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3126all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3127makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3128can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3129
3130=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3131
3132=over 4
3133
3134=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3135
3136Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3137any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3138pointless, I assure you.
3139
3140=back
3141
3142Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3143cleanup functions are called.
3144
3145 static void
3146 program_exits (void)
3147 {
3148 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3149 }
3150
3151 ...
3152 atexit (program_exits);
3153
3154
2837=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3155=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2838 3156
2839In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3157In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2840asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3158asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2841loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3159loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2842 3160
2843Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3161Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2844control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3162for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2845C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3163watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2846can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3164it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2847safe.
2848 3165
2849This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3166This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2850too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3167too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2851(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3168(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2852C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3169C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2857=head3 Queueing 3174=head3 Queueing
2858 3175
2859C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3176C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2860is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3177is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2861multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3178multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2862need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3179need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3180semantics.
2863 3181
2864That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3182That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2865queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3183queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2866queue: 3184queue:
2867 3185
3006 3324
3007If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3325If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3008started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3326started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3009repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3327repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3010 3328
3011The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3329The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
3012passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3330passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
3013C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3331C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
3014value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3332value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3015a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3333a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3016events precedence. 3334events precedence.
3017 3335
3018Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3336Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3019 3337
3020 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3338 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3021 { 3339 {
3022 if (revents & EV_READ) 3340 if (revents & EV_READ)
3023 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3341 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3024 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3342 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3025 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3343 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3026 } 3344 }
3027 3345
3028 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3346 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3029 3347
3030=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
3031
3032Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
3033had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
3034initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
3035
3036=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3348=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3037 3349
3038Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3350Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3039the given events it. 3351the given events it.
3040 3352
3041=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3353=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3042 3354
3043Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3355Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
3044loop!). 3356loop!).
3045 3357
3046=back 3358=back
3126 3438
3127=over 4 3439=over 4
3128 3440
3129=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3441=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3130 3442
3131=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3443=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3132 3444
3133=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3445=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3134 3446
3135The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3447The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3136with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3448with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3169 myclass obj; 3481 myclass obj;
3170 ev::io iow; 3482 ev::io iow;
3171 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3483 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3172 3484
3173=item w->set (object *) 3485=item w->set (object *)
3174
3175This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3176 3486
3177This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3487This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3178will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3488will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3179functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3489functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3180the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3490the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3213Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3523Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3214 3524
3215 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3525 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3216 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3526 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3217 3527
3218=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3528=item w->set (loop)
3219 3529
3220Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3530Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3221do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3531do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3222 3532
3223=item w->set ([arguments]) 3533=item w->set ([arguments])
3224 3534
3225Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3535Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3226called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3536method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3227automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3537C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3228method. 3538when reconfiguring it with this method.
3229 3539
3230=item w->start () 3540=item w->start ()
3231 3541
3232Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3542Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3233constructor already stores the event loop. 3543constructor already stores the event loop.
3234 3544
3545=item w->start ([arguments])
3546
3547Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3548convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3549the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3550
3235=item w->stop () 3551=item w->stop ()
3236 3552
3237Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3553Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3238 3554
3239=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3555=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3251 3567
3252=back 3568=back
3253 3569
3254=back 3570=back
3255 3571
3256Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3572Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3257the constructor. 3573watchers in the constructor.
3258 3574
3259 class myclass 3575 class myclass
3260 { 3576 {
3261 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3577 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3578 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3262 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3579 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3263 3580
3264 myclass (int fd) 3581 myclass (int fd)
3265 { 3582 {
3266 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3583 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3584 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3267 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3585 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3268 3586
3269 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3587 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3588 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3589
3590 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3270 } 3591 }
3271 }; 3592 };
3272 3593
3273 3594
3274=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3595=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3320=item Ocaml 3641=item Ocaml
3321 3642
3322Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3643Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3323L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3644L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3324 3645
3646=item Lua
3647
3648Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3649time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3650L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3651
3325=back 3652=back
3326 3653
3327 3654
3328=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3655=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3329 3656
3342loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3669loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3343C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3670C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3344 3671
3345 ev_unref (EV_A); 3672 ev_unref (EV_A);
3346 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3673 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3347 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3674 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3348 3675
3349It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3676It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3350which is often provided by the following macro. 3677which is often provided by the following macro.
