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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
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 370When 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 371I<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 372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 374
375=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> 375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 376
377When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 377When 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 378I<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 379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable, 380it 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. 381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them.
383
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
385there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
382 387
383=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
384 389
385This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 390This 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, 391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
792 797
793Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 798Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
794loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 799loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
795count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 800count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
796 801
797If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 802This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
798from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 803unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from
804returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
799stopping it. 805before stopping it.
800 806
801As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 807As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
802is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 808is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
803exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 809exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
804excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 810excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
919 925
920While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 926While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
921C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 927C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
922modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 928modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
923have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 929have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
924waited. USe an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 930waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it
925to take note of any changes you made. 931to take note of any changes you made.
926 932
927In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 933In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between
928invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 934invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
929 935
1026=item C<EV_WRITE> 1032=item C<EV_WRITE>
1027 1033
1028The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1034The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
1029writable. 1035writable.
1030 1036
1031=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1037=item C<EV_TIMER>
1032 1038
1033The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1039The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
1034 1040
1035=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1041=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
1036 1042
1126 1132
1127 ev_io w; 1133 ev_io w;
1128 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1134 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1129 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1135 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1130 1136
1131=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1137=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1132 1138
1133This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1139This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1134call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1140call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1135call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1141call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1136macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1142macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1149 1155
1150Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1156Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1151 1157
1152 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1158 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1153 1159
1154=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1160=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1155 1161
1156Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1162Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1157events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1163events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1158 1164
1159Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1165Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1160whole section. 1166whole section.
1161 1167
1162 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1168 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1163 1169
1164=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1170=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1165 1171
1166Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1172Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1167the watcher was active or not). 1173the watcher was active or not).
1168 1174
1169It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1175It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1194=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1200=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1195 1201
1196Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1202Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1197(modulo threads). 1203(modulo threads).
1198 1204
1199=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1205=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1200 1206
1201=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1207=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1202 1208
1203Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1209Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1204integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1210integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1236watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1242watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1237 1243
1238Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1244Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1239callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1245callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1240 1246
1241=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 1247=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1242 1248
1243Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1249Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1244had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 1250had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1245initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must 1251initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1246not free the watcher as long as it has pending events. 1252not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1532 1538
1533So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1539So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1534ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1540ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1535somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1541somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1536 1542
1543=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1544
1545Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1546found in port-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1547connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1548
1549For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1550of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1551rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1552the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1553typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1554
1555Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1556operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1557situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1558cope with overload is known (to me).
1559
1560One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1561- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1562situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1563event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1564
1565A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1566C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1567messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1568what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1569the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1570usage.
1571
1572If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1573descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1574when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1575close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1576clients under typical overload conditions.
1577
1578The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1579is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1580opportunity for a DoS attack.
1537 1581
1538=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1582=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1539 1583
1540=over 4 1584=over 4
1541 1585
1720to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1764to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1721callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1765callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1722 1766
1723 ev_init (timer, callback); 1767 ev_init (timer, callback);
1724 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1768 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1725 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1769 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1726 1770
1727And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1771And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1728C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1772C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1729 1773
1730 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1774 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1854C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1898C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1855 1899
1856This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 1900This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1857usage example. 1901usage example.
1858 1902
1859=item ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 1903=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1860 1904
1861Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 1905Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1862then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's 1906then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1863the timeout value currently configured. 1907the timeout value currently configured.
1864 1908
1865That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns 1909That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1866C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remain> 1910C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1867will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return 1911will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1868roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time, 1912roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1869too), and so on. 1913too), and so on.
1870 1914
1871=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1915=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
2131C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2175C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2132not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2176not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2133interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2177interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2134and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2178and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2135 2179
2136=head3 The special problem of inheritance over execve 2180=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2137 2181
2138Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2182Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2139(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2183(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2140stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2184stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2141and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2185and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2151 2195
2152The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is 2196The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2153to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will 2197to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2154catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well. 2198catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2155 2199
2156In current versions of libev, you can also ensure that the signal mask is 2200In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2157not blocking any signals (except temporarily, so thread users watch out) 2201unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2158by specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> when creating the event loop. This 2202the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2159is not guaranteed for future versions, however. 2203I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2204
2205So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2206you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2207is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2160 2208
2161=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2209=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2162 2210
2163=over 4 2211=over 4
2164 2212
2981=head3 Queueing 3029=head3 Queueing
2982 3030
2983C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3031C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2984is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3032is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2985multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3033multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2986need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3034need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3035semantics.
2987 3036
2988That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3037That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2989queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3038queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2990queue: 3039queue:
2991 3040
3130 3179
3131If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3180If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3132started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3181started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3133repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3182repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3134 3183
3135The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3184The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
3136passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3185passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
3137C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3186C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
3138value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3187value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3139a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3188a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3140events precedence. 3189events precedence.
3141 3190
3142Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3191Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3143 3192
3144 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3193 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3145 { 3194 {
3146 if (revents & EV_READ) 3195 if (revents & EV_READ)
3147 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3196 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3148 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3197 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3149 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3198 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3150 } 3199 }
3151 3200
3152 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3201 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3153 3202
3154=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3203=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3155 3204
3156Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3205Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3157the given events it. 3206the given events it.
3158 3207
3159=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3208=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3160 3209
3161Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3210Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
3162loop!). 3211loop!).
3163 3212
3164=back 3213=back
3244 3293
3245=over 4 3294=over 4
3246 3295
3247=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3296=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3248 3297
3249=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3298=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3250 3299
3251=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3300=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3252 3301
3253The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3302The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3254with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3303with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3331Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3380Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3332 3381
3333 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3382 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3334 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3383 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3335 3384
3336=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3385=item w->set (loop)
3337 3386
3338Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3387Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3339do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3388do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3340 3389
3341=item w->set ([arguments]) 3390=item w->set ([arguments])
3440Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3489Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3441L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3490L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3442 3491
3443=item Lua 3492=item Lua
3444 3493
3445Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev 3494Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3446for lua (only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 3495time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3447L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 3496L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3448 3497
3449=back 3498=back
3450 3499
3451 3500
3606 libev.m4 3655 libev.m4
3607 3656
3608=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3657=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3609 3658
3610Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3659Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3611define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3660define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3612autoconf is documented for every option. 3661the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3662
3663Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3664values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3665to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breakign compatibility
3666to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3667users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3668settings.
3613 3669
3614=over 4 3670=over 4
3615 3671
3616=item EV_STANDALONE 3672=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3617 3673
3618Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3674Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3619keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3675keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3620implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3676implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3621supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3677supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3771as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3827as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3772 3828
3773In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3829In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3774(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3830(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3775 3831
3776=item EV_H 3832=item EV_H (h)
3777 3833
3778The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3834The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3779undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3835undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3780used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3836used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3781 3837
3782=item EV_CONFIG_H 3838=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3783 3839
3784If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3840If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3785F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3841F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3786C<EV_H>, above. 3842C<EV_H>, above.
3787 3843
3788=item EV_EVENT_H 3844=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3789 3845
3790Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3846Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3791of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 3847of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3792 3848
3793=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3849=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3794 3850
3795If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3851If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3796prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3852prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3797occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 3853occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3798around libev functions. 3854around libev functions.
3820fine. 3876fine.
3821 3877
3822If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 3878If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3823both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 3879both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3824 3880
3825=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3881=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
3882EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3883EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3826 3884
3827If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3885If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3828defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3886the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3829code. 3887is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize.
3830 3888
3831=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 3889=item EV_FEATURES
3832
3833If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3834defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3835code.
3836
3837=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3838
3839If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3840defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3841watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3842
3843=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3844
3845If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3846defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3847
3848=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3849
3850If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3851defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3852
3853=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3854
3855If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3856defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3857
3858=item EV_MINIMAL
3859 3890
3860If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3891If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3861speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 3892speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3862is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 3893certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3863on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 3894that can be enabled on the platform.
3864the default 4-heap.
3865 3895
3866You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 3896A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3867and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert> 3897with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3868(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. 3898additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
3899but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
3900backend, use this:
3869 3901
3870Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 3902 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3871provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 3903 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3872of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 3904 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3873over time. 3905 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
3906 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
3907
3908The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
3909values:
3910
3911=over 4
3912
3913=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3914
3915Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3916
3917Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly
391830% code size on amd64.
3919
3920When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
3921gcc recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3922assertions.
3923
3924=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3925
3926Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
3927hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase codesize
3928and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3929runtime.
3930
3931=item C<4> - full API configuration
3932
3933This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
3934enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
3935
3936=item C<8> - full API
3937
3938This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
3939details on which parts of the API are still available without this
3940feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
3941
3942=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
3943
3944Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
3945only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
3946embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
3947C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
3948
3949=item C<32> - enable all backends
3950
3951This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
3952least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
3953
3954=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
3955
3956Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
3957default.
3958
3959=back
3960
3961Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
3962reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
3963code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
3964watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
3965
3966With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
3967when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
3968your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
3969I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3970
3971=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3972
3973If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3974functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize
3975somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
3976libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3977big.
3978
3979Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3980enabled.
3874 3981
3875=item EV_NSIG 3982=item EV_NSIG
3876 3983
3877The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 3984The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3878signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 3985signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3882statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 3989statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3883 3990
3884=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3991=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3885 3992
3886C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3993C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3887pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3994pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3888than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3995usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3889increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 3996might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3890 3997
3891=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 3998=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3892 3999
3893C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4000C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3894inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4001inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3895usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4002disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3896watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4003C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3897two). 4004power of two).
3898 4005
3899=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4006=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3900 4007
3901Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4008Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3902timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4009timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3903to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4010to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3904faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4011faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3905 4012
3906The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4013The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3907(disabled). 4014will be C<0>.
3908 4015
3909=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4016=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3910 4017
3911Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4018Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3912timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4019timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3913the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4020the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3914which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4021which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3915but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4022but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3916noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4023noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3917 4024
3918The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4025The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3919(disabled). 4026will be C<0>.
3920 4027
3921=item EV_VERIFY 4028=item EV_VERIFY
3922 4029
3923Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4030Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3924be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4031be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3926called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4033called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3927called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4034called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3928verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4035verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3929libev considerably. 4036libev considerably.
3930 4037
3931The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4038The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3932C<0>. 4039will be C<0>.
3933 4040
3934=item EV_COMMON 4041=item EV_COMMON
3935 4042
3936By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4043By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3937this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4044this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3995file. 4102file.
3996 4103
3997The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4104The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3998that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4105that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3999 4106
4000 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4107 #define EV_FEATURES 8
4001 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4108 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4002 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
4003 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4109 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4110 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
4004 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4111 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
4005 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4112 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4113 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
4006 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4114 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
4007 #define EV_MINPRI 0
4008 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
4009 4115
4010 #include "ev++.h" 4116 #include "ev++.h"
4011 4117
4012And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4118And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4013 4119
4515involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4621involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4516 4622
4517=back 4623=back
4518 4624
4519 4625
4626=head1 PORTING FROM 3.X TO 4.X
4627
4628The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API.
4629
4630=over 4
4631
4632=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> replaced by C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents>
4633
4634This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name
4635as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too.
4636
4637Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4638and continue to be present for the forseeable future, so this is mostly a
4639documentation change.
4640
4641=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4642
4643The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4644mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4645and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4646
4647=back
4648
4649
4520=head1 GLOSSARY 4650=head1 GLOSSARY
4521 4651
4522=over 4 4652=over 4
4523 4653
4524=item active 4654=item active
4545A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4675A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4546for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 4676for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4547any other events happening anymore. 4677any other events happening anymore.
4548 4678
4549In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4679In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4550C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4680C<EV_TIMER>).
4551 4681
4552=item event library 4682=item event library
4553 4683
4554A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4684A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4555 4685

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