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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.273 by root, Tue Nov 24 14:46:59 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.342 by root, Wed Nov 10 13:16:44 2010 UTC

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
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
118Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
119configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
120more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
121B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
122for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for 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 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
124this argument. 132this argument.
125 133
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 135
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 138somewhere 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 139ask). 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 140too. 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 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
135throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
136 145
137=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
138 147
139Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
140and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
164 173
165=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
166 175
167Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns 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 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
169you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
170 180
171=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
172 182
173Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
191as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
192compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
193not a problem. 203not a problem.
194 204
195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
196version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
197 208
198 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
201 212
212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
214 225
215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
216 227
217Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
218recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
219returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<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 232and 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 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
223 235
224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
225 237
226Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
227is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
228might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
229C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
230recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
231 243
232See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
233 245
234=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
235 247
236Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
237semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
238used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
239when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
265 } 277 }
266 278
267 ... 279 ...
268 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
269 281
270=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
271 283
272Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
273as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
274indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
275callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
289 ... 301 ...
290 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
291 303
292=back 304=back
293 305
294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
295 307
296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 308An 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> 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
298I<function>). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
299 311
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
302not. 314do not.
303 315
304=over 4 316=over 4
305 317
306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
307 319
308This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
309yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally 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 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
311flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
312 330
313If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
314function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
315 333
316Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note 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, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
319 338
320The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The 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 340and 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 341a 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 342C<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 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
325C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
326 363
327The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The 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>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
329 366
330The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
345useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
346around bugs. 383around bugs.
347 384
348=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
349 386
350Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 387Instead 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 388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
352enabling this flag.
353 389
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This 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 391and 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 392iterations 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 393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
366environment variable. 402environment variable.
367 403
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 405
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 406When 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 407I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 410
375=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> 411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 412
377When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 413When 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 414I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379probably only useful to work around any bugs in libev. Consequently, this 415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable, 416it 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. 417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them.
419
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
382 423
383=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
384 425
385This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This 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, 427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
422epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
423 464
424The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
425of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
426dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
427descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
470(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
428so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4710.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
429I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 472forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
430take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 473set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
431hard to detect. 474and is of course hard to detect.
432 475
433Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 476Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
434of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 477of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
435I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 478I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
436even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 479even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
437on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 480on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
438employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 481employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
439events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 482events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
483not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
484perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
485
486Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
440 487
441While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 488While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
442will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 489will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
443incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 490incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
444I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 491I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
542If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 589If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
543then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 590then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
544here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 591here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
545()> will be tried. 592()> will be tried.
546 593
547Example: This is the most typical usage.
548
549 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
550 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
551
552Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
553environment settings to be taken into account:
554
555 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
556
557Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
558used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
559private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
560fds):
561
562 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
563
564=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
565
566Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
567always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
568handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
569undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
570
571Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
572libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
573default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
574
575Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 594Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
576 595
577 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 596 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
578 if (!epoller) 597 if (!epoller)
579 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 598 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
580 599
600Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
601used if available.
602
603 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
604
581=item ev_default_destroy () 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
582 606
583Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 607Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
584etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 608etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
585sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 609sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
586responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 610responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
587calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 611calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
588the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 612the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
590 614
591Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 615Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
592handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 616handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
593as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 617as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
594 618
595In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 619This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
596rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 620C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
621C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
622
623Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
624except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
597pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 625If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
598C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 626and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
599 627
600=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 628=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
601 629
602Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
603earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
604
605=item ev_default_fork ()
606
607This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 630This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
608to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 631reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
609name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 632name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
610the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 633the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
611sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 634child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
612functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 635
636Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
637a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
638because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
639during fork.
613 640
614On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 641On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
615process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 642process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
616you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 643you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
644call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
645difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
646costly reset of the backend).
617 647
618The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 648The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
619it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 649it just in case after a fork.
620quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
621 650
651Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
652using pthreads.
653
654 static void
655 post_fork_child (void)
656 {
657 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
658 }
659
660 ...
622 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 661 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
623
624=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
625
626Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
627C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
628after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
629entirely your own problem.
630 662
631=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 663=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
632 664
633Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 665Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
634otherwise. 666otherwise.
635 667
636=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 668=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
637 669
638Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 670Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
639the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 671to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
640happily wraps around with enough iterations. 672and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
641 673
642This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 674This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
643"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 675"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
644C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 676C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
677prepare and check phases.
645 678
646=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 679=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
647 680
648Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 681Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
649times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 682times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
650 683
651Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 684Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
652C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 685C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
653in which case it is higher. 686in which case it is higher.
654 687
655Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 688Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
656etc.), doesn't count as exit. 689etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
690ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
657 691
658=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 692=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
659 693
660Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 694Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
661use. 695use.