3351 3678
3352=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3679=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3392 } 3719 }
3393 3720
3394 ev_check check; 3721 ev_check check;
3395 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3722 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3396 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3723 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3397 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3724 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3398 3725
3399=head1 EMBEDDING 3726=head1 EMBEDDING
3400 3727
3401Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3728Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3402applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3729applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3482 libev.m4 3809 libev.m4
3483 3810
3484=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3811=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3485 3812
3486Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3813Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3487define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3814define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3488autoconf is documented for every option. 3815the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3816
3817Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3818values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3819to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3820to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3821users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3822settings.
3489 3823
3490=over 4 3824=over 4
3491 3825
3826=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3827
3828Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3829release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3830have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3831
3832You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3833versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3834sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3835from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3836typedef in that case.
3837
3838In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3839and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3840removed completely.
3841
3492=item EV_STANDALONE 3842=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3493 3843
3494Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3844Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3495keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3845keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3496implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3846implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3497supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3847supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3498F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3848F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3499 3849
3500In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3850In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3501configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3851configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3502 3852
3503=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3853=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3504 3854
3505If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3855If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3570be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3920be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3571C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3921C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3572it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3922it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3573on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3923on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3574 3924
3575=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3925=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3576 3926
3577If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3927If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3578file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3928file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3579default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3929default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3580correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3930correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3581in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3931in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3932
3933=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3934
3935If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3936using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3937their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3938to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3939
3940=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3941
3942If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3943macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3944file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3945the underlying OS handle.
3582 3946
3583=item EV_USE_POLL 3947=item EV_USE_POLL
3584 3948
3585If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3949If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3586backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3950backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3633as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3997as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3634 3998
3635In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3999In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3636(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4000(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3637 4001
3638=item EV_H 4002=item EV_H (h)
3639 4003
3640The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4004The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3641undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4005undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3642used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4006used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3643 4007
3644=item EV_CONFIG_H 4008=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3645 4009
3646If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4010If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3647F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4011F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3648C<EV_H>, above. 4012C<EV_H>, above.
3649 4013
3650=item EV_EVENT_H 4014=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3651 4015
3652Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4016Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3653of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4017of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3654 4018
3655=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4019=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3656 4020
3657If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4021If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3658prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4022prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3659occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4023occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3660around libev functions. 4024around libev functions.
3682fine. 4046fine.
3683 4047
3684If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4048If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3685both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4049both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3686 4050
3687=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4051=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4052EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4053EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3688 4054
3689If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4055If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3690defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4056the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3691code. 4057is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3692 4058
3693=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4059=item EV_FEATURES
3694
3695If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3696defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3697code.
3698
3699=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3700
3701If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3702defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3703watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3704
3705=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3706
3707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3708defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3709
3710=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3711
3712If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3713defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3714
3715=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3716
3717If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3718defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3719
3720=item EV_MINIMAL
3721 4060
3722If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4061If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3723speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 4062speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3724is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 4063certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3725on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 4064that can be enabled on the platform.
3726the default 4-heap.
3727 4065
3728You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 4066A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3729and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert> 4067with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3730(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. 4068additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4069but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4070backend, use this:
3731 4071
3732Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 4072 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3733provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 4073 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3734of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 4074 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3735over time. 4075 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4076 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4077
4078The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4079values:
4080
4081=over 4
4082
4083=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4084
4085Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4086
4087Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4088code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4089
4090When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4091gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4092assertions.
4093
4094=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4095
4096Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4097hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4098and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4099runtime.
4100
4101=item C<4> - full API configuration
4102
4103This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4104enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4105
4106=item C<8> - full API
4107
4108This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4109details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4110feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4111
4112=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4113
4114Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4115only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4116embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4117C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4118
4119=item C<32> - enable all backends
4120
4121This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4122least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4123
4124=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4125
4126Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4127default.
4128
4129=back
4130
4131Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4132reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4133code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4134watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4135
4136With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4137when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4138your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4139I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4140
4141=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4142
4143If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4144functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4145somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4146libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4147big.
4148
4149Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4150enabled.
4151
4152=item EV_NSIG
4153
4154The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4155signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4156automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4157specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4158good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4159statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3736 4160
3737=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4161=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3738 4162
3739C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4163C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3740pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4164pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3741than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4165usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3742increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4166might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3743 4167
3744=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4168=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3745 4169
3746C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4170C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3747inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4171inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3748usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4172disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3749watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4173C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3750two). 4174power of two).
3751 4175
3752=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4176=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3753 4177
3754Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4178Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3755timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4179timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3756to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4180to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3757faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4181faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3758 4182
3759The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4183The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3760(disabled). 4184will be C<0>.
