ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.8 by root, Mon Nov 12 08:20:02 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.26 by root, Tue Nov 13 03:11:57 2007 UTC

39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>)
42will not have this argument. 42will not have this argument.
43 43
44=head1 TIME AND OTHER GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 45
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the double type in C. 50to the double type in C.
51 51
52=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
53
54These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
55library in any way.
56
52=over 4 57=over 4
53 58
54=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 59=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
55 60
56Returns the current time as libev would use it. 61Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
62C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
63you actually want to know.
57 64
58=item int ev_version_major () 65=item int ev_version_major ()
59 66
60=item int ev_version_minor () 67=item int ev_version_minor ()
61 68
63you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 70you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
64C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 71C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
65symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 72symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
66version of the library your program was compiled against. 73version of the library your program was compiled against.
67 74
68Usually, its a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 75Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
69as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 76as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
70compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 77compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
71not a problem. 78not a problem.
72 79
73=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 80=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
99An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 106An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
100types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 107types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
101events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 108events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
102 109
103If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 110If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
104in your main thread (or in a separate thrad) and for each thread you 111in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
105create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 112create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
106whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different 113whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
107threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if 114threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
108done correctly, because its hideous and inefficient). 115done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
109 116
110=over 4 117=over 4
111 118
112=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 119=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
113 120
124 131
125It supports the following flags: 132It supports the following flags:
126 133
127=over 4 134=over 4
128 135
129=item EVFLAG_AUTO 136=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
130 137
131The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (its the right 138The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
132thing, believe me). 139thing, believe me).
133 140
134=item EVFLAG_NOENV 141=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
135 142
136If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 143If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
137or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 144or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
138C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 145C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
139override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 146override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
140useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 147useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
141around bugs. 148around bugs.
142 149
143=item EVMETHOD_SELECT portable select backend 150=item C<EVMETHOD_SELECT> (portable select backend)
144 151
145=item EVMETHOD_POLL poll backend (everywhere except windows) 152=item C<EVMETHOD_POLL> (poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
146 153
147=item EVMETHOD_EPOLL linux only 154=item C<EVMETHOD_EPOLL> (linux only)
148 155
149=item EVMETHOD_KQUEUE some bsds only 156=item C<EVMETHOD_KQUEUE> (some bsds only)
150 157
151=item EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL solaris 8 only 158=item C<EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL> (solaris 8 only)
152 159
153=item EVMETHOD_PORT solaris 10 only 160=item C<EVMETHOD_PORT> (solaris 10 only)
154 161
155If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 162If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
156backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If one are 163backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If one are
157specified, any backend will do. 164specified, any backend will do.
158 165
167 174
168=item ev_default_destroy () 175=item ev_default_destroy ()
169 176
170Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 177Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
171etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 178etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in
172any way whatsoever, although you cnanot rely on this :). 179any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :).
173 180
174=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 181=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
175 182
176Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 183Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
177earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 184earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
185 192
186You I<must> call this function after forking if and only if you want to 193You I<must> call this function after forking if and only if you want to
187use the event library in both processes. If you just fork+exec, you don't 194use the event library in both processes. If you just fork+exec, you don't
188have to call it. 195have to call it.
189 196
190The function itself is quite fast and its usually not a problem to call 197The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
191it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 198it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
192quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 199quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
193 200
194 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 201 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
195 202
202=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 209=item unsigned int ev_method (loop)
203 210
204Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 211Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in
205use. 212use.
206 213
207=item ev_tstamp = ev_now (loop) 214=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
208 215
209Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 216Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
210got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 217got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change
211as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time 218as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time
212used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event 219used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event
221If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either 228If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either
222no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 229no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
223 230
224A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 231A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
225those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 232those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
226case there are no events. 233case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
227 234
228A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 235A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
229neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 236neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
230your process until at least one new event arrives. 237your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
238one iteration of the loop.
231 239
232This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping 240This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping
233constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and 241constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and
234more generic mechanism. 242more generic mechanism.