670 704
671=item ev_now_update (loop) 705=item ev_now_update (loop)
672 706
673Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 707Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
674returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 708returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
675is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 709is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
676 710
677This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 711This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
678very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 712very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
679the current time is a good idea. 713the current time is a good idea.
680 714
682 716
683=item ev_suspend (loop) 717=item ev_suspend (loop)
684 718
685=item ev_resume (loop) 719=item ev_resume (loop)
686 720
687These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 721These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
688not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 722loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
689 723
690A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 724A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
691the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 725the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
692would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 726would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
693the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 727the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
695C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 729C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
696 730
697Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 731Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
698between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 732between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
699will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 733will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
700occured while suspended). 734occurred while suspended).
701 735
702After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 736After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
703given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 737given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
704without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 738without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
705 739
706Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 740Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
707event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 741event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
708 742
709=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 743=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
710 744
711Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 745Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
712after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 746after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
713handling events. 747handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
748the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
749is why event loops are called I<loops>.
714 750
715If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 751If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
716either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 752until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
753called.
717 754
718Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 755Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
719relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 756relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
720finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 757finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
721that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 758that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
722of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 759of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
723beauty. 760beauty.
724 761
725A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 762A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
726those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 763those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
727process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 764block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
728the loop. 765iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
766events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
729 767
730A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 768A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
731necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 769necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
732will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 770will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
733be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 771be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
734user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 772user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
735iteration of the loop. 773iteration of the loop.
736 774
737This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 775This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
738with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 776with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
739own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 777own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
740usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 778usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
741 779
742Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 780Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
743 781
782 - Increment loop depth.
783 - Reset the ev_break status.
744 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 784 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
785 LOOP:
745 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 786 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
746 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 787 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
747 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 788 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
789 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
748 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 790 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
749 as to not disturb the other process. 791 as to not disturb the other process.
750 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 792 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
751 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 793 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
752 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 794 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
753 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 795 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
754 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 796 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
755 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 797 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
798 - Increment loop iteration counter.
756 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 799 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
757 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 800 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
758 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 801 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
759 - Queue all expired timers. 802 - Queue all expired timers.
760 - Queue all expired periodics. 803 - Queue all expired periodics.
761 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 804 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
762 - Queue all check watchers. 805 - Queue all check watchers.
763 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 806 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
764 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 807 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
765 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 808 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
766 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 809 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
767 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 810 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
768 continue with step *. 811 continue with step LOOP.
812 FINISH:
813 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
814 - Decrement the loop depth.
815 - Return.
769 816
770Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 817Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
771anymore. 818anymore.
772 819
773 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 820 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
774 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 821 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
775 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 822 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
776 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 823 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
777 824
778=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 825=item ev_break (loop, how)
779 826
780Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 827Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
781has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 828has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
782C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 829C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
783C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 830C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
784 831
785This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 832This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
786 833
787It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 834It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
788 835
789=item ev_ref (loop) 836=item ev_ref (loop)
790 837
791=item ev_unref (loop) 838=item ev_unref (loop)
792 839
793Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 840Ref/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 841loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
795count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 842count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
796 843
797If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 844This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
798from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 845unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
846returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
799stopping it. 847before stopping it.
800 848
801As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 849As 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 850is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
803exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 851exiting 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 852excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
805third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 853third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
806before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 854before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
807before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 855before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
808(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 856(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
809in the callback). 857in the callback).
810 858
811Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 859Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
812running when nothing else is active. 860running when nothing else is active.
813 861
814 ev_signal exitsig; 862 ev_signal exitsig;
815 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 863 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
816 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 864 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
861usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 909usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
862as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 910as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
863you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 911you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
864parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 912parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
865need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 913need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
866then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 914then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
867 915
868Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 916Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
869saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 917saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
870are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 918are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
871times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 919times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
879 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 927 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
880 928
881=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 929=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
882 930
883This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 931This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
884pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 932pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
885but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 933but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
934function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
935when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
936event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
937thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
886 938
887=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 939=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
888 940
889Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 941Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
890are pending. 942are pending.
891 943
892=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 944=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
893 945
894This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 946This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
895invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 947invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
896this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 948this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
897invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 949invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
898 950
899If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 951If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
900callback. 952callback.
903 955
904Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 956Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
905can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 957can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
906each call to a libev function. 958each call to a libev function.
907 959
908However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 960However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
909wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 961to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
910C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 962loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
911and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 963I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
912 964
913When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 965When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
914suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 966suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
915afterwards. 967afterwards.