3761 4185
3762=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4186=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3763 4187
3764Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4188Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3765timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4189timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3766the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4190the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3767which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4191which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3768but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4192but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3769noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4193noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3770 4194
3771The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4195The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3772(disabled). 4196will be C<0>.
3773 4197
3774=item EV_VERIFY 4198=item EV_VERIFY
3775 4199
3776Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4200Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3777be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4201be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3778in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4202in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3779called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4203called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3780called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4204called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3781verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4205verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3782libev considerably. 4206libev considerably.
3783 4207
3784The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4208The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3785C<0>. 4209will be C<0>.
3786 4210
3787=item EV_COMMON 4211=item EV_COMMON
3788 4212
3789By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4213By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3790this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4214this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3791members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4215members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3792though, and it must be identical each time. 4216though, and it must be identical each time.
3793 4217
3794For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4218For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3795 4219
3848file. 4272file.
3849 4273
3850The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4274The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3851that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4275that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3852 4276
3853 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4277 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3854 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4278 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3855 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3856 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4279 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4280 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3857 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4281 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3858 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4282 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4283 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3859 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4284 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3860 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3861 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3862 4285
3863 #include "ev++.h" 4286 #include "ev++.h"
3864 4287
3865And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4288And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3866 4289
3928 4351
3929=back 4352=back
3930 4353
3931=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 4354=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3932 4355
4356Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4357thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4358created/added/removed.
4359
4360For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4361which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4362languages).
4363
4364The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4365variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4366event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4367
4368First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4369
4370 typedef struct {
4371 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4372 ev_async async_w;
4373 thread_t tid;
4374 cond_t invoke_cv;
4375 } userdata;
4376
4377 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4378 {
4379 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4380 static userdata u;
4381
4382 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4383 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4384
4385 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4386 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4387
4388 // now associate this with the loop
4389 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4390 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4391 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4392
4393 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4394 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4395 }
4396
4397The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4398solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4399that might have been added:
4400
4401 static void
4402 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4403 {
4404 // just used for the side effects
4405 }
4406
4407The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4408protecting the loop data, respectively.
4409
4410 static void
4411 l_release (EV_P)
4412 {
4413 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4414 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4415 }
4416
4417 static void
4418 l_acquire (EV_P)
4419 {
4420 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4421 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4422 }
4423
4424The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4425into C<ev_run>:
4426
4427 void *
4428 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4429 {
4430 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4431
4432 l_acquire (EV_A);
4433 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4434 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4435 l_release (EV_A);
4436
4437 return 0;
4438 }
4439
4440Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4441signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4442writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4443have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4444and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4445watchers is very beneficial):
4446
4447 static void
4448 l_invoke (EV_P)
4449 {
4450 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4451
4452 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4453 {
4454 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4455 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4456 }
4457 }
4458
4459Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4460will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4461thread to continue:
4462
4463 static void
4464 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4465 {
4466 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4467
4468 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4469 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4470 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4471 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4472 }
4473
4474Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4475event loop, you will now have to lock:
4476
4477 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4478 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4479
4480 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4481
4482 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4483 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4484 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4485 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4486
4487Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4488an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4489about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4490watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4491
3933=head3 COROUTINES 4492=head3 COROUTINES
3934 4493
3935Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4494Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3936libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4495libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3937coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4496coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3938different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4497different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3939loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4498the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3940you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4499that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3941 4500
3942Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4501Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3943C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4502C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3944they do not call any callbacks. 4503they do not call any callbacks.
3945 4504
3946=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4505=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3947 4506
3948Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4507Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3959maintainable. 4518maintainable.
3960 4519
3961And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4520And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3962wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4521wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3963seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4522seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3964warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4523warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3965been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4524been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3966such buggy versions. 4525such buggy versions.
3967 4526
3968While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4527While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3969"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4528"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4005I suggest using suppression lists. 4564I suggest using suppression lists.
4006 4565
4007 4566
4008=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4567=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4009 4568
4569=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4570
4571GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4572interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4573
4574That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4575files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4576
4577Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4578by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4579standard libev compiled for their system.
4580
4581Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4582suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4583i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4584
4585=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4586
4587The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4588you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4589OpenGL drivers.
4590
4591=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4592
4593The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4594only sockets, many support pipes.
4595
4596Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4597rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4598loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4599probably going to work well.
4600
4601=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4602
4603Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4604implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4605release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4606
4607Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4608this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4609a loop.
4610
4611=head3 C<select> is buggy
4612
4613All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4614one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4615descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4616you use more.
4617
4618There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4619C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4620work on OS/X.
4621
4622=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4623
4624=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4625
4626The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4627thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4628without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4629defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4630
4631If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4632it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4633
4634=head3 Event port backend
4635
4636The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4637ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4638releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4639a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4640and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4641are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4642great.
4643
4644If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4645the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4646C<select> backends.
4647
4648=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4649
4650AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4651this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4652compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4653with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4654
4010=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4655=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4656
4657=head3 General issues
4011 4658
4012Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4659Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4013requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4660requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4014model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4661model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4015the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4662the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4016descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4663descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4017e.g. cygwin. 4664e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4665as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4666environment.
4018 4667
4019Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4668Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4020re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4669re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4021things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4670then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4022way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4671also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4023 4672
4024There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4673There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4025embedding it into other applications. 4674embedding it into other applications.
4026 4675
4027Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4676Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4055you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4704you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4056 4705
4057 #include "evwrap.h" 4706 #include "evwrap.h"
4058 #include "ev.c" 4707 #include "ev.c"
4059 4708
4060=over 4
4061
4062=item The winsocket select function 4709=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4063 4710
4064The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4711The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4065requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4712requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4066also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4713also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4067requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4714requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4076 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4723 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4077 4724
4078Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4725Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4079complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4726complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4080 4727
4081=item Limited number of file descriptors 4728=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4082 4729
4083Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4730Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4084 4731
4085Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4732Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4086of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4733of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4101runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4748runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4102(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4749(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4103you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4750you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4104the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4751the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4105 4752
4106=back
4107
4108=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4753=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4109 4754
4110In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4755In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4111backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4756backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4112 4757
4118Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4763Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4119structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4764structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4120assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4765assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4121callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4766callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4122calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4767calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4768
4769=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4770
4771Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4772writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4123 4773
4124=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4774=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4125 4775
4126The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4776The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4127C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4777C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4150watchers. 4800watchers.
4151 4801
4152=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4802=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4153 4803
4154The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4804The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4155have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4805have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4156enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4806good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4807(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4157implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4808implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4158ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4809IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
41592200.
4160 4810
4161=back 4811=back
4162 4812
4163If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4813If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4164 4814
4232involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4882involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4233 4883
4234=back 4884=back
4235 4885
4236 4886
4887=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4888
4889The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4890
4891At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4892for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4893layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4894new API early than late.
4895
4896=over 4
4897
4898=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4899
4900The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4901C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4902section.
4903
4904=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4905
4906These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4907
4908 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4909 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4910
4911=item function/symbol renames
4912
4913A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4914
4915 ev_loop => ev_run
4916 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4917 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4918
4919 ev_unloop => ev_break
4920 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4921 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4922 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4923
4924 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4925
4926 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4927 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4928 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4929
4930Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4931C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4932associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4933ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4934as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4935C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4936typedef.
4937
4938=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4939
4940The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4941mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4942and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4943
4944=back
4945
4946
4237=head1 GLOSSARY 4947=head1 GLOSSARY
4238 4948
4239=over 4 4949=over 4
4240 4950
4241=item active 4951=item active
4242 4952
4243A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4953A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4244an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4954See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4245 4955
4246=item application 4956=item application
4247 4957
4248In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4958In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4959
4960=item backend
4961
4962The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4249 4963
4250=item callback 4964=item callback
4251 4965
4252The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4966The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4253detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4967detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4254received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4968received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4255 4969
4256=item callback invocation 4970=item callback/watcher invocation
4257 4971
4258The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4972The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4259 4973
4260=item event 4974=item event
4261 4975
4262A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4976A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4263for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 4977for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4264any other events happening anymore. 4978any other events happening anymore.
4265 4979
4266In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4980In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4267C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4981C<EV_TIMER>).
4268 4982
4269=item event library 4983=item event library
4270 4984
4271A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4985A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4272 4986
4280The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4994The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4281watchers and events. 4995watchers and events.
4282 4996
4283=item pending 4997=item pending
4284 4998
4285A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4999A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4286and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5000detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4287pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4288
4289A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4290its pending status.
4291 5001
4292=item real time 5002=item real time
4293 5003
4294The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5004The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4295 5005
4302=item watcher 5012=item watcher
4303 5013
4304A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5014A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4305to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5015to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4306 5016
4307=item watcher invocation
4308
4309The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4310
4311=back 5017=back
4312 5018
4313=head1 AUTHOR 5019=head1 AUTHOR
4314 5020
4315Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5021Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5022Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4316 5023

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