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Revision 1.86 by root, Tue Dec 18 01:20:33 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.253 by root, Tue Jul 14 18:33:48 2009 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
17 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 20
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 23 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 25 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 26 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 33 }
24 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 36 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 38 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 39 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 42 }
31 43
32 int 44 int
33 main (void) 45 main (void)
34 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 49
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 54
55 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 59
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 60 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 64 return 0;
49 } 65 }
50 66
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
52 68
69This document documents the libev software package.
70
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
56 84
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 88
61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 89To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 90(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
63communicate events via a callback mechanism. 91communicate events via a callback mechanism.
65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 93You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 94watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 95details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
68watcher. 96watcher.
69 97
70=head1 FEATURES 98=head2 FEATURES
71 99
72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 103(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
82 110
83It also is quite fast (see this 111It also is quite fast (see this
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 113for example).
86 114
87=head1 CONVENTIONS 115=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 116
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 119more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument.
95 124
96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 126
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 134throughout libev.
135
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs).
140
141When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
142a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
143set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
144abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
145()>.
146
147When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
148it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
149so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
150the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
151
152Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
153extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
154circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
155
106 156
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 157=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 158
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 159These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 160library in any way.
114=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 164=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
115 165
116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 166Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 167C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
118you actually want to know. 168you actually want to know.
169
170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
171
172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
174this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
119 175
120=item int ev_version_major () 176=item int ev_version_major ()
121 177
122=item int ev_version_minor () 178=item int ev_version_minor ()
123 179
136not a problem. 192not a problem.
137 193
138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
139version. 195version.
140 196
141 assert (("libev version mismatch", 197 assert (("libev version mismatch",
142 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
143 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
144 200
145=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 201=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
146 202
147Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 203Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
148value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 204value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
150a description of the set values. 206a description of the set values.
151 207
152Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 208Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
153a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 209a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
154 210
155 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
156 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
157 213
158=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
159 215
160Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
161recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
162returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
163most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
164(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
165libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
166 222
167=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
168 224
172C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
173recommended ones. 229recommended ones.
174 230
175See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
176 232
177=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
178 234
179Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
180semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 236semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
181allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 237used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
182memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 238when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
183potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 239or take some potentially destructive action.
184function. 240
241Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
242correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
243C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
185 244
186You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 245You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
187free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 246free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
188or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 247or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
189 248
190Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 249Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
191retries). 250retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
192 251
193 static void * 252 static void *
194 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 253 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
195 { 254 {
196 for (;;) 255 for (;;)
205 } 264 }
206 265
207 ... 266 ...
208 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
209 268
210=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
211 270
212Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 271Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
213as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
214indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
215callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 274callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
216matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 275matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
217requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 276requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
218(such as abort). 277(such as abort).
219 278
220Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 279Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
231 290
232=back 291=back
233 292
234=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
235 294
236An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
237types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
238events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 297I<function>).
239 298
240If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
241in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
242create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 301not.
243whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
244threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
245done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
246 302
247=over 4 303=over 4
248 304
249=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
250 306
254flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
255 311
256If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
257function. 313function.
258 314
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
318
319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
324C<ev_default_init>.
325
259The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
260backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 327backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
261 328
262The following flags are supported: 329The following flags are supported:
263 330
268The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 335The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
269thing, believe me). 336thing, believe me).
270 337
271=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 338=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
272 339
273If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 340If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
274or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 341or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
275C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 342C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
276override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 343override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
277useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
278around bugs. 345around bugs.
284enabling this flag. 351enabling this flag.
285 352
286This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
287and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
288iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
289Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
290without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 357without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
291C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 358C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
292 359
293The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 360The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
294forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 361forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
295flag. 362flag.
296 363
297This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
298environment variable. 365environment variable.
299 366
300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
301 368
302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
303libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 370libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
304but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
305using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 372using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
306the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 373usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
374
375To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
376parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
377writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
378connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
379a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
380readiness notifications you get per iteration.
381
382This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
383C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
384C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
307 385
308=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 386=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
309 387
310And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 388And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
311select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 389than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
312number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 390limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
313lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 391considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
392i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
393performance tips.
394
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
314 397
315=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
316 399
317For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
318but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
319O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
320either O(1) or O(active_fds). 403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
321 404
405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
409so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
410I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
412hard to detect.
413
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
415of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
421
322While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
323result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
324(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
325best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
326well if you register events for both fds. 426file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
427file descriptors.
327 428
328Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 429Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
329need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 430watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
330(or space) is available. 431i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
432starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
433extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
434as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
435take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
436
437All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
438faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
439the usage. So sad.
440
441While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
442all kernel versions tested so far.
443
444This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
445C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
331 446
332=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 447=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
333 448
334Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 449Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
335was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 450was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
336anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 451with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
337completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 452it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
453is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
454without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
338unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 455"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
339C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 456C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
457system like NetBSD.
458
459You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
460only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
461the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
340 462
341It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 463It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
342kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 464kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
343course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 465course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
344extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 466cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
345incident, so its best to avoid that. 467two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
468sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
469cases
470
471This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
472
473While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
474everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
475almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
476(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
477(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
478also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
479
480This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
481C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
482C<NOTE_EOF>.
346 483
347=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 484=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
348 485
349This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 486This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
487implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
488and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
489immensely.
350 490
351=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
352 492
353This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 493This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
354it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 494it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
355 495
356Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
357notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
358blocking when no data (or space) is available. 498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
499
500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
503might perform better.
504
505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
507in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
508OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
509
510This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
359 512
360=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
361 514
362Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
363with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 516with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
364C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 517C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
365 518
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520
366=back 521=back
367 522
368If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
369backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
370specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
371order of their flag values :)
372 526
373The most typical usage is like this: 527Example: This is the most typical usage.
374 528
375 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
376 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
377 531
378Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
379environment settings to be taken into account: 533environment settings to be taken into account:
380 534
381 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
382 536
383Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
384available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
385event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
386 541
387 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
388 543
389=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
390 545
391Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
392always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
393handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
394undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
395 550
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
396Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
397 556
398 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
399 if (!epoller) 558 if (!epoller)
400 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
401 560
402=item ev_default_destroy () 561=item ev_default_destroy ()
403 562
404Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
405etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
406sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
407responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
408calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
409the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
410for example). 569for example).
570
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
411 579
412=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
413 581
414Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
415earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
416 584
417=item ev_default_fork () 585=item ev_default_fork ()
418 586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
419This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
420one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
421after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
422again makes little sense). 591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
423 593
424You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
425only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
426fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
427 597
428The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
429it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
430quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
431 601
432 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
433 603
434At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
435without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
436do not need to care.
437
438=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
439 605
440Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
441C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
442after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise.
443 615
444=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
445 617
446Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
447the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
448happily wraps around with enough iterations. 620happily wraps around with enough iterations.
449 621
450This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
451"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
452C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
625
626=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop)
627
628Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of
629times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
630
631Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
632C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
633in which case it is higher.
634
635Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
636etc.), doesn't count as exit.
453 637
454=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 638=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
455 639
456Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 640Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
457use. 641use.
460 644
461Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 645Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
462received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 646received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
463change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 647change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
464time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 648time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
465event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 649event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
650
651=item ev_now_update (loop)
652
653Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
654returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
655is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
656
657This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
658very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
659the current time is a good idea.
660
661See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
662
663=item ev_suspend (loop)
664
665=item ev_resume (loop)
666
667These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
668not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
669
670A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
671the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
672would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
673the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
674in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
675C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
676
677Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
678between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
679will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
680occured while suspended).
681
682After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
683given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
684without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
685
686Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
687event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
466 688
467=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 689=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
468 690
469Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 691Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
470after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 692after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
473If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 695If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
474either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 696either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
475 697
476Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 698Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
477relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 699relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
478finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 700finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
479automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 701that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
480relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 702of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
703beauty.
481 704
482A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 705A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
483those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 706those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
484case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 707process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
708the loop.
485 709
486A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 710A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
487neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 711necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
488your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 712will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
489one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 713be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
490external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 714user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
715iteration of the loop.
716
717This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
718with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
491libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 719own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
492usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 720usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
493 721
494Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 722Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
495 723
496 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 724 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
497 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 725 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
498 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 726 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
727 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
499 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 728 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
729 as to not disturb the other process.