916 968
919 971
920While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 972While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
921C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 973C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
922modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 974modifications 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 975have 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 976waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
925to take note of any changes you made. 977to take note of any changes you made.
926 978
927In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 979In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
928invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 980invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
929 981
930See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 982See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
931document. 983document.
932 984
934 986
935=item ev_userdata (loop) 987=item ev_userdata (loop)
936 988
937Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 989Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
938C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 990C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
939C<0.> 991C<0>.
940 992
941These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 993These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
942and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 994and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
943C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 995C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
944any other purpose as well. 996any other purpose as well.
945 997
946=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 998=item ev_verify (loop)
947 999
948This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1000This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
949compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1001compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
950through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1002through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
951is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1003is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
962 1014
963In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1015In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
964watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1016watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
965watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1017watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
966 1018
967A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1019A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
968interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1020your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
969become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1021to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1022for that:
970 1023
971 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1024 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
972 { 1025 {
973 ev_io_stop (w); 1026 ev_io_stop (w);
974 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1027 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
975 } 1028 }
976 1029
977 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1030 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
978 1031
979 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1032 ev_io stdin_watcher;
980 1033
981 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1034 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
982 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1035 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
983 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1036 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
984 1037
985 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1038 ev_run (loop, 0);
986 1039
987As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1040As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
988watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1041watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
989stack). 1042stack).
990 1043
991Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1044Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
992or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1045or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
993 1046
994Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1047Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
995(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1048*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
996callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1049invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
997watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1050time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
998is readable and/or writable). 1051and/or writable).
999 1052
1000Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1053Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1001macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1054macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1002is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1055is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1003ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1056ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1026=item C<EV_WRITE> 1079=item C<EV_WRITE>
1027 1080
1028The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1081The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
1029writable. 1082writable.
1030 1083
1031=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1084=item C<EV_TIMER>
1032 1085
1033The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1086The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
1034 1087
1035=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1088=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
1036 1089
1054 1107
1055=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1108=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1056 1109
1057=item C<EV_CHECK> 1110=item C<EV_CHECK>
1058 1111
1059All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1112All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1060to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1113to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1061C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1114C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1062received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1115received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1063many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1116many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1064(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1117(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1065C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1118C<ev_run> from blocking).
1066 1119
1067=item C<EV_EMBED> 1120=item C<EV_EMBED>
1068 1121
1069The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1122The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1070 1123
1071=item C<EV_FORK> 1124=item C<EV_FORK>
1072 1125
1073The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1126The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1074C<ev_fork>). 1127C<ev_fork>).
1128
1129=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1130
1131The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1075 1132
1076=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1133=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1077 1134
1078The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1135The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1079 1136
1126 1183
1127 ev_io w; 1184 ev_io w;
1128 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1185 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1129 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1186 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1130 1187
1131=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1188=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1132 1189
1133This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1190This 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 1191call 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 1192call 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 1193macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1149 1206
1150Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1207Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1151 1208
1152 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1209 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1153 1210
1154=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1211=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1155 1212
1156Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1213Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1157events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1214events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1158 1215
1159Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1216Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1160whole section. 1217whole section.
1161 1218
1162 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1219 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1163 1220
1164=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1221=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1165 1222
1166Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1223Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1167the watcher was active or not). 1224the watcher was active or not).
1168 1225
1169It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1226It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1194=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1251=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1195 1252
1196Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1253Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1197(modulo threads). 1254(modulo threads).
1198 1255
1199=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1256=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1200 1257
1201=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1258=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1202 1259
1203Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1260Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1204integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1261integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1236watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1293watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1237 1294
1238Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1295Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1239callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1296callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1240 1297
1241=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 1298=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1242 1299
1243Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1300Feeds 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 1301had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1245initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must 1302initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1246not free the watcher as long as it has pending events. 1303not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1251 1308
1252See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1309See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1253functions that do not need a watcher. 1310functions that do not need a watcher.
1254 1311
1255=back 1312=back
1256
1257 1313
1258=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1314=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1259 1315
1260Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1316Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1261and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1317and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1317 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1373 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1318 { 1374 {
1319 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1375 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1320 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1376 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1321 } 1377 }
1378
1379=head2 WATCHER STATES
1380
1381There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1382active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1383transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1384rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1385
1386=over 4
1387
1388=item initialiased
1389
1390Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1391initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1392C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1393
1394In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1395in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1396
1397=item started/running/active
1398
1399Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1400property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1401this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1402freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1403and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1404
1405=item pending
1406
1407If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1408in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1409stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1410about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1411callback.
1412
1413The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1414an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1415is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1416but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1417moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1418previous item still apply.
1419
1420It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1421via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1422active.
1423
1424=item stopped
1425
1426A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1427be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1428latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1429of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1430freeing it is often a good idea.
1431
1432While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1433initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1434you wish.
1435
1436=back
1322 1437
1323=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1438=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1324 1439
1325Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1440Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1326integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1441integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1369 1484
1370For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1485For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1371you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1486you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1372the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1487the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1373processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1488processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1374continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1489continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1375the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1490the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1376workable. 1491workable.
1377 1492
1378Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1493Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1379miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1494miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1393 { 1508 {
1394 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1509 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1395 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1510 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1396 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1511 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1397 1512
1398 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1513 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1399 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1514 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1400 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1515 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1401 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1516 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1402 } 1517 }
1403 1518
1457 1572
1458If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1573If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1459known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1574known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1460C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1575C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1461descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1576descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1462files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1577files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1463 1578
1464Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1579Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1465receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1580receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1466be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1581be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1467because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1582because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1532 1647
1533So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1648So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1534ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1649ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1535somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1650somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1536 1651
1652=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1653
1654Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1655found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1656connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1657
1658For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1659of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1660rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1661the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1662typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1663
1664Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1665operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1666situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1667cope with overload is known (to me).
1668
1669One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1670- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1671situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1672event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1673
1674A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1675C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1676messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1677what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1678the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1679usage.
1680
1681If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1682descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1683when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1684close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1685clients under typical overload conditions.
1686
1687The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1688is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1689opportunity for a DoS attack.
1537 1690
1538=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1691=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1539 1692
1540=over 4 1693=over 4
1541 1694
1573 ... 1726 ...
1574 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1727 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1575 ev_io stdin_readable; 1728 ev_io stdin_readable;
1576 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1729 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1577 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1730 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1578 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1731 ev_run (loop, 0);
1579 1732
1580 1733
1581=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1734=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1582 1735
1583Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1736Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1592The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1745The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1593passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1746passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1594might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1747might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1595same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1748same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1596before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1749before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1597no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1750no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1598 1751
1599=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1752=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1600 1753
1601Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1754Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1602recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1755recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1688 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1841 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1689 1842
1690 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1843 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1691 if (timeout < now) 1844 if (timeout < now)
1692 { 1845 {
1693 // timeout occured, take action 1846 // timeout occurred, take action
1694 } 1847 }
1695 else 1848 else
1696 { 1849 {
1697 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1850 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1698 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1851 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1720to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1873to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1721callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1874callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1722 1875
1723 ev_init (timer, callback); 1876 ev_init (timer, callback);
1724 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1877 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1725 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1878 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1726 1879
1727And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1880And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1728C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1881C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1729 1882
1730 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1883 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1731 1884
1732This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1885This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1733time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1886time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1734 1887
1735Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1888Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1773 1926
1774=head3 The special problem of time updates 1927=head3 The special problem of time updates
1775 1928
1776Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1929Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1777least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1930least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1778time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1931time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1779growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1932growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1780lots of events in one iteration. 1933lots of events in one iteration.
1781 1934
1782The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1935The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1783time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1936time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1854C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2007C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1855 2008
1856This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2009This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1857usage example. 2010usage example.
1858 2011
1859=item ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2012=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1860 2013
1861Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2014Returns 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 2015then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1863the timeout value currently configured. 2016the timeout value currently configured.
1864 2017
1865That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns 2018That 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> 2019C<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 2020will 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, 2021roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1869too), and so on. 2022too), and so on.
1870 2023
1871=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2024=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1900 } 2053 }
1901 2054
1902 ev_timer mytimer; 2055 ev_timer mytimer;
1903 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2056 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1904 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2057 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1905 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2058 ev_run (loop, 0);
1906 2059
1907 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2060 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1908 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2061 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1909 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2062 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1910 2063
1936 2089
1937As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2090As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1938point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2091point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1939timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2092timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1940earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2093earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1941(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2094(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1942 2095
1943=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2096=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1944 2097
1945=over 4 2098=over 4
1946 2099
2074Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2227Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2075system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2228system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2076potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2229potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2077 2230
2078 static void 2231 static void
2079 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2232 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2080 { 2233 {
2081 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2234 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2082 } 2235 }
2083 2236
2084 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2237 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2107 2260
2108=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2261=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2109 2262
2110Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2263Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2111signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2264signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2112will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2265will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2113normal event processing, like any other event. 2266normal event processing, like any other event.
2114 2267
2115If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2268If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2116C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2269C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2117the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2270the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2131C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2284C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2132not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2285not 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 2286interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2134and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2287and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2135 2288
2136=head3 The special problem of inheritance over execve 2289=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2137 2290
2138Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2291Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2139(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2292(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2140stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2293stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2141and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2294and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2151 2304
2152The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is 2305The 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 2306to 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. 2307catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2155 2308
2156In current versions of libev, you can also ensure that the signal mask is 2309In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2157not blocking any signals (except temporarily, so thread users watch out) 2310unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2158by specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> when creating the event loop. This 2311the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2159is not guaranteed for future versions, however. 2312I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2313
2314So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2315you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2316is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2160 2317
2161=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2318=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2162 2319
2163=over 4 2320=over 4
2164 2321
2180Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2337Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2181 2338
2182 static void 2339 static void
2183 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2340 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2184 { 2341 {
2185 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2342 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2186 } 2343 }
2187 2344
2188 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2345 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2189 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2346 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2190 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2347 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2576 2733
2577Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2734Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2578prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2735prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2579afterwards. 2736afterwards.
2580 2737
2581You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2738You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2582the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2739the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2583watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2740watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2584rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2741rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2585those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2742those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2586C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2743C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2754 2911
2755 if (timeout >= 0) 2912 if (timeout >= 0)
2756 // create/start timer 2913 // create/start timer
2757 2914
2758 // poll 2915 // poll
2759 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2916 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2760 2917
2761 // stop timer again 2918 // stop timer again
2762 if (timeout >= 0) 2919 if (timeout >= 0)
2763 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2920 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2764 2921
2842if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2999if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2843 3000
2844=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3001=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2845 3002
2846Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3003Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2847similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3004similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2848appropriate way for embedded loops. 3005appropriate way for embedded loops.
2849 3006
2850=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3007=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2851 3008
2852The embedded event loop. 3009The embedded event loop.
2912C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3069C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2913handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3070handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2914 3071
2915=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3072=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2916 3073
2917Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3074Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2918up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3075up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2919sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3076sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2920 3077
2921This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3078This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2922in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3079in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2938disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3095disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2939signal watchers). 3096signal watchers).
2940 3097
2941When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3098When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2942other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3099other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2943C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3100C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2944the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3101Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2945have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3102watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2946also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3103those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3104signal watchers.
2947 3105
2948=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3106=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2949 3107
2950=over 4 3108=over 4
2951 3109
2952=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3110=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2953 3111
2954Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3112Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2955kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3113kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2956believe me. 3114really.
2957 3115
2958=back 3116=back
2959 3117
2960 3118
3119=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3120
3121Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3122by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3123
3124While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3125watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3126program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3127loop when you want them to be invoked.
3128
3129Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3130all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3131makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3132can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3133
3134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3135
3136=over 4
3137
3138=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3139
3140Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3141any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3142pointless, I assure you.
3143
3144=back
3145
3146Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3147cleanup functions are called.
3148
3149 static void
3150 program_exits (void)
3151 {
3152 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3153 }
3154
3155 ...
3156 atexit (program_exits);
3157
3158
2961=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3159=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2962 3160
2963In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3161In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2964asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3162asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2965loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3163loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2966 3164
2967Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3165Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2968control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3166for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2969C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3167watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2970can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3168it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2971safe.
2972 3169
2973This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3170This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2974too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3171too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2975(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3172(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2976C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3173C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2981=head3 Queueing 3178=head3 Queueing
2982 3179
2983C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3180C<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 3181is 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 3182multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2986need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3183need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3184semantics.
2987 3185
2988That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3186That 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 3187queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2990queue: 3188queue:
2991 3189
3130 3328
3131If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3329If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3132started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3330started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3133repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3331repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3134 3332
3135The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3333The 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 3334passed 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> 3335C<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> 3336value 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 3337a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3140events precedence. 3338events precedence.
3141 3339
3142Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3340Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3143 3341
3144 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3342 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3145 { 3343 {
3146 if (revents & EV_READ) 3344 if (revents & EV_READ)
3147 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3345 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3148 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3346 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3149 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3347 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3150 } 3348 }
3151 3349
3152 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3350 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3153 3351
3154=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3352=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3155 3353
3156Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3354Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3157the given events it. 3355the given events it.
3158 3356
3159=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3357=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3160 3358
3161Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3359Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
3162loop!). 3360loop!).
3163 3361
3164=back 3362=back
3183=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3381=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3184will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3382will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3185is an ev_pri field. 3383is an ev_pri field.
3186 3384
3187=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3385=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3188first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3386base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3189 3387
3190=item * Other members are not supported. 3388=item * Other members are not supported.
3191 3389
3192=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3390=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3193to use the libev header file and library. 3391to use the libev header file and library.
3244 3442
3245=over 4 3443=over 4
3246 3444
3247=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3445=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3248 3446
3249=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3447=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3250 3448
3251=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3449=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3252 3450
3253The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3451The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3254with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3452with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3287 myclass obj; 3485 myclass obj;
3288 ev::io iow; 3486 ev::io iow;
3289 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3487 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3290 3488
3291=item w->set (object *) 3489=item w->set (object *)
3292
3293This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3294 3490
3295This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3491This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3296will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3492will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3297functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3493functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3298the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3494the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3331Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3527Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3332 3528
3333 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3529 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3334 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3530 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3335 3531
3336=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3532=item w->set (loop)
3337 3533
3338Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3534Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3339do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3535do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3340 3536
3341=item w->set ([arguments]) 3537=item w->set ([arguments])
3342 3538
3343Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3539Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3344called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3540method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3345automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3541C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3346method. 3542when reconfiguring it with this method.
3347 3543
3348=item w->start () 3544=item w->start ()
3349 3545
3350Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3546Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3351constructor already stores the event loop. 3547constructor already stores the event loop.
3352 3548
3549=item w->start ([arguments])
3550
3551Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3552convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3553the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3554
3353=item w->stop () 3555=item w->stop ()
3354 3556
3355Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3557Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3356 3558
3357=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3559=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3369 3571
3370=back 3572=back
3371 3573
3372=back 3574=back
3373 3575
3374Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3576Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3375the constructor. 3577watchers in the constructor.
3376 3578
3377 class myclass 3579 class myclass
3378 { 3580 {
3379 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3581 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3582 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3380 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3583 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3381 3584
3382 myclass (int fd) 3585 myclass (int fd)
3383 { 3586 {
3384 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3587 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3588 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3385 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3589 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3386 3590
3387 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3591 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3592 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3593
3594 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3388 } 3595 }
3389 }; 3596 };
3390 3597
3391 3598
3392=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3599=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3440Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3647Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3441L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3648L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3442 3649
3443=item Lua 3650=item Lua
3444 3651
3445Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev 3652Brian 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 3653time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3447L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 3654L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3448 3655
3449=back 3656=back
3450 3657
3451 3658
3466loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3673loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3467C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3674C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3468 3675
3469 ev_unref (EV_A); 3676 ev_unref (EV_A);
3470 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3677 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3471 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3678 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3472 3679
3473It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3680It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3474which is often provided by the following macro. 3681which is often provided by the following macro.
3475 3682
3476=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3683=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3516 } 3723 }
3517 3724
3518 ev_check check; 3725 ev_check check;
3519 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3726 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3520 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3727 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3521 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3728 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3522 3729
3523=head1 EMBEDDING 3730=head1 EMBEDDING
3524 3731
3525Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3732Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3526applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3733applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3606 libev.m4 3813 libev.m4
3607 3814
3608=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3815=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3609 3816
3610Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3817Libev 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 3818define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3612autoconf is documented for every option. 3819the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3820
3821Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3822values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3823to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3824to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3825users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3826settings.
3613 3827
3614=over 4 3828=over 4
3615 3829
3830=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3831
3832Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3833release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3834have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3835
3836You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3837versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3838sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3839from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3840typedef in that case.
3841
3842In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3843and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3844removed completely.
3845
3616=item EV_STANDALONE 3846=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3617 3847
3618Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3848Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3619keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3849keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3620implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3850implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3621supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3851supported). 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. 4001as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3772 4002
3773In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4003In 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. 4004(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3775 4005
3776=item EV_H 4006=item EV_H (h)
3777 4007
3778The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4008The 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 4009undefined 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. 4010used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3781 4011
3782=item EV_CONFIG_H 4012=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3783 4013
3784If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4014If 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 4015F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3786C<EV_H>, above. 4016C<EV_H>, above.
3787 4017
3788=item EV_EVENT_H 4018=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3789 4019
3790Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4020Similarly 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">. 4021of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3792 4022
3793=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4023=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3794 4024
3795If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4025If 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 4026prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3797occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4027occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3798around libev functions. 4028around libev functions.
3820fine. 4050fine.
3821 4051
3822If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4052If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3823both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4053both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3824 4054
3825=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4055=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4056EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4057EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3826 4058
3827If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4059If 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 4060the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3829code. 4061is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3830 4062
3831=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4063=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 4064
3860If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4065If 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 4066speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3862is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 4067certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3863on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 4068that can be enabled on the platform.
3864the default 4-heap.
3865 4069
3866You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 4070A 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> 4071with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3868(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. 4072additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4073but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4074backend, use this:
3869 4075
3870Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 4076 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3871provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 4077 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3872of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 4078 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3873over time. 4079 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4080 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4081
4082The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4083values:
4084
4085=over 4
4086
4087=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4088
4089Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4090
4091Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4092code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4093
4094When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4095gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4096assertions.
4097
4098=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4099
4100Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4101hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4102and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4103runtime.
4104
4105=item C<4> - full API configuration
4106
4107This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4108enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4109
4110=item C<8> - full API
4111
4112This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4113details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4114feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4115
4116=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4117
4118Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4119only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4120embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4121C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4122
4123=item C<32> - enable all backends
4124
4125This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4126least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4127
4128=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4129
4130Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4131default.
4132
4133=back
4134
4135Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4136reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4137code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4138watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4139
4140With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4141when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4142your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4143I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4144
4145=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4146
4147If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4148functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4149somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4150libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4151big.
4152
4153Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4154enabled.
3874 4155
3875=item EV_NSIG 4156=item EV_NSIG
3876 4157
3877The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4158The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3878signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4159signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3879automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4160automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3880specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4161specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3881good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4162good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3882statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4163statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3883 4164
3884=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4165=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3885 4166
3886C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4167C<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 4168pid. 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 4169usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3889increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4170might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3890 4171
3891=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4172=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3892 4173
3893C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4174C<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>), 4175inotify 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> 4176disabled), 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 4177C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3897two). 4178power of two).
3898 4179
3899=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4180=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3900 4181
3901Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4182Heaps 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 4183timer 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 4184to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3904faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4185faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3905 4186
3906The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4187The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3907(disabled). 4188will be C<0>.
3908 4189
3909=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4190=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3910 4191
3911Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4192Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3912timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4193timer 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>), 4194the 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, 4195which 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 4196but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3916noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4197noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3917 4198
3918The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4199The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3919(disabled). 4200will be C<0>.
3920 4201
3921=item EV_VERIFY 4202=item EV_VERIFY
3922 4203
3923Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4204Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3924be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4205be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3925in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4206in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3926called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4207called. 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 4208called 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 4209verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3929libev considerably. 4210libev considerably.
3930 4211
3931The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4212The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3932C<0>. 4213will be C<0>.
3933 4214
3934=item EV_COMMON 4215=item EV_COMMON
3935 4216
3936By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4217By 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 4218this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3938members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4219members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3939though, and it must be identical each time. 4220though, and it must be identical each time.
3940 4221
3941For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4222For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3942 4223
3995file. 4276file.
3996 4277
3997The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4278The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3998that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4279that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3999 4280
4000 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4281 #define EV_FEATURES 8
4001 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4282 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4002 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
4003 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4283 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4284 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
4004 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4285 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
4005 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4286 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4287 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
4006 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4288 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
4007 #define EV_MINPRI 0
4008 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
4009 4289
4010 #include "ev++.h" 4290 #include "ev++.h"
4011 4291
4012And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4292And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4013 4293
4144 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4424 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4145 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4425 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4146 } 4426 }
4147 4427
4148The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4428The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4149into C<ev_loop>: 4429into C<ev_run>:
4150 4430
4151 void * 4431 void *
4152 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4432 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4153 { 4433 {
4154 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4434 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4155 4435
4156 l_acquire (EV_A); 4436 l_acquire (EV_A);
4157 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4437 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4158 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4438 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4159 l_release (EV_A); 4439 l_release (EV_A);
4160 4440
4161 return 0; 4441 return 0;
4162 } 4442 }
4163 4443
4215 4495
4216=head3 COROUTINES 4496=head3 COROUTINES
4217 4497
4218Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4498Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4219libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4499libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4220coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4500coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4221different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4501different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4222the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4502the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4223that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4503that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4224 4504
4225Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4505Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4226C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4506C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4227they do not call any callbacks. 4507they do not call any callbacks.
4228 4508
4229=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4509=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4230 4510
4231Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4511Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4242maintainable. 4522maintainable.
4243 4523
4244And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4524And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4245wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4525wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4246seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4526seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4247warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4527warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4248been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4528been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4249such buggy versions. 4529such buggy versions.
4250 4530
4251While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4531While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4252"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4532"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4288I suggest using suppression lists. 4568I suggest using suppression lists.
4289 4569
4290 4570
4291=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4571=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4292 4572
4573=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4574
4575GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4576interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4577
4578That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4579files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4580
4581Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4582by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4583standard libev compiled for their system.
4584
4585Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4586suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4587i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4588
4589=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4590
4591The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4592you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4593OpenGL drivers.
4594
4595=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4596
4597The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4598only sockets, many support pipes.
4599
4600Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4601rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4602loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4603probably going to work well.
4604
4605=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4606
4607Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4608implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4609release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4610
4611Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4612this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4613a loop.
4614
4615=head3 C<select> is buggy
4616
4617All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4618one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4619descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4620you use more.
4621
4622There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4623C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4624work on OS/X.
4625
4626=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4627
4628=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4629
4630The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4631thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4632without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4633defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4634
4635If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4636it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4637
4638=head3 Event port backend
4639
4640The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4641ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4642releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4643a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4644and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4645are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4646great.
4647
4648If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4649the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4650C<select> backends.
4651
4652=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4653
4654AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4655this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4656compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4657with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4658
4293=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4659=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4660
4661=head3 General issues
4294 4662
4295Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4663Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4296requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4664requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4297model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4665model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4298the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4666the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4299descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4667descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4300e.g. cygwin. 4668e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4669as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4670environment.
4301 4671
4302Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4672Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4303re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4673re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4304things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4674then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4305way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4675also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4306 4676
4307There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4677There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4308embedding it into other applications. 4678embedding it into other applications.
4309 4679
4310Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4680Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4338you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4708you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4339 4709
4340 #include "evwrap.h" 4710 #include "evwrap.h"
4341 #include "ev.c" 4711 #include "ev.c"
4342 4712
4343=over 4
4344
4345=item The winsocket select function 4713=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4346 4714
4347The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4715The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4348requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4716requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4349also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4717also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4350requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4718requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4359 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4727 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4360 4728
4361Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4729Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4362complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4730complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4363 4731
4364=item Limited number of file descriptors 4732=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4365 4733
4366Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4734Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4367 4735
4368Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4736Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4369of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4737of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4384runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4752runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4385(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4753(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4386you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4754you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4387the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4755the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4388 4756
4389=back
4390
4391=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4757=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4392 4758
4393In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4759In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4394backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4760backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4395 4761
4401Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4767Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4402structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4768structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4403assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4769assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4404callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4770callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4405calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4771calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4772
4773=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4774
4775Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4776writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4406 4777
4407=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4778=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4408 4779
4409The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4780The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4410C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4781C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4433watchers. 4804watchers.
4434 4805
4435=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4806=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4436 4807
4437The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4808The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4438have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4809have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4439enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4810good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4811(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4440implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4812implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4441ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4813IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
44422200.
4443 4814
4444=back 4815=back
4445 4816
4446If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4817If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4447 4818
4515involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4886involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4516 4887
4517=back 4888=back
4518 4889
4519 4890
4891=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4892
4893The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4894
4895At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4896for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4897layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4898new API early than late.
4899
4900=over 4
4901
4902=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4903
4904The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4905C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4906section.
4907
4908=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4909
4910These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4911
4912 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4913 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4914
4915=item function/symbol renames
4916
4917A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4918
4919 ev_loop => ev_run
4920 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4921 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4922
4923 ev_unloop => ev_break
4924 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4925 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4926 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4927
4928 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4929
4930 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4931 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4932 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4933
4934Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4935C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4936associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4937ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4938as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4939C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4940typedef.
4941
4942=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4943
4944The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4945mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4946and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4947
4948=back
4949
4950
4520=head1 GLOSSARY 4951=head1 GLOSSARY
4521 4952
4522=over 4 4953=over 4
4523 4954
4524=item active 4955=item active
4525 4956
4526A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4957A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4527an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4958See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4528 4959
4529=item application 4960=item application
4530 4961
4531In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4962In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4963
4964=item backend
4965
4966The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4532 4967
4533=item callback 4968=item callback
4534 4969
4535The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4970The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4536detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4971detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4537received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4972received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4538 4973
4539=item callback invocation 4974=item callback/watcher invocation
4540 4975
4541The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4976The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4542 4977
4543=item event 4978=item event
4544 4979
4545A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4980A 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 4981for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4547any other events happening anymore. 4982any other events happening anymore.
4548 4983
4549In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4984In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4550C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4985C<EV_TIMER>).
4551 4986
4552=item event library 4987=item event library
4553 4988
4554A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4989A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4555 4990
4563The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4998The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4564watchers and events. 4999watchers and events.
4565 5000
4566=item pending 5001=item pending
4567 5002
4568A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5003A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4569and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5004detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4570pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4571
4572A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4573its pending status.
4574 5005
4575=item real time 5006=item real time
4576 5007
4577The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5008The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4578 5009
4585=item watcher 5016=item watcher
4586 5017
4587A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5018A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4588to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5019to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4589 5020
4590=item watcher invocation
4591
4592The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4593
4594=back 5021=back
4595 5022
4596=head1 AUTHOR 5023=head1 AUTHOR
4597 5024
4598Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5025Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5026Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4599 5027

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines