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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial 76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82 82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 84
85Libev 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
118Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 118Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
119configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 119configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
120more info about various configuration options please have a look at 120more info about various configuration options please have a look at
121B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 121B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
122for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 122for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
123name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 123name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
124this argument. 124this argument.
125 125
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 127
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually 131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations 132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134
134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 135Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
135throughout libev. 136time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
136 137
137=head1 ERROR HANDLING 138=head1 ERROR HANDLING
138 139
139Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 140Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
140and internal errors (bugs). 141and internal errors (bugs).
164 165
165=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 166=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
166 167
167Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
168C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
169you actually want to know. 170you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
170 172
171=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
172 174
173Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
191as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
192compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
193not a problem. 195not a problem.
194 196
195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
196version. 198version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
199such as LFS or reentrancy).
197 200
198 assert (("libev version mismatch", 201 assert (("libev version mismatch",
199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 202 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 203 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
201 204
212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 215 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 216 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
214 217
215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 218=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
216 219
217Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 220Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
218recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 221also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
222descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
219returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 223C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
220most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 224and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
221(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 225you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 226probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
223 227
224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 228=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
225 229
226Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 230Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
227is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 231value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
228might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 232current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
229C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 233the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
230recommended ones. 234& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
231 235
232See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 236See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
233 237
234=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 238=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
235 239
289 ... 293 ...
290 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
291 295
292=back 296=back
293 297
294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
295 299
296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
297is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
298I<function>). 302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
299 303
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 304The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops
302not. 306which do not.
303 307
304=over 4 308=over 4
305 309
306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
307 311
308This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 312This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
309yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 313normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
310false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 314the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
311flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 315C<ev_loop_new>.
316
317If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
318returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
319C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
320flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
321one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
312 322
313If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 323If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
314function. 324function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
315 325
316Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 326Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
317from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 327from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 328that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
329threads anyway).
319 330
320The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 331The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
321C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 332and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
322for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 333a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
323create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 334C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
324can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 335C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
325C<ev_default_init>. 336
337Example: This is the most typical usage.
338
339 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
340 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
341
342Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
343environment settings to be taken into account:
344
345 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
346
347Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
348used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
349private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
350fds):
351
352 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
353
354=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
355
356This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
357could not be initialised, returns false.
358
359Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
360libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
361default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
326 362
327The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 363The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
328backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 364backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
329 365
330The following flags are supported: 366The following flags are supported:
345useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 381useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
346around bugs. 382around bugs.
347 383
348=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 384=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
349 385
350Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 386Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
351a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 387make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
352enabling this flag.
353 388
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 389This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
355and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 390and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
356iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 391iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
357GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 392GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 405When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 406I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 407testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 408otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 409
375=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGNALFD> 410=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 411
377When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 412When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This is 413I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379probably only useful to work around any bugs in libev. Consequently, this 414delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable, 415it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381so it's useful mostly in environment variables and not in program code. 416handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
417threads that are not interested in handling them.
418
419Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
420there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
421example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
382 422
383=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 423=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
384 424
385This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 425This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
386libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 426libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
410 450
411This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 451This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
412C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 452C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
413 453
414=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 454=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
455
456Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
457kernels).
415 458
416For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 459For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
417but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 460but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
418like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 461like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
419epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 462epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
431of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 474of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
432I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 475I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
433even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 476even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
434on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 477on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
435employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 478employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
436events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 479events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
480not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
481perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
437 482
438While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 483While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
439will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 484will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
440incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 485incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
441I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 486I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
539If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 584If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
540then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 585then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
541here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 586here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
542()> will be tried. 587()> will be tried.
543 588
544Example: This is the most typical usage.
545
546 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
547 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
548
549Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
550environment settings to be taken into account:
551
552 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
553
554Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
555used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
556private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
557fds):
558
559 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
560
561=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
562
563Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
564always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
565handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
566undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
567
568Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
569libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
570default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
571
572Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 589Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
573 590
574 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 591 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
575 if (!epoller) 592 if (!epoller)
576 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 593 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
577 594
578=item ev_default_destroy () 595=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
579 596
580Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 597Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
581etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 598etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
582sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 599sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
583responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 600responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
584calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 601calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
585the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 602the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
587 604
588Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 605Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
589handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 606handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
590as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 607as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
591 608
592In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 609This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
593rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 610C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
611C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
612
613Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
614except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
594pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 615If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
595C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 616and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
596 617
597=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 618=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
598 619
599Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
600earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
601
602=item ev_default_fork ()
603
604This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 620This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
605to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 621reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
606name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 622name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
607the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 623the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
608sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 624child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
609functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 625
626Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
627a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
628because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
629during fork.
610 630
611On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 631On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
612process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 632process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
613you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 633you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
634call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
635difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
636costly reset of the backend).
614 637
615The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 638The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
616it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 639it just in case after a fork.
617quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
618 640
641Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
642using pthreads.
643
644 static void
645 post_fork_child (void)
646 {
647 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
648 }
649
650 ...
619 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 651 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
620
621=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
622
623Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
624C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
625after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
626entirely your own problem.
627 652
628=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 653=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
629 654
630Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 655Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
631otherwise. 656otherwise.
632 657
633=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 658=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
634 659
635Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 660Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
636the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 661to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
637happily wraps around with enough iterations. 662and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
638 663
639This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 664This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
640"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 665"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
641C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 666C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
667prepare and check phases.
642 668
643=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 669=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
644 670
645Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 671Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
646times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 672times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
647 673
648Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 674Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
649C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 675C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
650in which case it is higher. 676in which case it is higher.
651 677
652Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 678Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
653etc.), doesn't count as exit. 679etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
680ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
654 681
655=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 682=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
656 683
657Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 684Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
658use. 685use.
667 694
668=item ev_now_update (loop) 695=item ev_now_update (loop)
669 696
670Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 697Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
671returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 698returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
672is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 699is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
673 700
674This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 701This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
675very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 702very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
676the current time is a good idea. 703the current time is a good idea.
677 704
679 706
680=item ev_suspend (loop) 707=item ev_suspend (loop)
681 708
682=item ev_resume (loop) 709=item ev_resume (loop)
683 710
684These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 711These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
685not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 712loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
686 713
687A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 714A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
688the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 715the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
689would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 716would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
690the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 717the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
692C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 719C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
693 720
694Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 721Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
695between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 722between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
696will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 723will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
697occured while suspended). 724occurred while suspended).
698 725
699After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 726After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
700given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 727given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
701without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 728without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
702 729
703Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 730Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
704event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 731event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
705 732
706=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 733=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
707 734
708Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 735Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
709after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 736after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
710events. 737handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
738the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
739is why event loops are called I<loops>.
711 740
712If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 741If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
713either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 742until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
743called.
714 744
715Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 745Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
716relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 746relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
717finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 747finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
718that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 748that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
719of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 749of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
720beauty. 750beauty.
721 751
722A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 752A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
723those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 753those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
724process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 754block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
725the loop. 755iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
756events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
726 757
727A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 758A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
728necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 759necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
729will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 760will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
730be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 761be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
731user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 762user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
732iteration of the loop. 763iteration of the loop.
733 764
734This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 765This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
735with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 766with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
736own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 767own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
737usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 768usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
738 769
739Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 770Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
740 771
772 - Increment loop depth.
773 - Reset the ev_break status.
741 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 774 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
775 LOOP:
742 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 776 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
743 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 777 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
744 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 778 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
779 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
745 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 780 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
746 as to not disturb the other process. 781 as to not disturb the other process.
747 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 782 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
748 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 783 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
749 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 784 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
750 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 785 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
751 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 786 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
752 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 787 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
788 - Increment loop iteration counter.
753 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 789 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
754 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 790 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
755 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 791 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
756 - Queue all expired timers. 792 - Queue all expired timers.
757 - Queue all expired periodics. 793 - Queue all expired periodics.
758 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 794 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
759 - Queue all check watchers. 795 - Queue all check watchers.
760 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 796 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
761 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 797 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
762 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 798 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
763 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 799 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
764 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 800 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
765 continue with step *. 801 continue with step LOOP.
802 FINISH:
803 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
804 - Decrement the loop depth.
805 - Return.
766 806
767Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 807Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
768anymore. 808anymore.
769 809
770 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 810 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
771 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 811 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
772 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 812 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
773 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 813 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
774 814
775=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 815=item ev_break (loop, how)
776 816
777Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 817Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
778has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 818has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
779C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 819C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
780C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 820C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
781 821
782This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 822This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
783 823
784It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 824It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO##
785 825
786=item ev_ref (loop) 826=item ev_ref (loop)
787 827
788=item ev_unref (loop) 828=item ev_unref (loop)
789 829
790Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 830Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
791loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 831loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
792count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 832count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
793 833
794If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 834This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
795from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 835unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
836returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
796stopping it. 837before stopping it.
797 838
798As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 839As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
799is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 840is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
800exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 841exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
801excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 842excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
802third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 843third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
803before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 844before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
804before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 845before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
805(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 846(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
806in the callback). 847in the callback).
807 848
808Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 849Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
809running when nothing else is active. 850running when nothing else is active.
810 851
811 ev_signal exitsig; 852 ev_signal exitsig;
812 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 853 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
813 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 854 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
858usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 899usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
859as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 900as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
860you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 901you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
861parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 902parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
862need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 903need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
863then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 904then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
864 905
865Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 906Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
866saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 907saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
867are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 908are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
868times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 909times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
876 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 917 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
877 918
878=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 919=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
879 920
880This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 921This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
881pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 922pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
882but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 923but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
924function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
925when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
926event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
927thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
883 928
884=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 929=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
885 930
886Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 931Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
887are pending. 932are pending.
888 933
889=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 934=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
890 935
891This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 936This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
892invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 937invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
893this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 938this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
894invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 939invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
895 940
896If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 941If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
897callback. 942callback.
900 945
901Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 946Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
902can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 947can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
903each call to a libev function. 948each call to a libev function.
904 949
905However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 950However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
906wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 951to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
907C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 952loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
908and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 953I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
909 954
910When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 955When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
911suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 956suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
912afterwards. 957afterwards.
913 958
916 961
917While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 962While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
918C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 963C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
919modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 964modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
920have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 965have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
921waited. USe an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 966waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
922to take note of any changes you made. 967to take note of any changes you made.
923 968
924In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 969In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
925invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 970invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
926 971
927See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 972See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
928document. 973document.
929 974
938These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 983These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
939and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 984and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
940C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 985C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
941any other purpose as well. 986any other purpose as well.
942 987
943=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 988=item ev_verify (loop)
944 989
945This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 990This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
946compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 991compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
947through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 992through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
948is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 993is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
959 1004
960In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1005In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
961watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1006watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
962watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1007watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
963 1008
964A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1009A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
965interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1010your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
966become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1011to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1012for that:
967 1013
968 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1014 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
969 { 1015 {
970 ev_io_stop (w); 1016 ev_io_stop (w);
971 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1017 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
972 } 1018 }
973 1019
974 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1020 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
975 1021
976 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1022 ev_io stdin_watcher;
977 1023
978 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1024 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
979 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1025 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
980 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1026 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
981 1027
982 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1028 ev_run (loop, 0);
983 1029
984As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1030As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
985watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1031watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
986stack). 1032stack).
987 1033
988Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1034Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
989or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1035or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
990 1036
991Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1037Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
992(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1038*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
993callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1039invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
994watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1040time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
995is readable and/or writable). 1041and/or writable).
996 1042
997Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1043Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
998macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1044macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
999is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1045is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1000ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1046ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1023=item C<EV_WRITE> 1069=item C<EV_WRITE>
1024 1070
1025The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1071The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
1026writable. 1072writable.
1027 1073
1028=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1074=item C<EV_TIMER>
1029 1075
1030The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1076The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
1031 1077
1032=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1078=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
1033 1079
1051 1097
1052=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1098=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1053 1099
1054=item C<EV_CHECK> 1100=item C<EV_CHECK>
1055 1101
1056All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1102All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1057to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1103to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1058C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1104C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1059received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1105received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1060many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1106many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1061(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1107(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1062C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1108C<ev_run> from blocking).
1063 1109
1064=item C<EV_EMBED> 1110=item C<EV_EMBED>
1065 1111
1066The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1112The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1067 1113
1098programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1144programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1099thing, so beware. 1145thing, so beware.
1100 1146
1101=back 1147=back
1102 1148
1149=head2 WATCHER STATES
1150
1151There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1152active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1153transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1154rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1155
1156=over 4
1157
1158=item initialiased
1159
1160Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1161initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1162C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1163
1164In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1165in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1166
1167=item started/running/active
1168
1169Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1170property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1171this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1172freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1173and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1174
1175=item pending
1176
1177If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1178in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1179stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1180about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1181callback.
1182
1183The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1184an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1185is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1186but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1187moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1188previous item still apply.
1189
1190It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1191via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1192active.
1193
1194=item stopped
1195
1196A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1197be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1198latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1199of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1200freeing it is often a good idea.
1201
1202While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1203initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1204you wish.
1205
1206=back
1207
1103=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1208=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1104 1209
1105=over 4 1210=over 4
1106 1211
1107=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1212=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1123 1228
1124 ev_io w; 1229 ev_io w;
1125 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1230 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1126 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1231 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1127 1232
1128=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1233=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1129 1234
1130This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1235This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1131call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1236call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1132call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1237call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1133macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1238macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1146 1251
1147Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1252Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1148 1253
1149 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1254 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1150 1255
1151=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1256=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1152 1257
1153Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1258Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1154events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1259events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1155 1260
1156Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1261Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1157whole section. 1262whole section.
1158 1263
1159 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1264 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1160 1265
1161=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1266=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1162 1267
1163Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1268Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1164the watcher was active or not). 1269the watcher was active or not).
1165 1270
1166It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1271It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1191=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1296=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1192 1297
1193Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1298Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1194(modulo threads). 1299(modulo threads).
1195 1300
1196=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1301=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1197 1302
1198=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1303=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1199 1304
1200Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1305Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1201integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1306integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1232returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1337returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1233watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1338watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1234 1339
1235Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1340Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1236callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1341callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1342
1343=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1344
1345Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1346had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1347initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1348not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1349
1350Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1351C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1352not started in the first place.
1353
1354See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1355functions that do not need a watcher.
1237 1356
1238=back 1357=back
1239 1358
1240 1359
1241=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1352 1471
1353For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1472For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1354you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1473you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1355the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1474the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1356processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1475processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1357continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1476continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1358the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1477the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1359workable. 1478workable.
1360 1479
1361Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1480Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1362miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1481miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1376 { 1495 {
1377 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1496 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1378 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1497 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1379 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1498 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1380 1499
1381 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1500 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1382 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1501 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1383 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1502 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1384 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1503 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1385 } 1504 }
1386 1505
1440 1559
1441If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1560If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1442known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1561known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1443C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1562C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1444descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1563descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1445files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1564files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1446 1565
1447Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1566Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1448receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1567receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1449be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1568be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1450because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1569because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1515 1634
1516So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1635So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1517ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1636ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1518somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1637somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1519 1638
1639=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1640
1641Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1642found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1643connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1644
1645For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1646of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1647rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1648the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1649typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1650
1651Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1652operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1653situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1654cope with overload is known (to me).
1655
1656One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1657- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1658situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1659event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1660
1661A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1662C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1663messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1664what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1665the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1666usage.
1667
1668If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1669descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1670when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1671close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1672clients under typical overload conditions.
1673
1674The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1675is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1676opportunity for a DoS attack.
1520 1677
1521=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1678=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1522 1679
1523=over 4 1680=over 4
1524 1681
1556 ... 1713 ...
1557 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1714 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1558 ev_io stdin_readable; 1715 ev_io stdin_readable;
1559 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1716 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1560 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1717 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1561 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1718 ev_run (loop, 0);
1562 1719
1563 1720
1564=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1721=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1565 1722
1566Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1723Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1575The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1732The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1576passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1733passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1577might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1734might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1578same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1735same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1579before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1736before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1580no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1737no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1581 1738
1582=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1739=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1583 1740
1584Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1741Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1585recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1742recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1671 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1828 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1672 1829
1673 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1830 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1674 if (timeout < now) 1831 if (timeout < now)
1675 { 1832 {
1676 // timeout occured, take action 1833 // timeout occurred, take action
1677 } 1834 }
1678 else 1835 else
1679 { 1836 {
1680 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1837 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1681 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1838 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1703to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1860to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1704callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1861callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1705 1862
1706 ev_init (timer, callback); 1863 ev_init (timer, callback);
1707 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1864 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1708 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1865 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1709 1866
1710And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1867And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1711C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1868C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1712 1869
1713 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1870 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1714 1871
1715This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1872This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1716time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1873time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1717 1874
1718Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1875Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1756 1913
1757=head3 The special problem of time updates 1914=head3 The special problem of time updates
1758 1915
1759Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1916Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1760least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1917least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1761time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1918time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1762growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1919growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1763lots of events in one iteration. 1920lots of events in one iteration.
1764 1921
1765The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1922The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1766time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1923time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1837C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1994C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1838 1995
1839This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 1996This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1840usage example. 1997usage example.
1841 1998
1842=item ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 1999=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1843 2000
1844Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2001Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1845then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's 2002then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1846the timeout value currently configured. 2003the timeout value currently configured.
1847 2004
1848That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns 2005That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1849C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remain> 2006C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1850will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return 2007will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1851roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time, 2008roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1852too), and so on. 2009too), and so on.
1853 2010
1854=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2011=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1883 } 2040 }
1884 2041
1885 ev_timer mytimer; 2042 ev_timer mytimer;
1886 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2043 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1887 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2044 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1888 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2045 ev_run (loop, 0);
1889 2046
1890 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2047 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1891 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2048 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1892 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2049 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1893 2050
1919 2076
1920As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2077As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1921point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2078point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1922timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2079timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1923earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2080earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1924(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2081(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1925 2082
1926=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2083=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1927 2084
1928=over 4 2085=over 4
1929 2086
2057Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2214Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2058system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2215system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2059potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2216potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2060 2217
2061 static void 2218 static void
2062 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2219 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2063 { 2220 {
2064 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2221 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2065 } 2222 }
2066 2223
2067 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2224 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2114C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2271C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2115not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2272not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2116interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2273interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2117and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2274and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2118 2275
2119=head3 The special problem of inheritance over execve 2276=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2120 2277
2121Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2278Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2122(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2279(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2123stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2280stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2124and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2281and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2125 2282
2126While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2283While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2127sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2284sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2128C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2285C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2129many signals to be blocked. 2286certain signals to be blocked.
2130 2287
2131This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset 2288This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2132the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good 2289the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2133choice usually). 2290choice usually).
2134 2291
2292The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2293to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2294catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2295
2296In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2297unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2298the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2299I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2300
2301So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2302you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2303is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2304
2135=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2136 2306
2137=over 4 2307=over 4
2138 2308
2139=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2309=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2154Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2324Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2155 2325
2156 static void 2326 static void
2157 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2327 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2158 { 2328 {
2159 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2329 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2160 } 2330 }
2161 2331
2162 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2332 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2163 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2333 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2164 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2334 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2550 2720
2551Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2721Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2552prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2722prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2553afterwards. 2723afterwards.
2554 2724
2555You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2725You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2556the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2726the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2557watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2727watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2558rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2728rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2559those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2729those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2560C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2730C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2728 2898
2729 if (timeout >= 0) 2899 if (timeout >= 0)
2730 // create/start timer 2900 // create/start timer
2731 2901
2732 // poll 2902 // poll
2733 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2903 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2734 2904
2735 // stop timer again 2905 // stop timer again
2736 if (timeout >= 0) 2906 if (timeout >= 0)
2737 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2907 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2738 2908
2816if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2986if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2817 2987
2818=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2988=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2819 2989
2820Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2990Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2821similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2991similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2822appropriate way for embedded loops. 2992appropriate way for embedded loops.
2823 2993
2824=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2994=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2825 2995
2826The embedded event loop. 2996The embedded event loop.
2886C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3056C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2887handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3057handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2888 3058
2889=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3059=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2890 3060
2891Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3061Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2892up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3062up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2893sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3063sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2894 3064
2895This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3065This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2896in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3066in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2912disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3082disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2913signal watchers). 3083signal watchers).
2914 3084
2915When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3085When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2916other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3086other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2917C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3087C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2918the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3088Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2919have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3089watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2920also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3090those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3091signal watchers.
2921 3092
2922=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3093=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2923 3094
2924=over 4 3095=over 4
2925 3096
2930believe me. 3101believe me.
2931 3102
2932=back 3103=back
2933 3104
2934 3105
2935=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3106=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2936 3107
2937In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3108In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2938asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3109asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2939loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3110loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2940 3111
2941Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3112Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2942control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3113for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2943C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3114watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2944can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3115it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2945safe.
2946 3116
2947This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3117This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2948too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3118too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2949(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3119(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2950C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3120C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2955=head3 Queueing 3125=head3 Queueing
2956 3126
2957C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3127C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2958is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3128is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2959multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3129multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2960need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3130need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3131semantics.
2961 3132
2962That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3133That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2963queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3134queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2964queue: 3135queue:
2965 3136
3104 3275
3105If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3276If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3106started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3277started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3107repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3278repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3108 3279
3109The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3280The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
3110passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3281passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
3111C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3282C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
3112value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3283value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3113a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3284a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3114events precedence. 3285events precedence.
3115 3286
3116Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3287Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3117 3288
3118 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3289 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3119 { 3290 {
3120 if (revents & EV_READ) 3291 if (revents & EV_READ)
3121 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3292 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3122 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3293 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3123 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3294 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3124 } 3295 }
3125 3296
3126 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3297 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3127 3298
3128=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
3129
3130Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
3131had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
3132initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
3133
3134=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3299=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3135 3300
3136Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3301Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3137the given events it. 3302the given events it.
3138 3303
3139=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3304=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3140 3305
3141Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3306Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
3142loop!). 3307loop!).
3143 3308
3144=back 3309=back
3224 3389
3225=over 4 3390=over 4
3226 3391
3227=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3392=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3228 3393
3229=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3394=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3230 3395
3231=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3396=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3232 3397
3233The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3398The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3234with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3399with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3267 myclass obj; 3432 myclass obj;
3268 ev::io iow; 3433 ev::io iow;
3269 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3434 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3270 3435
3271=item w->set (object *) 3436=item w->set (object *)
3272
3273This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3274 3437
3275This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3438This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3276will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3439will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3277functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3440functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3278the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3441the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3311Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3474Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3312 3475
3313 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3476 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3314 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3477 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3315 3478
3316=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3479=item w->set (loop)
3317 3480
3318Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3481Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3319do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3482do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3320 3483
3321=item w->set ([arguments]) 3484=item w->set ([arguments])
3322 3485
3323Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3486Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3324called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3487method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3325automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3488C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3326method. 3489when reconfiguring it with this method.
3327 3490
3328=item w->start () 3491=item w->start ()
3329 3492
3330Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3493Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3331constructor already stores the event loop. 3494constructor already stores the event loop.
3332 3495
3496=item w->start ([arguments])
3497
3498Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3499convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3500the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3501
3333=item w->stop () 3502=item w->stop ()
3334 3503
3335Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3504Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3336 3505
3337=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3506=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3349 3518
3350=back 3519=back
3351 3520
3352=back 3521=back
3353 3522
3354Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3523Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3355the constructor. 3524watchers in the constructor.
3356 3525
3357 class myclass 3526 class myclass
3358 { 3527 {
3359 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3528 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3529 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3360 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3530 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3361 3531
3362 myclass (int fd) 3532 myclass (int fd)
3363 { 3533 {
3364 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3534 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3535 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3365 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3536 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3366 3537
3367 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3538 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3539 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3540
3541 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3368 } 3542 }
3369 }; 3543 };
3370 3544
3371 3545
3372=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3546=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3420Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3594Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3421L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3595L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3422 3596
3423=item Lua 3597=item Lua
3424 3598
3425Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev 3599Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3426for lua (only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 3600time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3427L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 3601L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3428 3602
3429=back 3603=back
3430 3604
3431 3605
3446loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3620loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3447C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3621C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3448 3622
3449 ev_unref (EV_A); 3623 ev_unref (EV_A);
3450 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3624 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3451 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3625 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3452 3626
3453It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3627It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3454which is often provided by the following macro. 3628which is often provided by the following macro.
3455 3629
3456=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3630=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3496 } 3670 }
3497 3671
3498 ev_check check; 3672 ev_check check;
3499 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3673 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3500 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3674 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3501 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3675 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3502 3676
3503=head1 EMBEDDING 3677=head1 EMBEDDING
3504 3678
3505Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3679Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3506applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3680applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3586 libev.m4 3760 libev.m4
3587 3761
3588=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3762=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3589 3763
3590Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3764Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3591define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3765define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3592autoconf is documented for every option. 3766the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3767
3768Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3769values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3770to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3771to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3772users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3773settings.
3593 3774
3594=over 4 3775=over 4
3595 3776
3777=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3778
3779Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3780release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3781have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3782
3783You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3784versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3785sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3786from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3787typedef in that case.
3788
3789In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3790and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3791removed completely.
3792
3596=item EV_STANDALONE 3793=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3597 3794
3598Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3795Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3599keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3796keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3600implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3797implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3601supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3798supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3751as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3948as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3752 3949
3753In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3950In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3754(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3951(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3755 3952
3756=item EV_H 3953=item EV_H (h)
3757 3954
3758The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3955The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3759undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3956undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3760used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3957used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3761 3958
3762=item EV_CONFIG_H 3959=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3763 3960
3764If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3961If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3765F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3962F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3766C<EV_H>, above. 3963C<EV_H>, above.
3767 3964
3768=item EV_EVENT_H 3965=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3769 3966
3770Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3967Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3771of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 3968of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3772 3969
3773=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3970=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3774 3971
3775If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3972If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3776prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3973prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3777occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 3974occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3778around libev functions. 3975around libev functions.
3800fine. 3997fine.
3801 3998
3802If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 3999If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3803both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4000both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3804 4001
3805=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4002=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4003EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4004EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3806 4005
3807If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4006If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3808defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4007the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3809code. 4008is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3810 4009
3811=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4010=item EV_FEATURES
3812
3813If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3814defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3815code.
3816
3817=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3818
3819If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3820defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3821watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3822
3823=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3824
3825If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3826defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3827
3828=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3829
3830If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3831defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3832
3833=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3834
3835If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3836defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3837
3838=item EV_MINIMAL
3839 4011
3840If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4012If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3841speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 4013speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3842is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 4014certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3843on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 4015that can be enabled on the platform.
3844the default 4-heap.
3845 4016
3846You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 4017A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3847and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert> 4018with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3848(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. 4019additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4020but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4021backend, use this:
3849 4022
3850Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 4023 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3851provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 4024 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3852of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 4025 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3853over time. 4026 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4027 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4028
4029The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4030values:
4031
4032=over 4
4033
4034=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4035
4036Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4037
4038Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4039code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4040
4041When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4042gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4043assertions.
4044
4045=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4046
4047Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4048hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4049and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4050runtime.
4051
4052=item C<4> - full API configuration
4053
4054This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4055enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4056
4057=item C<8> - full API
4058
4059This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4060details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4061feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4062
4063=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4064
4065Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4066only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4067embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4068C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4069
4070=item C<32> - enable all backends
4071
4072This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4073least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4074
4075=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4076
4077Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4078default.
4079
4080=back
4081
4082Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4083reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4084code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4085watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4086
4087With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4088when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4089your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4090I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4091
4092=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4093
4094If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4095functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4096somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4097libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4098big.
4099
4100Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4101enabled.
3854 4102
3855=item EV_NSIG 4103=item EV_NSIG
3856 4104
3857The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4105The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3858signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4106signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3859automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4107automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3860specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4108specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3861good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4109good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3862statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4110statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3863 4111
3864=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4112=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3865 4113
3866C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4114C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3867pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4115pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3868than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4116usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3869increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4117might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3870 4118
3871=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4119=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3872 4120
3873C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4121C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3874inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4122inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3875usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4123disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3876watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4124C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3877two). 4125power of two).
3878 4126
3879=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4127=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3880 4128
3881Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4129Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3882timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4130timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3883to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4131to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3884faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4132faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3885 4133
3886The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4134The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3887(disabled). 4135will be C<0>.
3888 4136
3889=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4137=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3890 4138
3891Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4139Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3892timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4140timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3893the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4141the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3894which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4142which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3895but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4143but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3896noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4144noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3897 4145
3898The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4146The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3899(disabled). 4147will be C<0>.
3900 4148
3901=item EV_VERIFY 4149=item EV_VERIFY
3902 4150
3903Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4151Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3904be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4152be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3905in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4153in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3906called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4154called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3907called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4155called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3908verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4156verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3909libev considerably. 4157libev considerably.
3910 4158
3911The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4159The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3912C<0>. 4160will be C<0>.
3913 4161
3914=item EV_COMMON 4162=item EV_COMMON
3915 4163
3916By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4164By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3917this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4165this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3918members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4166members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3919though, and it must be identical each time. 4167though, and it must be identical each time.
3920 4168
3921For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4169For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3922 4170
3975file. 4223file.
3976 4224
3977The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4225The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3978that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4226that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3979 4227
3980 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4228 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3981 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4229 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3982 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3983 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4230 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4231 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3984 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4232 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3985 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4233 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4234 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3986 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4235 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3987 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3988 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3989 4236
3990 #include "ev++.h" 4237 #include "ev++.h"
3991 4238
3992And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4239And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3993 4240
4124 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4371 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4125 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4372 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4126 } 4373 }
4127 4374
4128The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4375The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4129into C<ev_loop>: 4376into C<ev_run>:
4130 4377
4131 void * 4378 void *
4132 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4379 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4133 { 4380 {
4134 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4381 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4135 4382
4136 l_acquire (EV_A); 4383 l_acquire (EV_A);
4137 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4384 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4138 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4385 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4139 l_release (EV_A); 4386 l_release (EV_A);
4140 4387
4141 return 0; 4388 return 0;
4142 } 4389 }
4143 4390
4195 4442
4196=head3 COROUTINES 4443=head3 COROUTINES
4197 4444
4198Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4445Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4199libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4446libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4200coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4447coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4201different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4448different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4202the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4449the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4203that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4450that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4204 4451
4205Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4452Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4206C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4453C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4207they do not call any callbacks. 4454they do not call any callbacks.
4208 4455
4209=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4456=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4210 4457
4211Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4458Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4222maintainable. 4469maintainable.
4223 4470
4224And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4471And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4225wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4472wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4226seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4473seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4227warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4474warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4228been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4475been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4229such buggy versions. 4476such buggy versions.
4230 4477
4231While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4478While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4232"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4479"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4268I suggest using suppression lists. 4515I suggest using suppression lists.
4269 4516
4270 4517
4271=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4518=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4272 4519
4520=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4521
4522GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4523interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4524
4525That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4526files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4527
4528Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4529by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4530standard libev compiled for their system.
4531
4532Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4533suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4534i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4535
4536=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4537
4538The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4539you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4540OpenGL drivers.
4541
4542=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4543
4544The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4545only sockets, many support pipes.
4546
4547Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4548rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4549loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4550probably going to work well.
4551
4552=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4553
4554Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4555implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4556release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4557
4558Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4559this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4560a loop.
4561
4562=head3 C<select> is buggy
4563
4564All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4565one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4566descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4567you use more.
4568
4569There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4570C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4571work on OS/X.
4572
4573=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4574
4575=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4576
4577The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4578thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4579without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4580defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4581
4582If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4583it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4584
4585=head3 Event port backend
4586
4587The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4588ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4589releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4590a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4591and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4592are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4593great.
4594
4595If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4596the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4597C<select> backends.
4598
4599=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4600
4601AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4602this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4603compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4604with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4605
4273=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4606=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4607
4608=head3 General issues
4274 4609
4275Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4610Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4276requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4611requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4277model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4612model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4278the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4613the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4279descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4614descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4280e.g. cygwin. 4615e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4616as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4617environment.
4281 4618
4282Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4619Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4283re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4620re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4284things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4621then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4285way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4622also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4286 4623
4287There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4624There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4288embedding it into other applications. 4625embedding it into other applications.
4289 4626
4290Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4627Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4318you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4655you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4319 4656
4320 #include "evwrap.h" 4657 #include "evwrap.h"
4321 #include "ev.c" 4658 #include "ev.c"
4322 4659
4323=over 4
4324
4325=item The winsocket select function 4660=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4326 4661
4327The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4662The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4328requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4663requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4329also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4664also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4330requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4665requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4339 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4674 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4340 4675
4341Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4676Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4342complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4677complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4343 4678
4344=item Limited number of file descriptors 4679=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4345 4680
4346Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4681Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4347 4682
4348Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4683Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4349of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4684of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4364runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4699runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4365(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4700(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4366you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4701you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4367the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4702the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4368 4703
4369=back
4370
4371=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4704=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4372 4705
4373In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4706In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4374backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4707backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4375 4708
4413watchers. 4746watchers.
4414 4747
4415=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4748=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4416 4749
4417The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4750The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4418have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4751have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4419enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4752good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4753(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4420implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4754implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4421ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4755IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
44222200.
4423 4756
4424=back 4757=back
4425 4758
4426If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4759If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4427 4760
4495involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4828involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4496 4829
4497=back 4830=back
4498 4831
4499 4832
4833=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4834
4835The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API.
4836
4837At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial
4838compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4839removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4840
4841=over 4
4842
4843=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4844
4845These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4846
4847 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT);
4848 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4849
4850=item function/symbol renames
4851
4852A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4853
4854 ev_loop => ev_run
4855 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4856 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4857
4858 ev_unloop => ev_break
4859 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4860 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4861 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4862
4863 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4864
4865 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4866 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4867 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4868
4869Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4870C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4871associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4872ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4873as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4874C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4875typedef.
4876
4877=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4878
4879The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4880C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4881section.
4882
4883=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4884
4885The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4886mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4887and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4888
4889=back
4890
4891
4500=head1 GLOSSARY 4892=head1 GLOSSARY
4501 4893
4502=over 4 4894=over 4
4503 4895
4504=item active 4896=item active
4505 4897
4506A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4898A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4507an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4899See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4508 4900
4509=item application 4901=item application
4510 4902
4511In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4903In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4904
4905=item backend
4906
4907The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4512 4908
4513=item callback 4909=item callback
4514 4910
4515The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4911The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4516detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4912detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4517received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4913received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4518 4914
4519=item callback invocation 4915=item callback/watcher invocation
4520 4916
4521The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4917The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4522 4918
4523=item event 4919=item event
4524 4920
4525A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4921A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4526for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 4922for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4527any other events happening anymore. 4923any other events happening anymore.
4528 4924
4529In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4925In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4530C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4926C<EV_TIMER>).
4531 4927
4532=item event library 4928=item event library
4533 4929
4534A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4930A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4535 4931
4543The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4939The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4544watchers and events. 4940watchers and events.
4545 4941
4546=item pending 4942=item pending
4547 4943
4548A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4944A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4549and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 4945detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4550pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4551
4552A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4553its pending status.
4554 4946
4555=item real time 4947=item real time
4556 4948
4557The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 4949The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4558 4950
4565=item watcher 4957=item watcher
4566 4958
4567A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 4959A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4568to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 4960to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4569 4961
4570=item watcher invocation
4571
4572The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4573
4574=back 4962=back
4575 4963
4576=head1 AUTHOR 4964=head1 AUTHOR
4577 4965
4578Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 4966Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.

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