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Revision 1.254 by root, Tue Jul 14 19:02:43 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.260 by root, Sun Jul 19 21:18:03 2009 UTC

362flag. 362flag.
363 363
364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365environment variable. 365environment variable.
366 366
367=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
368
369When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
370I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
371testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
372otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
373
374=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGNALFD>
375
376When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
377I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This is
378probably only useful to work around any bugs in libev. Consequently, this
379flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable,
380so it's useful mostly in environment variables and not in program code.
381
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 382=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 383
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 384This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 385libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 386but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
518 533
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 534It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520 535
521=back 536=back
522 537
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 538If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 539then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 540here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
541()> will be tried.
526 542
527Example: This is the most typical usage. 543Example: This is the most typical usage.
528 544
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 545 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 546 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
862 878
863This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 879This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
864pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 880pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required,
865but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 881but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy.
866 882
883=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
884
885Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
886are pending.
887
867=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 888=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
868 889
869This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 890This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
870invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 891invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call
871this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 892this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
1750 1771
1751If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1772If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1752update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1773update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1753()>. 1774()>.
1754 1775
1776=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1777
1778When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1779can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1780
1781Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1782all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1783to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1784system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1785was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1786towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1787clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1788long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1789be adjusted accordingly.
1790
1791I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1792operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1793
1794The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1795time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1796is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1797then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1798will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1799use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1800
1801It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1802and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1803deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1804C<SIGSTOP>).
1805
1755=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1806=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1756 1807
1757=over 4 1808=over 4
1758 1809
1759=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1810=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1784If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1835If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1785C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1836C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1786 1837
1787This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 1838This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1788usage example. 1839usage example.
1840
1841=item ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1842
1843Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1844then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1845the timeout value currently configured.
1846
1847That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1848C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remain>
1849will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1850roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1851too), and so on.
1789 1852
1790=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1853=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1791 1854
1792The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1855The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1793or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1856or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
2029Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2092Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2030signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2093signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2031will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2094will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2032normal event processing, like any other event. 2095normal event processing, like any other event.
2033 2096
2034If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2097If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2035do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2098C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2036C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2099the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2100synchronously wake up an event loop.
2037 2101
2038You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2102You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2103only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2104default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2105C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2106the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2107
2039first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2108When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
2040with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2109with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
2041you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2110you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
2042the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the 2111
2043signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 2112Both the signal mask state (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal handler state
2113(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2114sotpping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2115and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2044 2116
2045If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2117If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2046C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2118C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2047interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2119not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2048signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2120interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2049them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2121and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2050 2122
2051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2123=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2052 2124
2053=over 4 2125=over 4
2054 2126
2099libev) 2171libev)
2100 2172
2101=head3 Process Interaction 2173=head3 Process Interaction
2102 2174
2103Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2175Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2104initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2176initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2105the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2177first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2106of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2178of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2107synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2179synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2108children, even ones not watched. 2180children, even ones not watched.
2109 2181
2110=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2182=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2120=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2192=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2121 2193
2122Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2194Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2123child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2195child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2124callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2196callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2125when a child exit is detected. 2197when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2198problem).
2126 2199
2127=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2200=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2128 2201
2129=over 4 2202=over 4
2130 2203
3745Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 3818Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to
3746provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 3819provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts
3747of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 3820of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes
3748over time. 3821over time.
3749 3822
3823=item EV_NSIG
3824
3825The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3826signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3827automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3828specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3829good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev
3830statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3831
3750=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3832=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3751 3833
3752C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3834C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3753pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3835pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
3754than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3836than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
3998protecting the loop data, respectively. 4080protecting the loop data, respectively.
3999 4081
4000 static void 4082 static void
4001 l_release (EV_P) 4083 l_release (EV_P)
4002 { 4084 {
4003 udat *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4085 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4004 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock); 4086 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4005 } 4087 }
4006 4088
4007 static void 4089 static void
4008 l_acquire (EV_P) 4090 l_acquire (EV_P)
4009 { 4091 {
4010 udat *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4092 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4011 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4093 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4012 } 4094 }
4013 4095
4014The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4096The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4015into C<ev_loop>: 4097into C<ev_loop>:
4028 } 4110 }
4029 4111
4030Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will 4112Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4031signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe 4113signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4032writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers 4114writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4033have been called: 4115have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4116and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4117watchers is very beneficial):
4034 4118
4035 static void 4119 static void
4036 l_invoke (EV_P) 4120 l_invoke (EV_P)
4037 { 4121 {
4038 udat *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4122 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4039 4123
4124 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4125 {
4040 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way (); 4126 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4041
4042 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock); 4127 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4128 }
4043 } 4129 }
4044 4130
4045Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it 4131Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4046will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop 4132will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4047thread to continue: 4133thread to continue:
4048 4134
4049 static void 4135 static void
4050 real_invoke_pending (EV_P) 4136 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4051 { 4137 {
4052 udat *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4138 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4053 4139
4054 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4140 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4055 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A); 4141 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4056 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv); 4142 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4057 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock); 4143 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4059 4145
4060Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an 4146Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4061event loop, you will now have to lock: 4147event loop, you will now have to lock:
4062 4148
4063 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 4149 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4064 udat *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4150 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4065 4151
4066 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 4152 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4067 4153
4068 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4154 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4069 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher); 4155 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4078=head3 COROUTINES 4164=head3 COROUTINES
4079 4165
4080Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4166Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4081libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4167libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4082coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4168coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
4083different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4169different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4084loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4170the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4085you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4171that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4086 4172
4087Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4173Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4088C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4174C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4089they do not call any callbacks. 4175they do not call any callbacks.
4090 4176

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