500 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 730 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
501 - Update the "event loop time". 731 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
502 - Calculate for how long to block. 732 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
733 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
734 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
735 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
503 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 736 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
504 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 737 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
505 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 738 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
506 - Queue all outstanding timers. 739 - Queue all expired timers.
507 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 740 - Queue all expired periodics.
508 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 741 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
509 - Queue all check watchers. 742 - Queue all check watchers.
510 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 743 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
511 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 744 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
512 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 745 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
513 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 746 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
514 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 747 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
748 continue with step *.
515 749
516Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 750Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
517anymore. 751anymore.
518 752
519 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 753 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
520 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 754 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
521 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 755 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
522 ... jobs done. yeah! 756 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
523 757
524=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 758=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
525 759
526Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 760Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
527has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 761has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
528C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 762C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
529C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 763C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
530 764
765This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
766
767It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
768
531=item ev_ref (loop) 769=item ev_ref (loop)
532 770
533=item ev_unref (loop) 771=item ev_unref (loop)
534 772
535Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 773Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
536loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 774loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
537count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 775count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
776
538a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 777If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
539returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 778from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
779stopping it.
780
540example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 781As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
541visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 782is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
542no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 783exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
543way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 784excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
544libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 785third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
786before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
787before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
788(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
789in the callback).
545 790
546Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 791Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
547running when nothing else is active. 792running when nothing else is active.
548 793
549 struct ev_signal exitsig; 794 ev_signal exitsig;
550 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 795 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
551 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 796 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
552 evf_unref (loop); 797 evf_unref (loop);
553 798
554Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 799Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
555 800
556 ev_ref (loop); 801 ev_ref (loop);
557 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 802 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
803
804=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
805
806=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
807
808These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
809for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
810will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
811latency.
812
813Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
814allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
815to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
816opportunities).
817
818The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
819one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
820program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
821events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
822overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
823
824By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
825time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
826at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
827C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
828introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
829sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
830once per this interval, on average.
831
832Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
833to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
834latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
835later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
836value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
837
838Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
839interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
840interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
841usually 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
843you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
844parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
845need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
846then you can't do more than 100 transations per second).
847
848Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
849saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
850are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
851times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
852reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
853they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
854
855Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
856more often than 100 times per second:
857
858 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
859 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
860
861=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
862
863This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
864pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required,
865but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy.
866
867=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
868
869This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
870invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call
871this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
872invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
873
874If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
875callback.
876
877=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
878
879Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
880can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
881each call to a libev function.
882
883However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to
884wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via
885C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release>
886and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
887
888When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
889suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
890afterwards.
891
892Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
893C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
894
895=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
896
897=item ev_userdata (loop)
898
899Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
900C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
901C<0.>
902
903These 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
905C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
906any other purpose as well.
907
908=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
909
910This 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
912through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
913is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
914error and call C<abort ()>.
915
916This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
917circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
918data structures consistent.
558 919
559=back 920=back
560 921
561 922
562=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 923=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
924
925In 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
927watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
563 928
564A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 929A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
565interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 930interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
566become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 931become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
567 932
568 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 933 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
569 { 934 {
570 ev_io_stop (w); 935 ev_io_stop (w);
571 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 936 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
572 } 937 }
573 938
574 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 939 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
940
575 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 941 ev_io stdin_watcher;
942
576 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 943 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
577 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 944 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
578 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 945 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
946
579 ev_loop (loop, 0); 947 ev_loop (loop, 0);
580 948
581As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 949As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
582watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 950watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
583although this can sometimes be quite valid). 951stack).
952
953Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
954or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
584 955
585Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 956Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
586(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 957(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
587callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 958callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
588watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 959watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
589is readable and/or writable). 960is readable and/or writable).
590 961
591Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 962Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
592with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 963macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
593to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 964is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
594(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 965ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
595 966
596To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 967To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
597with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 968with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
598*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 969*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
599corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 970corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
600 971
601As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 972As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
602must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 973must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
603reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 974reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
604 975
605Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 976Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
606registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 977registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
607third argument. 978third argument.
608 979
662=item C<EV_FORK> 1033=item C<EV_FORK>
663 1034
664The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1035The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
665C<ev_fork>). 1036C<ev_fork>).
666 1037
1038=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1039
1040The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1041
1042=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1043
1044Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1045by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
1046
667=item C<EV_ERROR> 1047=item C<EV_ERROR>
668 1048
669An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1049An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
670happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1050happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
671ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 1051ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1052problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1053
672problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1054You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
673with the watcher being stopped. 1055watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1056an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1057bug in your program.
674 1058
675Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 1059Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
676for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 1060example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
677your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 1061callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
678with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 1062the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
679programs, though, so beware. 1063programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1064thing, so beware.
680 1065
681=back 1066=back
682 1067
683=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1068=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
684
685In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
686e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
687 1069
688=over 4 1070=over 4
689 1071
690=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1072=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
691 1073
697which rolls both calls into one. 1079which rolls both calls into one.
698 1080
699You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1081You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
700(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1082(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
701 1083
702The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1084The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
703int revents)>. 1085int revents)>.
1086
1087Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1088
1089 ev_io w;
1090 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1091 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
704 1092
705=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1093=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
706 1094
707This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1095This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
708call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1096call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
711difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 1099difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
712 1100
713Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 1101Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
714(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 1102(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
715 1103
1104See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1105
716=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 1106=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
717 1107
718This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 1108This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
719calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 1109calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
720a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 1110a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1111
1112Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1113
1114 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
721 1115
722=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1116=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
723 1117
724Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1118Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
725events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1119events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
726 1120
1121Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1122whole section.
1123
1124 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1125
727=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1126=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
728 1127
729Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1128Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1129the watcher was active or not).
1130
730status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1131It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
731non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1132non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
732C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1133calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
733you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1134pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
734good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1135therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
735 1136
736=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1137=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
737 1138
738Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1139Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
739and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1140and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
765integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1166integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
766(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1167(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
767before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1168before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
768from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1169from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
769 1170
770This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
771invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
772example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
773watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
774
775If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1171If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
776you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1172you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
777 1173
778You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1174You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
779pending. 1175pending.
780 1176
1177Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1178fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1179or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1180
781The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1181The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
782always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1182always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
783 1183
784Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1184See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
785fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1185priorities.
786or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
787 1186
788=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1187=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
789 1188
790Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1189Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
791C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1190C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
792can deal with that fact. 1191can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1192callback.
793 1193
794=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1194=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
795 1195
796If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1196If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
797and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1197returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
798watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1198watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
799 1199
1200Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1201callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1202
800=back 1203=back
801 1204
802 1205
803=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1206=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
804 1207
805Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1208Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
806and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1209and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
807to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1210to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
808don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1211don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
809member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1212member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
810data: 1213data:
811 1214
812 struct my_io 1215 struct my_io
813 { 1216 {
814 struct ev_io io; 1217 ev_io io;
815 int otherfd; 1218 int otherfd;
816 void *somedata; 1219 void *somedata;
817 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1220 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
818 } 1221 };
1222
1223 ...
1224 struct my_io w;
1225 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
819 1226
820And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1227And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
821can cast it back to your own type: 1228can cast it back to your own type:
822 1229
823 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1230 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
824 { 1231 {
825 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1232 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
826 ... 1233 ...
827 } 1234 }
828 1235
829More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1236More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
830instead have been omitted. 1237instead have been omitted.
831 1238
832Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1239Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
833watchers: 1240embedded watchers:
834 1241
835 struct my_biggy 1242 struct my_biggy
836 { 1243 {
837 int some_data; 1244 int some_data;
838 ev_timer t1; 1245 ev_timer t1;
839 ev_timer t2; 1246 ev_timer t2;
840 } 1247 }
841 1248
842In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1249In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
843you need to use C<offsetof>: 1250complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1251in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1252some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1253programmers):
844 1254
845 #include <stddef.h> 1255 #include <stddef.h>
846 1256
847 static void 1257 static void
848 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1258 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
849 { 1259 {
850 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1260 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
851 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1261 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
852 } 1262 }
853 1263
854 static void 1264 static void
855 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1265 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
856 { 1266 {
857 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1267 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
858 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1268 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
859 } 1269 }
1270
1271=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1272
1273Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1274integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1275between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1276
1277In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1278description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1279range.
1280
1281There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1282by event loops:
1283
1284In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1285of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1286watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1287
1288The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1289callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1290watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1291before polling for new events.
1292
1293Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1294except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1295
1296The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1297watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1298libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1299their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1300common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1301priority ones.
1302
1303Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1304watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1305C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1306timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1307other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1308handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1309the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1310handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1311always, what you want).
1312
1313Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1314will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1315received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1316required.
1317
1318For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1319you 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
1321processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1322continously 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
1324workable.
1325
1326Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1327miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1328it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1329idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1330the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1331
1332Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1333priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1334other events are pending:
1335
1336 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1337 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1338
1339 static void
1340 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1341 {
1342 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1343 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1344 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1345
1346 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1347 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1348 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1349 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1350 }
1351
1352 static void
1353 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1354 {
1355 // actual processing
1356 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1357
1358 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1359 // we have handled the event
1360 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1361 }
1362
1363 // initialisation
1364 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1365 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1366 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1367
1368In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1369low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1370enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1371during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1372important ones.
860 1373
861 1374
862=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1375=head1 WATCHER TYPES
863 1376
864This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1377This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
888In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1401In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
889fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1402fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
890descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1403descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
891required if you know what you are doing). 1404required if you know what you are doing).
892 1405
893You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 1406If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
894(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 1407known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
895descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 1408C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
896to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share 1409descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
897the same underlying "file open"). 1410files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
898
899If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
900(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
901C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
902 1411
903Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1412Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
904receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1413receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
905be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1414be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
906because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1415because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
907lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1416lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
908this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1417this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
909it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1418it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
910C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1419C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
911 1420
912If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1421If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
913play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1422not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
914whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1423re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
915such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1424interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
916its own, so its quite safe to use). 1425does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1426use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1427indefinitely.
1428
1429But really, best use non-blocking mode.
917 1430
918=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1431=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
919 1432
920Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1433Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
921descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1434descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
922such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1435such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
923descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1436descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
924this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1437this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
925registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1438registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
926fact, a different file descriptor. 1439fact, a different file descriptor.
927 1440
934 1447
935This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that 1448This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
936the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave 1449the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
937optimisations to libev. 1450optimisations to libev.
938 1451
1452=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1453
1454Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1455but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1456have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1457events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1458
1459There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1460for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1461C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1462
1463=head3 The special problem of fork
1464
1465Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1466useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1467it in the child.
1468
1469To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1470C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1471enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1473
1474=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1475
1476While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1477when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1478sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1479this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1480
1481So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1482ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1483somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1484
939 1485
940=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
941 1487
942=over 4 1488=over 4
943 1489
944=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1490=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
945 1491
946=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1492=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
947 1493
948Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1494Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
949rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1495receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
950C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1496C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
951 1497
952=item int fd [read-only] 1498=item int fd [read-only]
953 1499
954The file descriptor being watched. 1500The file descriptor being watched.
955 1501
956=item int events [read-only] 1502=item int events [read-only]
957 1503
958The events being watched. 1504The events being watched.
959 1505
960=back 1506=back
1507
1508=head3 Examples
961 1509
962Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1510Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
963readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1511readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
964attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1512attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
965 1513
966 static void 1514 static void
967 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1515 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
968 { 1516 {
969 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1517 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
970 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1518 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
971 } 1519 }
972 1520
973 ... 1521 ...
974 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1522 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
975 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1523 ev_io stdin_readable;
976 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1524 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
977 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1525 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
978 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1526 ev_loop (loop, 0);
979 1527
980 1528
981=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1529=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
982 1530
983Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1531Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
984given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1532given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
985 1533
986The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1534The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
987times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1535times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
988time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1536year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
989detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1537detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
990monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1538monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1539
1540The 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
1542might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1543same 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
1545no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1546
1547=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1548
1549Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1550recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1551you want to raise some error after a while.
1552
1553What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1554inefficient to smart and efficient.
1555
1556In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1557gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1558data or other life sign was received).
1559
1560=over 4
1561
1562=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1563
1564This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1565start the watcher:
1566
1567 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1568 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1569
1570Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1571and start it again:
1572
1573 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1574 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1575 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1576
1577This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1578some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1579data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1580still not a constant-time operation.
1581
1582=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1583
1584This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1585C<ev_timer_start>.
1586
1587To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1588of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1589successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1590you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1591the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1592
1593That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1594C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1595member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1596
1597At start:
1598
1599 ev_init (timer, callback);
1600 timer->repeat = 60.;
1601 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1602
1603Each time there is some activity:
1604
1605 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1606
1607It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1608whether the watcher is active or not:
1609
1610 timer->repeat = 30.;
1611 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1612
1613This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1614you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1615remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1616
1617It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1618
1619=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1620
1621This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1622relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1623our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1624associated activity resets.
1625
1626In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1627but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1628within the callback:
1629
1630 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1631
1632 static void
1633 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1634 {
1635 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1636 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1637
1638 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1639 if (timeout < now)
1640 {
1641 // timeout occured, take action
1642 }
1643 else
1644 {
1645 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1646 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1647 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1648 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1649 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1650 }
1651 }
1652
1653To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1654as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1655been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1656the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1657re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1658a timeout then.
1659
1660Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1661C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1662
1663This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1664minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1665libev to change the timeout.
1666
1667To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1668to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1669callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1670
1671 ev_init (timer, callback);
1672 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1673 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1674
1675And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1676C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1677
1678 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1679
1680This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1681time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1682
1683Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1684callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1685fix things for you.
1686
1687=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1688
1689If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1690employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1691do even better:
1692
1693When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1694at the I<end> of the list.
1695
1696Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1697the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1698
1699When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1700the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1701update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1702
1703This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1704starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1705complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1706ensures that the list stays sorted.
1707
1708=back
1709
1710So which method the best?
1711
1712Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1713situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1714better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1715one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1716
1717Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1718rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1719off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1720overkill :)
1721
1722=head3 The special problem of time updates
1723
1724Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1725least 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
1727growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1728lots of events in one iteration.
991 1729
992The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1730The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
993time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1731time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
994of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1732of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
995you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1733you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
996on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1734timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
997 1735
998 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1736 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
999 1737
1000The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1738If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1001but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1739update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1002order of execution is undefined. 1740()>.
1003 1741
1004=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1742=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1005 1743
1006=over 4 1744=over 4
1007 1745
1008=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1746=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1009 1747
1010=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1748=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1011 1749
1012Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1750Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1013C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1751is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1014timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1752reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1015later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1753configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1754until stopped manually.
1016 1755
1017The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1756The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1018configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1757you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1019exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1758trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1020the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1759keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1021timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1760do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1022 1761
1023=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1762=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1024 1763
1025This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1764This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1026repeating. The exact semantics are: 1765repeating. The exact semantics are:
1027 1766
1028If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1767If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1029 1768
1030If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1769If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1031 1770
1032If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1771If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1033C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1772C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1034 1773
1035This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1774This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1036example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1775usage example.
1037timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1038seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1039configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1040C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1041you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1042socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1043automatically restart it if need be.
1044
1045That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1046altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1047
1048 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1049 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1050 ...
1051 timer->again = 17.;
1052 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1053 ...
1054 timer->again = 10.;
1055 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1056
1057This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1058you want to modify its timeout value.
1059 1776
1060=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1777=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1061 1778
1062The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1779The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1063or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1780or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1064which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1781which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1065 1782
1066=back 1783=back
1067 1784
1785=head3 Examples
1786
1068Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1787Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1069 1788
1070 static void 1789 static void
1071 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1790 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1072 { 1791 {
1073 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1792 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1074 } 1793 }
1075 1794
1076 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1795 ev_timer mytimer;
1077 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1796 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1078 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1797 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1079 1798
1080Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1799Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1081inactivity. 1800inactivity.
1082 1801
1083 static void 1802 static void
1084 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1803 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1085 { 1804 {
1086 .. ten seconds without any activity 1805 .. ten seconds without any activity
1087 } 1806 }
1088 1807
1089 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1808 ev_timer mytimer;
1090 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1809 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1091 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1810 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1092 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1811 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1093 1812
1094 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1813 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1095 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1814 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1096 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1815 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1097 1816
1098 1817
1099=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1818=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1100 1819
1101Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1820Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1102(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1821(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1103 1822
1104Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1823Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1105but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1824relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1106to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1825(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1107periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1826difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1108+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1827time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1109take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1828wrist-watch).
1110roughly 10 seconds later).
1111 1829
1112They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1830You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1113triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1831in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1114rules. 1832seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1833not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1834year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1835C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1836it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1115 1837
1838C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1839timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1840other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1841those cannot react to time jumps.
1842
1116As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1843As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1117time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1844point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1118during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1845timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1846earlier 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).
1119 1848
1120=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1849=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1121 1850
1122=over 4 1851=over 4
1123 1852
1124=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1853=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1125 1854
1126=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1855=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1127 1856
1128Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1857Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1129operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1858operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1130 1859
1131=over 4 1860=over 4
1132 1861
1133=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1862=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1134 1863
1135In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1864In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1136C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1865time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1137that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1866time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1138system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1867will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1868this point in time.
1139 1869
1140=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1870=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1141 1871
1142In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1872In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1143C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1873C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1144and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1874negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1875argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1145 1876
1146This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1877This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1147time: 1878system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1879hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1148 1880
1149 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1881 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1150 1882
1151This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1883This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1152but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1884but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1153full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1885full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1154by 3600. 1886by 3600.
1155 1887
1156Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1888Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1157C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1889C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1158time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1890time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1159 1891
1160For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1892For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1161C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1893C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1162this value. 1894this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1163 1895
1896Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1897speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1898will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1899millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1900
1164=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1901=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1165 1902
1166In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1903In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1167ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1904ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1168reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1905reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1169current time as second argument. 1906current time as second argument.
1170 1907
1171NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1908NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1172ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1909or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1173return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1910allowed by documentation here>.
1174starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1175 1911
1912If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1913it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1914only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1915
1176Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1916The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1177ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1917*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1178 1918
1919 static ev_tstamp
1179 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1920 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1180 { 1921 {
1181 return now + 60.; 1922 return now + 60.;
1182 } 1923 }
1183 1924
1184It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1925It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1185(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1926(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1186will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1927will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1187might be called at other times, too. 1928might be called at other times, too.
1188 1929
1189NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1930NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1190passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1931equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1191 1932
1192This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1933This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1193triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1934triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1194next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1935next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1195you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1936you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1196reason I omitted it as an example). 1937reason I omitted it as an example).
1197 1938
1198=back 1939=back
1202Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1943Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1203when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1944when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1204a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1945a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1205program when the crontabs have changed). 1946program when the crontabs have changed).
1206 1947
1948=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1949
1950When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1951to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
1952C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
1953rescheduling modes.
1954
1207=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1955=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1208 1956
1209When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1957When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1210absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1958absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
1959although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1211 1960
1212Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 1961Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1213timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1962timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1214 1963
1215=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1964=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1216 1965
1217The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1966The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1218take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1967take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1219called. 1968called.
1220 1969
1221=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1970=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1222 1971
1223The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1972The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1224switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1973switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1225the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1974the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1226 1975
1227=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1228
1229When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1230trigger next.
1231
1232=back 1976=back
1233 1977
1978=head3 Examples
1979
1234Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1980Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1235system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1981system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1236potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1982potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1237 1983
1238 static void 1984 static void
1239 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1985 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1240 { 1986 {
1241 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1987 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1242 } 1988 }
1243 1989
1244 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1990 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1245 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1991 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1246 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1992 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1247 1993
1248Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1994Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1249 1995
1250 #include <math.h> 1996 #include <math.h>
1251 1997
1252 static ev_tstamp 1998 static ev_tstamp
1253 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1999 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1254 { 2000 {
1255 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 2001 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1256 } 2002 }
1257 2003
1258 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 2004 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1259 2005
1260Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 2006Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1261 2007
1262 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2008 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1263 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2009 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1264 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2010 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1265 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2011 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1266 2012
1267 2013
1268=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2014=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1269 2015
1270Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2016Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1271signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2017signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1272will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2018will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1273normal event processing, like any other event. 2019normal event processing, like any other event.
1274 2020
2021If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
2022do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
2023C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
2024
1275You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2025You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1276first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 2026first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1277with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 2027with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1278as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 2028you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1279watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 2029the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1280SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 2030signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
2031
2032If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2033C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
2034interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
2035signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
2036them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1281 2037
1282=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2038=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283 2039
1284=over 4 2040=over 4
1285 2041
1294 2050
1295The signal the watcher watches out for. 2051The signal the watcher watches out for.
1296 2052
1297=back 2053=back
1298 2054
2055=head3 Examples
2056
2057Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2058
2059 static void
2060 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2061 {
2062 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
2063 }
2064
2065 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2066 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2067 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2068
1299 2069
1300=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2070=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1301 2071
1302Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 2072Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1303some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 2073some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
2074exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2075has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2076as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2077forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2078but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
2079in the next callback invocation is not.
2080
2081Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2082you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2083
2084Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2085handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2086libev)
2087
2088=head3 Process Interaction
2089
2090Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2091initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
2092the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2093of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2094synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2095children, even ones not watched.
2096
2097=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2098
2099Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
2100processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
2101handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
2102C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
2103default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
2104event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
2105that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
2106
2107=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2108
2109Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2110child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2111callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2112when a child exit is detected.
1304 2113
1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2114=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1306 2115
1307=over 4 2116=over 4
1308 2117
1309=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 2118=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1310 2119
1311=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 2120=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1312 2121
1313Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 2122Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1314I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 2123I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1315at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 2124at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1316the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 2125the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1317C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 2126C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1318process causing the status change. 2127process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
2128activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
2129activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1319 2130
1320=item int pid [read-only] 2131=item int pid [read-only]
1321 2132
1322The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 2133The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1323 2134
1330The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 2141The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1331C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 2142C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1332 2143
1333=back 2144=back
1334 2145
1335Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2146=head3 Examples
1336 2147
2148Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
2149its completion.
2150
2151 ev_child cw;
2152
1337 static void 2153 static void
1338 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2154 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1339 { 2155 {
1340 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2156 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
2157 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1341 } 2158 }
1342 2159
1343 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2160 pid_t pid = fork ();
1344 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2161
1345 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2162 if (pid < 0)
2163 // error
2164 else if (pid == 0)
2165 {
2166 // the forked child executes here
2167 exit (1);
2168 }
2169 else
2170 {
2171 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
2172 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
2173 }
1346 2174
1347 2175
1348=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2176=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1349 2177
1350This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2178This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1351C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2179C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1352compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2180and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2181it did.
1353 2182
1354The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2183The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1355not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2184not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1356not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2185exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1357otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2186C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1358the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2187least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2188contents.
1359 2189
1360The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2190The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2191C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1361relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2192your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1362 2193
1363Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 2194Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1364calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 2195portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1365can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 2196to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1366a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 2197interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1367unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 2198recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1368five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 2199(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1369impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 2200change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1370usually overkill. 2201currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1371 2202
1372This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2203This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1373as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2204as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1374resource-intensive. 2205resource-intensive.
1375 2206
1376At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 2207At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1377implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 2208is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1378reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 2209exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1379semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 2210implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1380to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 2211
1381usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 2212=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1382polling. 2213
2214Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
2215compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
2216support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
2217structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
2218use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
2219compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
2220obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
2221most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
2222
2223The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
2224file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
2225optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
2226to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
2227default compilation environment.
2228
2229=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
2230
2231When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
2232runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
2233inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
2234watcher is being started.
2235
2236Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
2237except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
2238making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
2239there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2240but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2241many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2242a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2243xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
2244
2245There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
2246implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
2247descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2248etc. is difficult.
2249
2250=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2251
2252Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2253the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2254()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2255
2256For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2257busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2258as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2259watcher).
2260
2261For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2262time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2263often takes multiple milliseconds.
2264
2265Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2266paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
2267
2268=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
2269
2270The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
2271and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
2272still only support whole seconds.
2273
2274That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
2275easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
2276calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
2277within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2278stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
2279
2280The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
2281than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
2282a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
2283ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
2284
2285The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2286of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2287might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2288C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2289a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2290update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2291the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2292the timer callback).
1383 2293
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2294=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1385 2295
1386=over 4 2296=over 4
1387 2297
1393C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2303C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1394be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2304be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1395a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2305a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1396path for as long as the watcher is active. 2306path for as long as the watcher is active.
1397 2307
1398The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2308The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1399relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2309relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1400last change was detected). 2310last change was detected).
1401 2311
1402=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2312=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1403 2313
1404Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2314Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1405watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2315watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1406detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2316detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1407useful simply to find out the new values. 2317the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2318new values.
1408 2319
1409=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2320=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1410 2321
1411The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2322The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1412C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2323C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1413suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2324suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2325members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1414was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2326some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1415 2327
1416=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2328=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1417 2329
1418The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2330The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1419C<prev> != C<attr>. 2331C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2332differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2333C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1420 2334
1421=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2335=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1422 2336
1423The specified interval. 2337The specified interval.
1424 2338
1425=item const char *path [read-only] 2339=item const char *path [read-only]
1426 2340
1427The filesystem path that is being watched. 2341The file system path that is being watched.
1428 2342
1429=back 2343=back
1430 2344
2345=head3 Examples
2346
1431Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2347Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1432 2348
1433 static void 2349 static void
1434 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2350 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1435 { 2351 {
1436 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2352 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1437 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2353 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1438 { 2354 {
1439 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2355 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1440 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2356 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1441 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2357 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1442 } 2358 }
1443 else 2359 else
1444 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2360 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1445 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2361 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1446 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2362 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1447 } 2363 }
1448 2364
1449 ... 2365 ...
1450 ev_stat passwd; 2366 ev_stat passwd;
1451 2367
1452 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 2368 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1453 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2369 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
2370
2371Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
2372miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
2373one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
2374C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
2375
2376 static ev_stat passwd;
2377 static ev_timer timer;
2378
2379 static void
2380 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2381 {
2382 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
2383
2384 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
2385 }
2386
2387 static void
2388 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
2389 {
2390 /* reset the one-second timer */
2391 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
2392 }
2393
2394 ...
2395 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
2396 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
2397 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1454 2398
1455 2399
1456=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2400=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1457 2401
1458Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2402Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1459priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2403priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1460count). 2404as receiving "events").
1461 2405
1462That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2406That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1463(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2407(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1464triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2408triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1465are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2409are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1476 2420
1477=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2421=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1478 2422
1479=over 4 2423=over 4
1480 2424
1481=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2425=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1482 2426
1483Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2427Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1484kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2428kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1485believe me. 2429believe me.
1486 2430
1487=back 2431=back
1488 2432
2433=head3 Examples
2434
1489Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2435Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1490callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2436callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1491 2437
1492 static void 2438 static void
1493 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2439 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1494 { 2440 {
1495 free (w); 2441 free (w);
1496 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2442 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1497 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 2443 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1498 } 2444 }
1499 2445
1500 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2446 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1501 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2447 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1502 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2448 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1503 2449
1504 2450
1505=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2451=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1506 2452
1507Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2453Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1508prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2454prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1509afterwards. 2455afterwards.
1510 2456
1511You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2457You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1512the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2458the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1515those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2461those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1516C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2462C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1517called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2463called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1518 2464
1519Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2465Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1520their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2466their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1521variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2467variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1522coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2468coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1523you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2469you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1524in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2470in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1525watcher). 2471watcher).
1526 2472
1527This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2473This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1528to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2474need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1529them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2475for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1530provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2476libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1531any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2477you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1532and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2478of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1533callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2479I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1534because you never know, you know?). 2480nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1535 2481
1536As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2482As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1537coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2483coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1538during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2484during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1539are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2485are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1542loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2488loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1543low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2489low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1544 2490
1545It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2491It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1546priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2492priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2493after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2494
1547after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2495Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1548too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2496activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1549supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did 2497might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1550their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event 2498C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1551loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 2499loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1552C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 2500C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1553others). 2501others).
1554 2502
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560 2508
1561=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2509=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1562 2510
1563Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2511Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1564parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2512parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1565macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2513macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2514pointless.
1566 2515
1567=back 2516=back
2517
2518=head3 Examples
1568 2519
1569There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2520There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1570into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2521into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1571(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2522(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1572use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2523use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1573embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2524Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1574into the Glib event loop). 2525Glib event loop).
1575 2526
1576Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2527Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1577and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2528and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1578is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2529is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1579priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2530priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1580the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2531the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1581 2532
1582 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2533 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1583 static ev_timer tw; 2534 static ev_timer tw;
1584 2535
1585 static void 2536 static void
1586 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2537 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1587 { 2538 {
1588 } 2539 }
1589 2540
1590 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2541 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1591 static void 2542 static void
1592 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2543 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1593 { 2544 {
1594 int timeout = 3600000; 2545 int timeout = 3600000;
1595 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2546 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1596 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2547 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1597 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2548 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1598 2549
1599 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2550 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1600 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2551 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
1601 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2552 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1602 2553
1603 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2554 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1604 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2555 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1605 { 2556 {
1606 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2557 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1607 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2558 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1608 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2559 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1609 2560
1610 fds [i].revents = 0; 2561 fds [i].revents = 0;
1611 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2562 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1612 } 2563 }
1613 } 2564 }
1614 2565
1615 // stop all watchers after blocking 2566 // stop all watchers after blocking
1616 static void 2567 static void
1617 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2568 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1618 { 2569 {
1619 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2570 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1620 2571
1621 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2572 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1622 { 2573 {
1623 // set the relevant poll flags 2574 // set the relevant poll flags
1624 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2575 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1625 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2576 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1626 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2577 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1627 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2578 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1628 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2579 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1629 2580
1630 // now stop the watcher 2581 // now stop the watcher
1631 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2582 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1632 } 2583 }
1633 2584
1634 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2585 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1635 } 2586 }
1636 2587
1637Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2588Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1638in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2589in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1639 2590
1640Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2591Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1641notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2592notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1642callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2593callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1643 2594
1644 static void 2595 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2596 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 { 2597 {
1647 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2598 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1648 update_now (EV_A); 2599 update_now (EV_A);
1649 2600
1650 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2601 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1651 } 2602 }
1652 2603
1653 static void 2604 static void
1654 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2605 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1655 { 2606 {
1656 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2607 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1657 update_now (EV_A); 2608 update_now (EV_A);
1658 2609
1659 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2610 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1660 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2611 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1661 } 2612 }
1662 2613
1663 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2614 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1664 2615
1665Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2616Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1666want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2617want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1667their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2618override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1668loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2619main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1669this. 2620this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2621libglib event loop.
1670 2622
1671 static gint 2623 static gint
1672 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2624 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1673 { 2625 {
1674 int got_events = 0; 2626 int got_events = 0;
1675 2627
1676 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2628 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1677 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2629 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1678 2630
1679 if (timeout >= 0) 2631 if (timeout >= 0)
1680 // create/start timer 2632 // create/start timer
1681 2633
1682 // poll 2634 // poll
1683 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2635 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1684 2636
1685 // stop timer again 2637 // stop timer again
1686 if (timeout >= 0) 2638 if (timeout >= 0)
1687 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1688 2640
1689 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2641 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1690 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2642 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1691 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2643 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1692 2644
1693 return got_events; 2645 return got_events;
1694 } 2646 }
1695 2647
1696 2648
1697=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2649=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1698 2650
1699This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2651This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1705prioritise I/O. 2657prioritise I/O.
1706 2658
1707As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2659As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1708sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2660sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1709still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2661still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1710so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2662so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1711into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2663it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1712be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2664will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1713at least you can use both at what they are best. 2665C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2666best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1714 2667
1715As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2668As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1716to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2669some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1717priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2670and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1718you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2671this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1719a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2672the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1720 2673
1721As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2674As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1722there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2675time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1723call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2676must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1724their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2677sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1725loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2678C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1726to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2679to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1727embedded loop sweep.
1728 2680
1729As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2681You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1730callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2682will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1731set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1732interested in that.
1733 2683
1734Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2684Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1735when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2685is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1736but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2686embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1737yourself. 2687C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1738 2688
1739Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2689Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1740C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2690C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1741portable one. 2691portable one.
1742 2692
1743So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2693So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1744that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2694that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1745this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2695this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1746create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2696create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1747 2697
1748 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2698=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
1749 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1750 struct ev_embed embed;
1751
1752 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1753 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1754 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1755 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1756 : 0;
1757 2699
1758 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2700While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
1759 if (loop_lo) 2701automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
1760 { 2702fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
1761 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2703however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
1762 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2704as applicable.
1763 }
1764 else
1765 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1766 2705
1767=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2706=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1768 2707
1769=over 4 2708=over 4
1770 2709
1774 2713
1775Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2714Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1776embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2715embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1777invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2716invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1778to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2717to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1779if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2718if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1780 2719
1781=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2720=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1782 2721
1783Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2722Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1784similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2723similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1785apropriate way for embedded loops. 2724appropriate way for embedded loops.
1786 2725
1787=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 2726=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1788 2727
1789The embedded event loop. 2728The embedded event loop.
1790 2729
1791=back 2730=back
2731
2732=head3 Examples
2733
2734Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2735event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2736loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2737C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2738used).
2739
2740 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2741 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2742 ev_embed embed;
2743
2744 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2745 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2746 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2747 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2748 : 0;
2749
2750 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2751 if (loop_lo)
2752 {
2753 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2754 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2755 }
2756 else
2757 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2758
2759Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2760a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2761kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2762C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2763
2764 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2765 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2766 ev_embed embed;
2767
2768 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2769 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2770 {
2771 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2772 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2773 }
2774
2775 if (!loop_socket)
2776 loop_socket = loop;
2777
2778 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1792 2779
1793 2780
1794=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2781=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1795 2782
1796Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2783Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1799event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2786event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1800and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2787and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1801C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2788C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1802handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2789handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1803 2790
2791=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2792
2793Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2794up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2795sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2796
2797This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2798in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2799fork.
2800
2801The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2802forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2803when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2804
2805When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2806wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2807supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2808process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2809
2810The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2811simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2812use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2813memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2814disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2815signal watchers).
2816
2817When 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
2819C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2820the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2821have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2822also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2823
1804=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2824=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1805 2825
1806=over 4 2826=over 4
1807 2827
1808=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2828=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1812believe me. 2832believe me.
1813 2833
1814=back 2834=back
1815 2835
1816 2836
2837=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2838
2839In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2840asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2841loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2842
2843Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2844control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2845C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2846can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2847safe.
2848
2849This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2850too, 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
2852C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2853
2854Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2855just the default loop.
2856
2857=head3 Queueing
2858
2859C<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
2861multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2862need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2863
2864That 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
2866queue:
2867
2868=over 4
2869
2870=item queueing from a signal handler context
2871
2872To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2873handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2874an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2875
2876 static ev_async mysig;
2877
2878 static void
2879 sigusr1_handler (void)
2880 {
2881 sometype data;
2882
2883 // no locking etc.
2884 queue_put (data);
2885 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2886 }
2887
2888 static void
2889 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2890 {
2891 sometype data;
2892 sigset_t block, prev;
2893
2894 sigemptyset (&block);
2895 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2896 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2897
2898 while (queue_get (&data))
2899 process (data);
2900
2901 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2902 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2903 }
2904
2905(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2906instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2907either...).
2908
2909=item queueing from a thread context
2910
2911The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2912threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2913employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2914
2915 static ev_async mysig;
2916 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2917
2918 static void
2919 otherthread (void)
2920 {
2921 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2922 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2923 queue_put (data);
2924 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2925
2926 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2927 }
2928
2929 static void
2930 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2931 {
2932 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2933
2934 while (queue_get (&data))
2935 process (data);
2936
2937 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2938 }
2939
2940=back
2941
2942
2943=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2944
2945=over 4
2946
2947=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2948
2949Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2950kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2951trust me.
2952
2953=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2954
2955Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2956an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2957C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2958similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2959section below on what exactly this means).
2960
2961Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
2962compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
2963is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
2964reset when the event loop detects that).
2965
2966This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2967iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2968repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2969
2970=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2971
2972Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2973watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2974event loop.
2975
2976C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2977the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2978it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2979quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2980
2981Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2982only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
2983is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
2984notification, and the callback being invoked.
2985
2986=back
2987
2988
1817=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2989=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1818 2990
1819There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2991There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1820 2992
1821=over 4 2993=over 4
1822 2994
1823=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2995=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
1824 2996
1825This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2997This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
1826callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2998callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
1827watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2999watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
1828or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3000or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1829more watchers yourself. 3001more watchers yourself.
1830 3002
1831If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 3003If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
1832is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 3004C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
1833C<events> set will be craeted and started. 3005the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
1834 3006
1835If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3007If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1836started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3008started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1837repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 3009repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
1838dubious value.
1839 3010
1840The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3011The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
1841passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3012passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
1842C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3013C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1843value passed to C<ev_once>: 3014value 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
3016events precedence.
1844 3017
3018Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3019
1845 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3020 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
1846 { 3021 {
1847 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
1848 /* doh, nothing entered */;
1849 else if (revents & EV_READ) 3022 if (revents & EV_READ)
1850 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3023 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3024 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
3025 /* doh, nothing entered */;
1851 } 3026 }
1852 3027
1853 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3028 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1854 3029
1855=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 3030=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1856 3031
1857Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 3032Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1858had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 3033had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1859initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 3034initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
1860 3035
1861=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3036=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
1862 3037
1863Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3038Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1864the given events it. 3039the given events it.
1865 3040
1866=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3041=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1867 3042
1868Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 3043Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1869loop!). 3044loop!).
1870 3045
1871=back 3046=back
1872 3047
1873 3048
1889 3064
1890=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3065=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1891will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3066will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1892is an ev_pri field. 3067is an ev_pri field.
1893 3068
3069=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3070first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
3071
1894=item * Other members are not supported. 3072=item * Other members are not supported.
1895 3073
1896=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3074=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1897to use the libev header file and library. 3075to use the libev header file and library.
1898 3076
1899=back 3077=back
1900 3078
1901=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3079=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1902 3080
1903Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3081Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1904you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3082you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1905the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3083the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1906 3084
1907To use it, 3085To use it,
1908 3086
1909 #include <ev++.h> 3087 #include <ev++.h>
1910 3088
1911This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3089This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1912of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3090of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1913put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3091put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1914options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 3092options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1981your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 3159your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1982thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 3160thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1983 3161
1984Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 3162Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1985 3163
1986 struct myclass 3164 struct myclass
1987 { 3165 {
1988 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3166 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1989 } 3167 }
1990 3168
1991 myclass obj; 3169 myclass obj;
1992 ev::io iow; 3170 ev::io iow;
1993 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3171 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3172
3173=item w->set (object *)
3174
3175This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3176
3177This 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
3179functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3180the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3181list.
3182
3183The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3184int revents)>.
3185
3186See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3187
3188Example: use a functor object as callback.
3189
3190 struct myfunctor
3191 {
3192 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3193 {
3194 ...
3195 }
3196 }
3197
3198 myfunctor f;
3199
3200 ev::io w;
3201 w.set (&f);
1994 3202
1995=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3203=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1996 3204
1997Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3205Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1998callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3206callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2000 3208
2001The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 3209The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2002 3210
2003See the method-C<set> above for more details. 3211See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2004 3212
2005Example: 3213Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2006 3214
2007 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3215 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2008 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3216 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2009 3217
2010=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3218=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2011 3219
2012Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3220Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2013do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3221do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2014 3222
2015=item w->set ([args]) 3223=item w->set ([arguments])
2016 3224
2017Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 3225Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2018called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3226called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2019automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3227automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2020method. 3228method.
2021 3229
2022=item w->start () 3230=item w->start ()
2046=back 3254=back
2047 3255
2048Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3256Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2049the constructor. 3257the constructor.
2050 3258
2051 class myclass 3259 class myclass
2052 { 3260 {
2053 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3261 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2054 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3262 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2055 3263
2056 myclass (); 3264 myclass (int fd)
2057 } 3265 {
2058
2059 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2060 {
2061 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3266 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2062 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3267 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2063 3268
2064 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3269 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
3270 }
2065 } 3271 };
3272
3273
3274=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3275
3276Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
3277number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
3278any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
3279me a note.
3280
3281=over 4
3282
3283=item Perl
3284
3285The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
3286libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
3287there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
3288to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
3289C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
3290and C<EV::Glib>).
3291
3292It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
3293L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3294
3295=item Python
3296
3297Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3298seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3299
3300=item Ruby
3301
3302Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3303of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3304more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
3305L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3306
3307Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3308makes rev work even on mingw.
3309
3310=item Haskell
3311
3312A haskell binding to libev is available at
3313L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3314
3315=item D
3316
3317Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3318be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3319
3320=item Ocaml
3321
3322Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3323L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3324
3325=back
2066 3326
2067 3327
2068=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3328=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2069 3329
2070Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 3330Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2071of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 3331of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2072functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 3332functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2073 3333
2074To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 3334To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2075following macros are defined: 3335following macros are defined:
2080 3340
2081This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3341This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2082loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3342loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2083C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3343C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2084 3344
2085 ev_unref (EV_A); 3345 ev_unref (EV_A);
2086 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3346 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2087 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3347 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2088 3348
2089It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3349It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2090which is often provided by the following macro. 3350which is often provided by the following macro.
2091 3351
2092=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3352=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2093 3353
2094This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3354This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2095loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3355loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2096C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3356C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2097 3357
2098 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3358 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2099 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3359 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2100 3360
2101 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3361 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2102 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3362 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2103 3363
2104It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3364It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2105suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3365suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2106 3366
2107=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3367=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2108 3368
2109Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3369Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2110loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3370loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3371
3372=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3373
3374Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3375default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3376is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3377execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3378
3379It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3380watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2111 3381
2112=back 3382=back
2113 3383
2114Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3384Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2115macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3385macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2116or not. 3386or not.
2117 3387
2118 static void 3388 static void
2119 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3389 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2120 { 3390 {
2121 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3391 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2122 } 3392 }
2123 3393
2124 ev_check check; 3394 ev_check check;
2125 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3395 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2126 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3396 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2127 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3397 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2128 3398
2129=head1 EMBEDDING 3399=head1 EMBEDDING
2130 3400
2131Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3401Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2132applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3402applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2133Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 3403Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2134and rxvt-unicode. 3404and rxvt-unicode.
2135 3405
2136The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 3406The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
2137source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 3407source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2138you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 3408you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2139libev somewhere in your source tree). 3409libev somewhere in your source tree).
2140 3410
2141=head2 FILESETS 3411=head2 FILESETS
2142 3412
2143Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3413Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2144in your app. 3414in your application.
2145 3415
2146=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3416=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2147 3417
2148To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3418To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2149configuration (no autoconf): 3419configuration (no autoconf):
2150 3420
2151 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3421 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2152 #include "ev.c" 3422 #include "ev.c"
2153 3423
2154This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3424This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2155single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3425single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2156it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3426it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2157done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3427done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2158where you can put other configuration options): 3428where you can put other configuration options):
2159 3429
2160 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3430 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2161 #include "ev.h" 3431 #include "ev.h"
2162 3432
2163Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3433Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2164compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3434compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2165as a bug). 3435as a bug).
2166 3436
2167You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3437You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2168in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3438in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2169 3439
2170 ev.h 3440 ev.h
2171 ev.c 3441 ev.c
2172 ev_vars.h 3442 ev_vars.h
2173 ev_wrap.h 3443 ev_wrap.h
2174 3444
2175 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3445 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2176 3446
2177 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3447 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2178 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3448 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2179 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3449 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2180 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3450 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2181 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3451 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2182 3452
2183F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3453F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2184to compile this single file. 3454to compile this single file.
2185 3455
2186=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3456=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2187 3457
2188To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3458To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2189 3459
2190 #include "event.c" 3460 #include "event.c"
2191 3461
2192in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3462in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2193 3463
2194 #include "event.h" 3464 #include "event.h"
2195 3465
2196in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3466in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2197 3467
2198You need the following additional files for this: 3468You need the following additional files for this:
2199 3469
2200 event.h 3470 event.h
2201 event.c 3471 event.c
2202 3472
2203=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3473=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2204 3474
2205Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3475Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2206whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3476whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2207F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3477F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2208include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3478include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2209 3479
2210For this of course you need the m4 file: 3480For this of course you need the m4 file:
2211 3481
2212 libev.m4 3482 libev.m4
2213 3483
2214=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3484=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2215 3485
2216Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3486Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2217before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3487define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2218and only include the select backend. 3488autoconf is documented for every option.
2219 3489
2220=over 4 3490=over 4
2221 3491
2222=item EV_STANDALONE 3492=item EV_STANDALONE
2223 3493
2225keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3495keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2226implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3496implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2227supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3497supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2228F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3498F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2229 3499
3500In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3501configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3502
2230=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3503=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2231 3504
2232If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3505If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2233monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3506monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2234of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3507use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2235usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3508you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2236the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 3509when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2237to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3510to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2238function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3511function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2239 3512
2240=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3513=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2241 3514
2242If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3515If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2243realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3516real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2244runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3517at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2245be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3518option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2246(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 3519by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2247in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3520correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3521C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3522C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3523
3524=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3525
3526If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3527of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3528exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3529unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3530programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3531theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3532the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3533higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
3534
3535=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
3536
3537If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
3538and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
3539
3540=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3541
3542If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3543available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3544C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3545If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
35462.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2248 3547
2249=item EV_USE_SELECT 3548=item EV_USE_SELECT
2250 3549
2251If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3550If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2252C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3551C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2253other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3552other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2254will not be compiled in. 3553will not be compiled in.
2255 3554
2256=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3555=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2257 3556
2258If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3557If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2259structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3558structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2260C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3559C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2261exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3560on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2262low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3561some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2263allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3562only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2264influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3563configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2265 3564
2266=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3565=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2267 3566
2268When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3567When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2269select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3568select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2271be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3570be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2272C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3571C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2273it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3572it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2274on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3573on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2275 3574
3575=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
3576
3577If 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
3579default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3580correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3581in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3582
2276=item EV_USE_POLL 3583=item EV_USE_POLL
2277 3584
2278If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3585If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2279backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3586backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2280takes precedence over select. 3587takes precedence over select.
2281 3588
2282=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3589=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2283 3590
2284If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3591If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2285C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3592C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2286otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3593otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2287preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3594backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3595headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2288 3596
2289=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3597=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2290 3598
2291If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3599If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2292C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3600C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2305otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3613otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2306backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3614backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2307 3615
2308=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3616=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2309 3617
2310reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3618Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2311 3619
2312=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3620=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2313 3621
2314If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3622If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2315interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3623interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2316be detected at runtime. 3624be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3625indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3626
3627=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3628
3629Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3630access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3631type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3632that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3633as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3634
3635In 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.
2317 3637
2318=item EV_H 3638=item EV_H
2319 3639
2320The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3640The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2321undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 3641undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2322can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3642used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2323 3643
2324=item EV_CONFIG_H 3644=item EV_CONFIG_H
2325 3645
2326If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3646If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2327F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3647F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2328C<EV_H>, above. 3648C<EV_H>, above.
2329 3649
2330=item EV_EVENT_H 3650=item EV_EVENT_H
2331 3651
2332Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3652Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2333of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 3653of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2334 3654
2335=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3655=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2336 3656
2337If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3657If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2338prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3658prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2359When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3679When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2360all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3680all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2361and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3681and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2362fine. 3682fine.
2363 3683
2364If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3684If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2365C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3685both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2366 3686
2367=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3687=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2368 3688
2369If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3689If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2370defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3690defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2377code. 3697code.
2378 3698
2379=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3699=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2380 3700
2381If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3701If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2382defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3702defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3703watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2383 3704
2384=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3705=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2385 3706
2386If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2387defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3708defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2389=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3710=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2390 3711
2391If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3712If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2392defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3713defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2393 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
2394=item EV_MINIMAL 3720=item EV_MINIMAL
2395 3721
2396If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3722If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2397speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3723speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this
2398some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3724is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size
3725on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over
3726the default 4-heap.
3727
3728You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need
3729and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert>
3730(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot.
3731
3732Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to
3733provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts
3734of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes
3735over time.
2399 3736
2400=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3737=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2401 3738
2402C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3739C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2403pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3740pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2404than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3741than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2405increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 3742increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2406 3743
2407=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 3744=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2408 3745
2409C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3746C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2410inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3747inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2411usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3748usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2412watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3749watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2413two). 3750two).
2414 3751
3752=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3753
3754Heaps 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
3756to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3757faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3758
3759The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3760(disabled).
3761
3762=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3763
3764Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3765timer 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>),
3767which 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
3769noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3770
3771The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3772(disabled).
3773
3774=item EV_VERIFY
3775
3776Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3777be 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
3779called. 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
3781verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3782libev considerably.
3783
3784The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3785C<0>.
3786
2415=item EV_COMMON 3787=item EV_COMMON
2416 3788
2417By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3789By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2418this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3790this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2419members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3791members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2420though, and it must be identical each time. 3792though, and it must be identical each time.
2421 3793
2422For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3794For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2423 3795
2424 #define EV_COMMON \ 3796 #define EV_COMMON \
2425 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3797 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2426 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3798 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2427 3799
2428=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3800=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2429 3801
2430=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3802=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2431 3803
2432=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3804=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2433 3805
2434Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3806Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2435and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3807and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2436definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3808definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2437their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3809their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2438avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3810avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2439method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3811method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3812
3813=back
3814
3815=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3816
3817If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3818exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3819all public symbols, one per line:
3820
3821 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3822 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3823
3824This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3825multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3826itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3827
3828A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3829include before including F<ev.h>:
3830
3831 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3832
3833This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3834
3835 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3836 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3837 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3838 ...
2440 3839
2441=head2 EXAMPLES 3840=head2 EXAMPLES
2442 3841
2443For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3842For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2444verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3843verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2449file. 3848file.
2450 3849
2451The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3850The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2452that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3851that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2453 3852
2454 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3853 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2455 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3854 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2456 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3855 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2457 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3856 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2458 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3857 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2459 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3858 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2460 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3859 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2461 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3860 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2462 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3861 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2463 3862
2464 #include "ev++.h" 3863 #include "ev++.h"
2465 3864
2466And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3865And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2467 3866
2468 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3867 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2469 #include "ev.c" 3868 #include "ev.c"
2470 3869
3870=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2471 3871
3872=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3873
3874=head3 THREADS
3875
3876All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3877documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3878that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3879are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3880parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3881of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3882structures that need any locking.
3883
3884Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3885concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3886must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3887only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3888a mutex per loop).
3889
3890Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3891so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3892concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3893outside".
3894
3895If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3896without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3897help you, but here is some generic advice:
3898
3899=over 4
3900
3901=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3902in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3903
3904This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3905themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3906
3907=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3908
3909Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3910exists, but it is always a good start.
3911
3912=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3913loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3914
3915Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3916better than you currently do :-)
3917
3918=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3919event loop.
3920
3921C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3922(or from signal contexts...).
3923
3924An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3925work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3926default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3927watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3928
3929=back
3930
3931=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3932
3933=head3 COROUTINES
3934
3935Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3936libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3937coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3938different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3939loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3940you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3941
3942Care 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
3944they do not call any callbacks.
3945
3946=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3947
3948Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3949lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3950scared by this.
3951
3952However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3953has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3954warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3955targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3956
3957Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3958workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3959maintainable.
3960
3961And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3962wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3963seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3964warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3965been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3966such buggy versions.
3967
3968While 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
3970with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3971them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3972warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3973
3974
3975=head2 VALGRIND
3976
3977Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3978highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3979
3980If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3981in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3982
3983 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3984 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3985 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3986
3987Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3988is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3989
3990Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3991as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3992although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3993confused.
3994
3995Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3996make it into some kind of religion.
3997
3998If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3999with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
4000is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
4001annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
4002of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
4003
4004If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
4005I suggest using suppression lists.
4006
4007
4008=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4009
4010=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4011
4012Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4013requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4014model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4015the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4016descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4017e.g. cygwin.
4018
4019Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4020re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
4021things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
4022way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4023
4024There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4025embedding it into other applications.
4026
4027Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4028tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
4029
4030Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
4031accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
4032either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
4033so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
4034megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
4035available).
4036
4037Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
4038the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
4039is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
4040more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
4041different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
4042notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
4043(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
4044
4045A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
4046section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
4047of F<ev.h>:
4048
4049 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
4050 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
4051
4052 #include "ev.h"
4053
4054And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
4055you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4056
4057 #include "evwrap.h"
4058 #include "ev.c"
4059
4060=over 4
4061
4062=item The winsocket select function
4063
4064The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4065requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4066also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4067requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4068C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
4069discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
4070C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
4071
4072The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
4073libraries and raw winsocket select is:
4074
4075 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4076 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4077
4078Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4079complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4080
4081=item Limited number of file descriptors
4082
4083Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4084
4085Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4086of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4087can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
4088recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
4089previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
4090
4091Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
4092to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
4093call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
4094other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
4095
4096Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
4097libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
4098fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
4099by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
4100(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
4101runtime 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,
4103you 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.
4105
4106=back
4107
4108=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4109
4110In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4111backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4112
4113=over 4
4114
4115=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
4116calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
4117
4118Libev 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
4120assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4121callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4122calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4123
4124=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4125
4126The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4127C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4128threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4129believed to be sufficiently portable.
4130
4131=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
4132
4133Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
4134allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
4135pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
4136thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4137be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4138C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4139
4140The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4141except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
4142well.
4143
4144=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4145
4146To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4147instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4148systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
4149least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
4150watchers.
4151
4152=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4153
4154The 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
4156enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
4157implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing
4158ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least
41592200.
4160
4161=back
4162
4163If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4164
4165
2472=head1 COMPLEXITIES 4166=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
2473 4167
2474In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 4168In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2475libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 4169libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
2476documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 4170the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2477 4171
2478All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 4172All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2479extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 4173extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2480happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 4174happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2481mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 4175mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
2482it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 4176average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2483 4177
2484=over 4 4178=over 4
2485 4179
2486=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 4180=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2487 4181
2488This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 4182This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2489there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 4183there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
2490have to skip those 100 watchers. 4184have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2491 4185
2492=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 4186=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2493 4187
2494That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 4188That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
2495as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 4189as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2496 4190
2497=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 4191=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2498 4192
2499These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 4193These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
4194
2500=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 4195=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2501 4196
2502=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 4197=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2503 4198
2504These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 4199These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
2505correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 4200correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2506have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 4201have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
4202is rare).
2507 4203
2508=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 4204=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
4205
4206By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
4207fixed position in the storage array.
2509 4208
2510=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 4209=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2511 4210
2512A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 4211A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2513libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel). 4212libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
4213on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2514 4214
2515=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 4215=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2516 4216
2517=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 4217=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2518 4218
2519Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 4219Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2520priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 4220priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2521linearly search all the priorities. 4221linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
4222watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4223
4224=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4225
4226=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4227
4228=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4229
4230Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4231calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4232involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2522 4233
2523=back 4234=back
2524 4235
2525 4236
4237=head1 GLOSSARY
4238
4239=over 4
4240
4241=item active
4242
4243A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4244an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4245
4246=item application
4247
4248In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4249
4250=item callback
4251
4252The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4253detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4254received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4255
4256=item callback invocation
4257
4258The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4259
4260=item event
4261
4262A 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
4264any other events happening anymore.
4265
4266In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4267C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4268
4269=item event library
4270
4271A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4272
4273=item event loop
4274
4275An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4276into callback invocations.
4277
4278=item event model
4279
4280The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4281watchers and events.
4282
4283=item pending
4284
4285A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4286and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
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
4292=item real time
4293
4294The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4295
4296=item wall-clock time
4297
4298The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4299be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4300clock.
4301
4302=item watcher
4303
4304A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4305to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4306
4307=item watcher invocation
4308
4309The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4310
4311=back
4312
2526=head1 AUTHOR 4313=head1 AUTHOR
2527 4314
2528Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4315Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
2529 4316

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