235 243
236=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 244=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
237 245
238Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early. The C<how> argument 246Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
247has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
239must be either C<EVUNLOOP_ONCE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> 248C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
240call return, or C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> 249C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
241calls return.
242 250
243=item ev_ref (loop) 251=item ev_ref (loop)
244 252
245=item ev_unref (loop) 253=item ev_unref (loop)
246 254
247Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a refcount on the event loop: Every 255Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
248watcher keeps one reference. If you have a long-runing watcher you never 256loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
249unregister that should not keep ev_loop from running, ev_unref() after 257count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have
250starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. Libev itself uses this for 258a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from
251example for its internal signal pipe: It is not visible to you as a user 259returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
252and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if the work is done. It is 260example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
253also an excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from 261visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
254within third-party libraries. Just remember to unref after start and ref 262no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
255before stop. 263way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
264libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
256 265
257=back 266=back
258 267
259=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 268=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
260 269
261A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 270A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
262interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 271interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
263become readable, you would create an ev_io watcher for that: 272become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
264 273
265 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 274 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
266 { 275 {
267 ev_io_stop (w); 276 ev_io_stop (w);
268 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 277 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
297 306
298As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 307As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
299must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 308must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
300reinitialise it or call its set method. 309reinitialise it or call its set method.
301 310
302You cna check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active 311You can check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
303(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the 312(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the
304callback for it has not been called yet) you cna use the C<ev_is_pending 313callback for it has not been called yet) you can use the C<ev_is_pending
305(watcher *)> macro. 314(watcher *)> macro.
306 315
307Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 316Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
308registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 317registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
309third argument. 318third argument.
310 319
311The rceeived events usually include a single bit per event type received 320The received events usually include a single bit per event type received
312(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks 321(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks
313are: 322are:
314 323
315=over 4 324=over 4
316 325
317=item EV_READ 326=item C<EV_READ>
318 327
319=item EV_WRITE 328=item C<EV_WRITE>
320 329
321The file descriptor in the ev_io watcher has become readable and/or 330The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
322writable. 331writable.
323 332
324=item EV_TIMEOUT 333=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>
325 334
326The ev_timer watcher has timed out. 335The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
327 336
328=item EV_PERIODIC 337=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
329 338
330The ev_periodic watcher has timed out. 339The C<ev_periodic> watcher has timed out.
331 340
332=item EV_SIGNAL 341=item C<EV_SIGNAL>
333 342
334The signal specified in the ev_signal watcher has been received by a thread. 343The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
335 344
336=item EV_CHILD 345=item C<EV_CHILD>
337 346
338The pid specified in the ev_child watcher has received a status change. 347The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
339 348
340=item EV_IDLE 349=item C<EV_IDLE>
341 350
342The ev_idle watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 351The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
343 352
344=item EV_PREPARE 353=item C<EV_PREPARE>
345 354
346=item EV_CHECK 355=item C<EV_CHECK>
347 356
348All ev_prepare watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 357All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts
349to gather new events, and all ev_check watchers are invoked just after 358to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
350C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 359C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
351received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 360received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
352many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 361many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
353(for example, a ev_prepare watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 362(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
354C<ev_loop> from blocking). 363C<ev_loop> from blocking).
355 364
356=item EV_ERROR 365=item C<EV_ERROR>
357 366
358An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 367An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
359happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 368happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
360ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 369ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
361problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 370problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
370=back 379=back
371 380
372=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 381=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
373 382
374Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 383Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
375and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This cna be used 384and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
376to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 385to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
377don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 386don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
378member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 387member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
379data: 388data:
380 389
402=head1 WATCHER TYPES 411=head1 WATCHER TYPES
403 412
404This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 413This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
405information given in the last section. 414information given in the last section.
406 415
407=head2 struct ev_io - is my file descriptor readable or writable 416=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable
408 417
409I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 418I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
410in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 419in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called
411level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 420level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the
412condition persists. Remember you cna stop the watcher if you don't want to 421condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to
413act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 422act on the event and neither want to receive future events).
414 423
415In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers oer 424In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
416fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 425fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
417descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 426descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
418required if you know what you are doing). 427required if you know what you are doing).
419 428
420You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 429You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
421(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 430(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
422descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 431descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
423to the same file/socket etc. description. 432to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share
433the same underlying "file open").
424 434
425If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 435If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
426(at the time of this writing, this includes only EVMETHOD_SELECT and 436(at the time of this writing, this includes only EVMETHOD_SELECT and
427EVMETHOD_POLL). 437EVMETHOD_POLL).
428 438
430 440
431=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 441=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
432 442
433=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 443=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
434 444
435Configures an ev_io watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 445Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive
436events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 446events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ |
437EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 447EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
438 448
439=back 449=back
440 450
441=head2 struct ev_timer - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 451=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts
442 452
443Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 453Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
444given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 454given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
445 455
446The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 456The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
447times out after an hour and youreset your system clock to last years 457times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years
448time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 458time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
449detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 459detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
450monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 460monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
461
462The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
463time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
464of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
465you suspect event processing to be delayed and you *need* to base the timeout
466on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
467
468 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
451 469
452=over 4 470=over 4
453 471
454=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 472=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
455 473
461later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 479later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
462 480
463The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 481The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you
464configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 482configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
465exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 483exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
466the timer (ecause it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 484the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
467timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 485timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
468 486
469=item ev_timer_again (loop) 487=item ev_timer_again (loop)
470 488
471This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 489This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
478 496
479This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 497This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
480example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 498example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
481timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 499timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
482seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 500seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
483configure an ev_timer with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 501configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each
484time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 502time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle
485state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 503state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop
486the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 504the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be.
487 505
488=back 506=back
489 507
490=head2 ev_periodic - to cron or not to cron it 508=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron
491 509
492Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 510Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
493(and unfortunately a bit complex). 511(and unfortunately a bit complex).
494 512
495Unlike ev_timer's, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 513Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
496but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 514but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
497to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 515to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
498periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 516periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now ()
499+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 517+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
500take a year to trigger the event (unlike an ev_timer, which would trigger 518take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
501roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 519roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time
502again). 520again).
503 521
504They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 522They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
505triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 523triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time.
534 552
535 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 553 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
536 554
537This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 555This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
538but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 556but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a
539full hour (UTC), or more correct, when the system time is evenly divisible 557full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
540by 3600. 558by 3600.
541 559
542Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 560Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
543ev_periodic will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 561C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
544time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 562time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
545 563
546=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 564=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback)
547 565
548In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 566In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
549ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 567ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
550reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 568reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
551current time as second argument. 569current time as second argument.
552 570
553NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy the periodic or any other 571NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
554periodic watcher, ever, or make any event loop modificstions>. If you need 572ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
555to stop it, return 1e30 (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards. 573return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
574starting a prepare watcher).
556 575
557Its prototype is c<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 576Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
558ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 577ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
559 578
560 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 579 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
561 { 580 {
562 return now + 60.; 581 return now + 60.;
565It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 584It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
566(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 585(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
567will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 586will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
568might be called at other times, too. 587might be called at other times, too.
569 588
589NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the
590passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.
591
570This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 592This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
571triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 593triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the
572next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How you do this 594next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
573is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial). 595you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
596reason I omitted it as an example).
574 597
575=back 598=back
576 599
577=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 600=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
578 601
581a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 604a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
582program when the crontabs have changed). 605program when the crontabs have changed).
583 606
584=back 607=back
585 608
586=head2 ev_signal - signal me when a signal gets signalled 609=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled
587 610
588Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 611Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
589signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 612signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
590will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 613will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
591normal event processing, like any other event. 614normal event processing, like any other event.
592 615
593You cna configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 616You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
594first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 617first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
595with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 618with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
596as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 619as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
597watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 620watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
598SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 621SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
606Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 629Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
607of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 630of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
608 631
609=back 632=back
610 633
611=head2 ev_child - wait for pid status changes 634=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes
612 635
613Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 636Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
614some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 637some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
615 638
616=over 4 639=over 4
620=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 643=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)
621 644
622Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 645Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
623I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 646I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
624at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 647at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
625the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h>). The C<rpid> member 648the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
626contains the pid of the process causing the status change. 649C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
650process causing the status change.
627 651
628=back 652=back
629 653
630=head2 ev_idle - when you've got nothing better to do 654=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do
631 655
632Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other I/O or timer (or 656Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
633periodic) events pending. That is, as long as your process is busy 657(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
634handling sockets or timeouts it will not be called. But when your process 658as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
635is idle all idle watchers are being called again and again - until 659imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
660watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration -
636stopped, that is, or your process receives more events. 661until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes
662busy.
637 663
638The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 664The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
639active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 665active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
640 666
641Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 667Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
651kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 677kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
652believe me. 678believe me.
653 679
654=back 680=back
655 681
656=head2 prepare and check - your hooks into the event loop 682=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop
657 683
658Prepare and check watchers usually (but not always) are used in 684Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
659tandom. Prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check 685prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
660watchers afterwards. 686afterwards.
661 687
662Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 688Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This
663could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 689could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own
664watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 690watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more.
665 691
666This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 692This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
667to be watched by the other library, registering ev_io watchers for them 693to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
668and starting an ev_timer watcher for any timeouts (many libraries provide 694them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
669just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for any 695provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
670events that occured (by making your callbacks set soem flags for example) 696any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
671and call back into the library. 697and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
698callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
699because you never know, you know?).
672 700
673As another example, the perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 701As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
674coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 702coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
675during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 703during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
676are ready to run. 704are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
705with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
706of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
707loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
708low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
677 709
678=over 4 710=over 4
679 711
680=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 712=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
681 713
682=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 714=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
683 715
684Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 716Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
685parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 717parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
686macros, but using them is utterly, utterly pointless. 718macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
687 719
688=back 720=back
689 721
690=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 722=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
691 723
692There are some other fucntions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 724There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
693 725
694=over 4 726=over 4
695 727
696=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 728=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
697 729
698This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 730This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
699callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 731callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both
700watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 732watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
701or timeout without havign to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 733or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
702more watchers yourself. 734more watchers yourself.
703 735
704If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events is 736If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
705ignored. Otherwise, an ev_io watcher for the given C<fd> and C<events> set 737is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
706will be craeted and started. 738C<events> set will be craeted and started.
707 739
708If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 740If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
709started. Otherwise an ev_timer watcher with after = C<timeout> (and repeat 741started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
710= 0) will be started. 742repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
743dubious value.
711 744
712The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and 745The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
713gets passed an events set (normally a combination of EV_ERROR, EV_READ, 746passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
714EV_WRITE or EV_TIMEOUT) and the C<arg> value passed to C<ev_once>: 747C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
748value passed to C<ev_once>:
715 749
716 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 750 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
717 { 751 {
718 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 752 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
719 /* doh, nothing entered */ 753 /* doh, nothing entered */;
720 else if (revents & EV_READ) 754 else if (revents & EV_READ)
721 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */ 755 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
722 } 756 }
723 757
724 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READm 10., stdin_ready, 0); 758 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
725 759
726=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 760=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events)
727 761
728Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 762Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
729has happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 763had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
730initialised but not necessarily active event watcher). 764initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
731 765
732=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 766=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
733 767
734Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected it. 768Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
769the given events it.
735 770
736=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 771=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
737 772
738Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 773Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!).
739 774
740=back 775=back
741 776
777=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
778
779Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
780emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
781
782=over 4
783
784=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
785
786=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
787ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
788
789=item * Avoid using ev_flags and the EVLIST_*-macros, while it is
790maintained by libev, it does not work exactly the same way as in libevent (consider
791it a private API).
792
793=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
794will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
795is an ev_pri field.
796
797=item * Other members are not supported.
798
799=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
800to use the libev header file and library.
801
802=back
803
804=head1 C++ SUPPORT
805
806TBD.
807
742=head1 AUTHOR 808=head1 AUTHOR
743 809
744Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 810Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
745 811

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines