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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 68
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_now_update> 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
174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
185passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
186interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
187
175this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 188Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
189
190The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
191with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
176 192
177=item int ev_version_major () 193=item int ev_version_major ()
178 194
179=item int ev_version_minor () 195=item int ev_version_minor ()
180 196
191as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 207as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
192compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 208compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
193not a problem. 209not a problem.
194 210
195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 211Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
196version. 212version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
213such as LFS or reentrancy).
197 214
198 assert (("libev version mismatch", 215 assert (("libev version mismatch",
199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 216 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 217 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
201 218
212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 229 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 230 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
214 231
215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 232=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
216 233
217Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 234Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
218recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 235also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
236descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
219returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 237C<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 238and 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 239you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 240probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
223 241
224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 242=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
225 243
226Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 244Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
227is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 245value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
228might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 246current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
229C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 247the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
230recommended ones. 248& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
231 249
232See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 250See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
233 251
234=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 252=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
235 253
236Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 254Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
237semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 255semantics 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 256used 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 257when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
265 } 283 }
266 284
267 ... 285 ...
268 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 286 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
269 287
270=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 288=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
271 289
272Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 290Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
273as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 291as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
274indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 292indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
275callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 293callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
287 } 305 }
288 306
289 ... 307 ...
290 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 308 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
291 309
310=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
311
312This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
313safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
314handlers or random threads.
315
316Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
317in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
318by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
319creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
320mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
321C<ev_feed_signal>.
322
292=back 323=back
293 324
294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 325=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
295 326
296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 327An 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> 328I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
298I<function>). 329libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
299 330
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 331The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 332supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
302not. 333do not.
303 334
304=over 4 335=over 4
305 336
306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 337=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
307 338
308This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 339This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
309yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 340normally 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 341the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
311flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 342C<ev_loop_new>.
343
344If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
345returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
346C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
347flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
348one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
312 349
313If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 350If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
314function. 351function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
315 352
316Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 353Note 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, 354from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 355that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
356threads anyway).
319 357
320The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 358The 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 359and 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 360a 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 361C<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 362C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
325C<ev_default_init>. 363
364Example: This is the most typical usage.
365
366 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
367 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
368
369Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
370environment settings to be taken into account:
371
372 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
373
374=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
375
376This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
377could not be initialised, returns false.
378
379This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
380threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
381loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
326 382
327The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 383The 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>). 384backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
329 385
330The following flags are supported: 386The following flags are supported:
345useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 401useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
346around bugs. 402around bugs.
347 403
348=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 404=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
349 405
350Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 406Instead 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 407make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
352enabling this flag.
353 408
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 409This 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 410and 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 411iterations 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 412GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
366environment variable. 421environment variable.
367 422
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 423=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 424
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 425When 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 426I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 427testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 428otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 429
375=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> 430=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 431
377When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 432When 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 433I<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 434delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable, 435it 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. 436handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
437threads that are not interested in handling them.
438
439Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
440there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
441example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
442
443=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
444
445When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
446mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
447when you want to receive them.
448
449This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
450want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
451unblocking the signals.
452
453It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
454C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
455
456This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
382 457
383=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 458=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
384 459
385This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 460This 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, 461libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
414=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
415 490
416Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 491Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
417kernels). 492kernels).
418 493
419For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 494For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
420but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 495it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
421like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 496O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
422epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 497fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
423 498
424The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 499The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
425of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 500of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
426dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 501dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
427descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 502descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
503returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
504(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 5050.1ms) 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 506forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
430take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 507set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
431hard to detect. 508and is of course hard to detect.
432 509
433Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 510Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
434of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 511but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
435I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 512totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
436even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 513one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
437on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 514(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
438employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 515notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
439events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 516that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
517when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
518no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
519because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
520not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
521perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
522
523Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
524cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
525others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
440 526
441While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 527While 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 528will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
443incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 529incident (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 530I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
510=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 596=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
511 597
512This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 598This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
513it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 599it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
514 600
515Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
516notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
517blocking when no data (or space) is available.
518
519While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 601While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
520file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 602file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
521descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 603descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
522might perform better. 604might perform better.
523 605
524On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 606On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
525notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
526in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 607specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
527OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 608among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
609hacks).
610
611On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
612even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
613function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
614occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
615even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
616absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
617to re-arm the watcher.
618
619Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
528 620
529This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 621This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
530C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 622C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
531 623
532=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 624=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
533 625
534Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 626Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
535with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 627with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
536C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 628C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
537 629
538It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 630It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
631C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
632at all.
633
634=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
635
636Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
637C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
638value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
539 639
540=back 640=back
541 641
542If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 642If 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 643then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
544here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 644here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
545()> will be tried. 645()> will be tried.
546 646
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. 647Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
576 648
577 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 649 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
578 if (!epoller) 650 if (!epoller)
579 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 651 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
580 652
653Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
654used if available.
655
656 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
657
581=item ev_default_destroy () 658=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
582 659
583Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 660Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
584etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 661etc.). 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 662sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
586responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 663responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
587calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 664calling 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 665the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
590 667
591Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 668Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
592handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 669handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
593as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 670as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
594 671
595In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 672This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
596rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 673C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
674C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
675
676Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
677except 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 678If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
598C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 679and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
599 680
600=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 681=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
601 682
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 683This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
608to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 684reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
609name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 685name, 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 686the 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 687child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
612functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 688
689Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
690a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
691because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
692during fork.
613 693
614On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 694On 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 695process 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. 696you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
697call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
698difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
699costly reset of the backend).
617 700
618The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 701The 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 702it just in case after a fork.
620quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
621 703
704Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
705using pthreads.
706
707 static void
708 post_fork_child (void)
709 {
710 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
711 }
712
713 ...
622 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 714 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.
630 715
631=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 716=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
632 717
633Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 718Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
634otherwise. 719otherwise.
635 720
636=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 721=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
637 722
638Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 723Returns 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 724to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
640happily wraps around with enough iterations. 725and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
641 726
642This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 727This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
643"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 728"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
644C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 729C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
730prepare and check phases.
645 731
646=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 732=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
647 733
648Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 734Returns 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. 735times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
650 736
651Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 737Outside 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), 738C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
653in which case it is higher. 739in which case it is higher.
654 740
655Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 741Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
656etc.), doesn't count as exit. 742throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
743as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
744convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
657 745
658=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 746=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
659 747
660Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 748Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
661use. 749use.
670 758
671=item ev_now_update (loop) 759=item ev_now_update (loop)
672 760
673Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 761Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
674returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 762returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
675is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 763is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
676 764
677This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 765This 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 766very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
679the current time is a good idea. 767the current time is a good idea.
680 768
682 770
683=item ev_suspend (loop) 771=item ev_suspend (loop)
684 772
685=item ev_resume (loop) 773=item ev_resume (loop)
686 774
687These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 775These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
688not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 776loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
689 777
690A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 778A 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 779the 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 780would 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> 781the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
695C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 783C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
696 784
697Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 785Effectively, 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 786between 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 787will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
700occured while suspended). 788occurred while suspended).
701 789
702After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 790After 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> 791given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
704without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 792without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
705 793
706Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 794Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
707event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 795event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
708 796
709=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 797=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
710 798
711Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 799Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
712after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 800after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
713handling events. 801handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
802the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
803is why event loops are called I<loops>.
714 804
715If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 805If 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. 806until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
807called.
717 808
718Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 809Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
719relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 810relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
720finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 811finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
721that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 812that 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 813of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
723beauty. 814beauty.
724 815
816This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
817a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
818exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
819will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
820
725A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 821A 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 822those 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 823block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
728the loop. 824iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
825events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
729 826
730A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 827A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
731necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 828necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
732will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 829will 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 830be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
734user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 831user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
735iteration of the loop. 832iteration of the loop.
736 833
737This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 834This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
738with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 835with 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 836own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
740usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 837usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
741 838
742Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 839Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
840understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
841future versions):
743 842
843 - Increment loop depth.
844 - Reset the ev_break status.
744 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 845 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
846 LOOP:
745 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 847 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
746 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 848 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
747 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 849 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
850 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
748 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 851 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
749 as to not disturb the other process. 852 as to not disturb the other process.
750 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 853 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
751 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 854 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
752 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 855 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
753 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 856 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
754 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 857 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
755 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 858 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
859 - Increment loop iteration counter.
756 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 860 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
757 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 861 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
758 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 862 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
759 - Queue all expired timers. 863 - Queue all expired timers.
760 - Queue all expired periodics. 864 - Queue all expired periodics.
761 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 865 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
762 - Queue all check watchers. 866 - Queue all check watchers.
763 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 867 - 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 868 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
765 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 869 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
766 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 870 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
767 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 871 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
768 continue with step *. 872 continue with step LOOP.
873 FINISH:
874 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
875 - Decrement the loop depth.
876 - Return.
769 877
770Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 878Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
771anymore. 879anymore.
772 880
773 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 881 ... 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..) 882 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
775 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 883 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
776 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 884 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
777 885
778=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 886=item ev_break (loop, how)
779 887
780Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 888Can 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 889has 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 890C<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. 891C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
784 892
785This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 893This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
786 894
787It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 895It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
896which case it will have no effect.
788 897
789=item ev_ref (loop) 898=item ev_ref (loop)
790 899
791=item ev_unref (loop) 900=item ev_unref (loop)
792 901
793Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 902Ref/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 903loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
795count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 904count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
796 905
797If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 906This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
798from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 907unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
908returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
799stopping it. 909before stopping it.
800 910
801As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 911As 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 912is 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 913exiting 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 914excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
805third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 915third-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 916before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
807before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 917before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
808(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 918(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
809in the callback). 919in the callback).
810 920
811Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 921Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
812running when nothing else is active. 922running when nothing else is active.
813 923
814 ev_signal exitsig; 924 ev_signal exitsig;
815 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 925 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
816 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 926 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
817 evf_unref (loop); 927 ev_unref (loop);
818 928
819Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 929Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
820 930
821 ev_ref (loop); 931 ev_ref (loop);
822 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 932 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
842overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 952overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
843 953
844By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 954By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
845time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 955time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
846at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 956at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
847C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 957C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
848introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 958introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
849sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 959sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
850once per this interval, on average. 960once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
961good enough).
851 962
852Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 963Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
853to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 964to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
854latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 965latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
855later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 966later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
861usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 972usually 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 973as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
863you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 974you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
864parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 975parallelity, 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, 976need 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). 977then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
867 978
868Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 979Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
869saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 980saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
870are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 981are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
871times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 982times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
879 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 990 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
880 991
881=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 992=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
882 993
883This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 994This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
884pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 995pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
885but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 996but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
997function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
998when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
999event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
1000thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
886 1001
887=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 1002=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
888 1003
889Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 1004Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
890are pending. 1005are pending.
891 1006
892=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 1007=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
893 1008
894This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 1009This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
895invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 1010invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
896this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 1011this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
897invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1012invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
898 1013
899If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1014If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
900callback. 1015callback.
903 1018
904Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1019Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
905can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1020can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
906each call to a libev function. 1021each call to a libev function.
907 1022
908However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1023However, 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 1024to 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> 1025loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
911and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1026I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
912 1027
913When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1028When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
914suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1029suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
915afterwards. 1030afterwards.
916 1031
919 1034
920While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1035While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
921C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1036C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
922modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1037modifications 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 1038have 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 1039waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
925to take note of any changes you made. 1040to take note of any changes you made.
926 1041
927In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1042In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
928invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1043invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
929 1044
930See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1045See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
931document. 1046document.
932 1047
933=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1048=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
934 1049
935=item ev_userdata (loop) 1050=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
936 1051
937Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1052Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
938C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1053C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
939C<0.> 1054C<0>.
940 1055
941These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1056These 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 1057and 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 1058C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
944any other purpose as well. 1059any other purpose as well.
945 1060
946=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1061=item ev_verify (loop)
947 1062
948This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1063This 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 1064compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
950through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1065through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
951is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1066is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
962 1077
963In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1078In 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 1079watcher 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. 1080watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
966 1081
967A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1082A 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 1083your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
969become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1084to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1085for that:
970 1086
971 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1087 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
972 { 1088 {
973 ev_io_stop (w); 1089 ev_io_stop (w);
974 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1090 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
975 } 1091 }
976 1092
977 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1093 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
978 1094
979 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1095 ev_io stdin_watcher;
980 1096
981 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1097 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
982 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1098 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
983 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1099 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
984 1100
985 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1101 ev_run (loop, 0);
986 1102
987As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1103As 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 1104watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
989stack). 1105stack).
990 1106
991Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1107Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
992or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1108or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
993 1109
994Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1110Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
995(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1111*, 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 1112invoked 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 1113time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
998is readable and/or writable). 1114and/or writable).
999 1115
1000Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1116Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1001macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1117macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1002is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1118is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1003ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1119ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1026=item C<EV_WRITE> 1142=item C<EV_WRITE>
1027 1143
1028The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1144The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
1029writable. 1145writable.
1030 1146
1031=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1147=item C<EV_TIMER>
1032 1148
1033The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1149The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
1034 1150
1035=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1151=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
1036 1152
1054 1170
1055=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1171=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1056 1172
1057=item C<EV_CHECK> 1173=item C<EV_CHECK>
1058 1174
1059All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1175All 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 1176to 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 1177C<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 1178received 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 1179many 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 1180(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1065C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1181C<ev_run> from blocking).
1066 1182
1067=item C<EV_EMBED> 1183=item C<EV_EMBED>
1068 1184
1069The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1185The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1070 1186
1071=item C<EV_FORK> 1187=item C<EV_FORK>
1072 1188
1073The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1189The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1074C<ev_fork>). 1190C<ev_fork>).
1191
1192=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1193
1194The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1075 1195
1076=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1196=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1077 1197
1078The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1198The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1079 1199
1126 1246
1127 ev_io w; 1247 ev_io w;
1128 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1248 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1129 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1249 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1130 1250
1131=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1251=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1132 1252
1133This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1253This 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 1254call 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 1255call 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 1256macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1149 1269
1150Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1270Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1151 1271
1152 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1272 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1153 1273
1154=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1274=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1155 1275
1156Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1276Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1157events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1277events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1158 1278
1159Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1279Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1160whole section. 1280whole section.
1161 1281
1162 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1282 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1163 1283
1164=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1284=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1165 1285
1166Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1286Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1167the watcher was active or not). 1287the watcher was active or not).
1168 1288
1169It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1289It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1194=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1314=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1195 1315
1196Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1316Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1197(modulo threads). 1317(modulo threads).
1198 1318
1199=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1319=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1200 1320
1201=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1321=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1202 1322
1203Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1323Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1204integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1324integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1236watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1356watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1237 1357
1238Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1358Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1239callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1359callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1240 1360
1241=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 1361=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1242 1362
1243Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1363Feeds 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 1364had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1245initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must 1365initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1246not free the watcher as long as it has pending events. 1366not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1252See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1372See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1253functions that do not need a watcher. 1373functions that do not need a watcher.
1254 1374
1255=back 1375=back
1256 1376
1377See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR
1378OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1257 1379
1258=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1380=head2 WATCHER STATES
1259 1381
1260Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1382There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1261and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1383active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1262to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1384transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1263don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1385rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1264member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1265data:
1266 1386
1267 struct my_io 1387=over 4
1268 {
1269 ev_io io;
1270 int otherfd;
1271 void *somedata;
1272 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1273 };
1274 1388
1275 ... 1389=item initialiased
1276 struct my_io w;
1277 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1278 1390
1279And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1391Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1280can cast it back to your own type: 1392initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1393C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1281 1394
1282 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents) 1395In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1283 { 1396use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1284 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1397will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1285 ... 1398C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1286 }
1287 1399
1288More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1400=item started/running/active
1289instead have been omitted.
1290 1401
1291Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple 1402Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1292embedded watchers: 1403property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1404this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1405freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1406and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1293 1407
1294 struct my_biggy 1408=item pending
1295 {
1296 int some_data;
1297 ev_timer t1;
1298 ev_timer t2;
1299 }
1300 1409
1301In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more 1410If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1302complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct 1411in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1303in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use 1412stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1304some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real 1413about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1305programmers): 1414callback.
1306 1415
1307 #include <stddef.h> 1416The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1417an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1418is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1419but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1420moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1421previous item still apply.
1308 1422
1309 static void 1423It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1310 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1424via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1311 { 1425active.
1312 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1313 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1314 }
1315 1426
1316 static void 1427=item stopped
1317 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1428
1318 { 1429A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1319 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1430be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1320 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1431latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1321 } 1432of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1433freeing it is often a good idea.
1434
1435While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1436initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1437you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1438it again).
1439
1440=back
1322 1441
1323=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1442=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1324 1443
1325Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1444Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1326integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1445integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1369 1488
1370For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1489For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1371you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1490you 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 1491the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1373processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1492processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1374continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1493continuously 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 1494the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1376workable. 1495workable.
1377 1496
1378Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1497Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1379miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1498miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1393 { 1512 {
1394 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1513 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1395 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1514 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1396 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1515 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1397 1516
1398 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1517 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1399 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1518 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1400 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1519 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1401 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1520 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1402 } 1521 }
1403 1522
1453In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1572In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1454fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1573fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1455descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1574descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1456required if you know what you are doing). 1575required if you know what you are doing).
1457 1576
1458If 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
1460C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1461descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1462files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1463
1464Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1577Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1465receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1578receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1466be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1579be 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 1580because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1468lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1581with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1469this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1582use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1470it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1471C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1583preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1472 1584
1473If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1585If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1474not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1586not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1475re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1587re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1476interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1588interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1477does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1589this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1478use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1590use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1479indefinitely. 1591indefinitely.
1480 1592
1481But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1593But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1482 1594
1510 1622
1511There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1623There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1512for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1624for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1513C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1625C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1514 1626
1627=head3 The special problem of files
1628
1629Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1630representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1631doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1632
1633However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1634notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1635there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1636always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1637write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1638
1639Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1640devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1641on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1642will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1643wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1644
1645Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1646mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1647to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1648convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1649usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1650(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1651F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1652asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1653it "just works" instead of freezing.
1654
1655So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1656libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1657when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1658reuse the same code path.
1659
1515=head3 The special problem of fork 1660=head3 The special problem of fork
1516 1661
1517Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1662Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1518useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1663useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1519it in the child. 1664it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1520 1665
1521To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1666To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1522C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1667()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1523enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1668C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1524C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1525 1669
1526=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1670=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1527 1671
1528While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1672While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1529when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1673when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1532 1676
1533So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1677So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1534ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1678ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1535somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1679somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1536 1680
1681=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1682
1683Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1684found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1685connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1686
1687For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1688of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1689rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1690the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1691typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1692
1693Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1694operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1695situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1696cope with overload is known (to me).
1697
1698One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1699- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1700situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1701event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1702
1703A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1704C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1705messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1706what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1707the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1708usage.
1709
1710If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1711descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1712when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1713close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1714clients under typical overload conditions.
1715
1716The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1717is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1718opportunity for a DoS attack.
1537 1719
1538=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1720=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1539 1721
1540=over 4 1722=over 4
1541 1723
1573 ... 1755 ...
1574 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1756 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1575 ev_io stdin_readable; 1757 ev_io stdin_readable;
1576 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1758 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1577 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1759 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1578 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1760 ev_run (loop, 0);
1579 1761
1580 1762
1581=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1763=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1582 1764
1583Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1765Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1589detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1771detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1590monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1772monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1591 1773
1592The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1774The 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 1775passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1594might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1776might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1777early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1595same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1778iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1596before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1779ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1597no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1780longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1598 1781
1599=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1782=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1600 1783
1601Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1784Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1602recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1785recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1677 1860
1678In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1861In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1679but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1862but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1680within the callback: 1863within the callback:
1681 1864
1865 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1682 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1866 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1867 ev_timer timer;
1683 1868
1684 static void 1869 static void
1685 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1870 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1686 { 1871 {
1687 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1872 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1688 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1873 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1689 1874
1690 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1875 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occured
1691 if (timeout < now) 1876 if (after < 0.)
1692 { 1877 {
1693 // timeout occured, take action 1878 // timeout occurred, take action
1694 } 1879 }
1695 else 1880 else
1696 { 1881 {
1697 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1882 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1698 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1883 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1699 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1884 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1700 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1885 // the timeout can occur.
1886 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1701 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1887 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1702 } 1888 }
1703 } 1889 }
1704 1890
1705To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1891To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1706as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1892timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1707been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1893C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1708the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1894(EV_A)> from that).
1709re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1710a timeout then.
1711 1895
1712Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1896If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1713C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1897timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1898
1899Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1900and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1901
1902In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1903the timeout cocured. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1904again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1714 1905
1715This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1906This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1716minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1907minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1717libev to change the timeout. 1908libev to change the timeout.
1718 1909
1719To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1910To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1720to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1911C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1721callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1912now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1913the timer:
1722 1914
1915 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1723 ev_init (timer, callback); 1916 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1724 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1917 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1725 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1726 1918
1727And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1919When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1728C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1920C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1729 1921
1922 if (activity detected)
1730 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1923 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1924
1925When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1926providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1927will agaion do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1928
1929 timeout = new_value;
1930 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1931 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1731 1932
1732This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1933This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1733time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1934time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1734
1735Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1736callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1737fix things for you.
1738 1935
1739=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1936=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1740 1937
1741If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1938If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1742employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1939employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1769Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1966Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1770rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1967rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1771off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1968off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1772overkill :) 1969overkill :)
1773 1970
1971=head3 The special problem of being too early
1972
1973If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1974you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1975cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1976guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1977process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1978
1979So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1980delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1981
1982A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
1983loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
1984this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
1985expect.
1986
1987To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
1988resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
1989yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
1990event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
1991(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
1992
1993If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
1994501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
1995one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
1996intentions.
1997
1998This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
1999delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2000larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2001the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2002
2003So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2004exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2005delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2006late" side of things.
2007
1774=head3 The special problem of time updates 2008=head3 The special problem of time updates
1775 2009
1776Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2010Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1777least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2011at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1778time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 2012time 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 2013growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1780lots of events in one iteration. 2014lots of events in one iteration.
1781 2015
1782The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2016The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1783time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2017time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1788 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2022 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1789 2023
1790If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2024If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1791update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2025update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1792()>. 2026()>.
2027
2028=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2029
2030Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2031"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2032jumps).
2033
2034Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2035on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2036than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2037a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2038than a directly following call to C<time>.
2039
2040The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2041C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2042a second or so.
2043
2044One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2045the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2046or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2047invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2048
2049This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2050libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2051I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2052
2053If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2054connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2055exactly the right behaviour.
2056
2057If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2058you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2059time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1793 2060
1794=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2061=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1795 2062
1796When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2063When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1797can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2064can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1841keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2108keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1842do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2109do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1843 2110
1844=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2111=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1845 2112
1846This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2113This will act as if the timer timed out and restarts it again if it is
1847repeating. The exact semantics are: 2114repeating. The exact semantics are:
1848 2115
1849If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2116If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1850 2117
1851If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2118If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1854C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2121C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1855 2122
1856This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2123This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1857usage example. 2124usage example.
1858 2125
1859=item ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2126=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1860 2127
1861Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2128Returns 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 2129then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1863the timeout value currently configured. 2130the timeout value currently configured.
1864 2131
1865That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns 2132That 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> 2133C<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 2134will 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, 2135roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1869too), and so on. 2136too), and so on.
1870 2137
1871=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2138=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1900 } 2167 }
1901 2168
1902 ev_timer mytimer; 2169 ev_timer mytimer;
1903 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2170 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1904 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2171 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1905 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2172 ev_run (loop, 0);
1906 2173
1907 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2174 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1908 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2175 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1909 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2176 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1910 2177
1936 2203
1937As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2204As 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 2205point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1939timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2206timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1940earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2207earlier 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). 2208(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1942 2209
1943=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2210=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1944 2211
1945=over 4 2212=over 4
1946 2213
1981 2248
1982Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2249Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1983C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2250C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1984time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2251time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1985 2252
1986For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2253The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
1987C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2254interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
1988this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2255microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2256at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2257ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2258C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
1989 2259
1990Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2260Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1991speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2261speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1992will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2262will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1993millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2263millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2074Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2344Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2075system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2345system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2076potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2346potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2077 2347
2078 static void 2348 static void
2079 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2349 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2080 { 2350 {
2081 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2351 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2082 } 2352 }
2083 2353
2084 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2354 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2107 2377
2108=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2378=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2109 2379
2110Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2380Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2111signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2381signal 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 2382will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2113normal event processing, like any other event. 2383normal event processing, like any other event.
2114 2384
2115If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2385If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2116C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2386C<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 2387the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2131C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2401C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2132not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2402not 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 2403interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2134and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2404and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2135 2405
2136=head3 The special problem of inheritance over execve 2406=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2137 2407
2138Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2408Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2139(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2409(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2140stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2410stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2141and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2411and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2412see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2142 2413
2143While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2414While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2144sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2415sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2145C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2416C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2146certain signals to be blocked. 2417certain signals to be blocked.
2151 2422
2152The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is 2423The 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 2424to 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. 2425catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2155 2426
2156In current versions of libev, you can also ensure that the signal mask is 2427In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2157not blocking any signals (except temporarily, so thread users watch out) 2428unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2158by specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> when creating the event loop. This 2429the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2159is not guaranteed for future versions, however. 2430I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2431
2432So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2433you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2434is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2435
2436=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2437
2438POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2439a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2440threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2441
2442When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2443for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2444all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2445sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2446loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2447these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2448in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2160 2449
2161=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2450=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2162 2451
2163=over 4 2452=over 4
2164 2453
2180Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2469Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2181 2470
2182 static void 2471 static void
2183 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2472 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2184 { 2473 {
2185 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2474 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2186 } 2475 }
2187 2476
2188 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2477 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2189 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2478 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2190 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2479 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2576 2865
2577Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2866Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2578prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2867prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2579afterwards. 2868afterwards.
2580 2869
2581You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2870You 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> 2871the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2583watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2872watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2584rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2873rationale 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, 2874those 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 2875C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2754 3043
2755 if (timeout >= 0) 3044 if (timeout >= 0)
2756 // create/start timer 3045 // create/start timer
2757 3046
2758 // poll 3047 // poll
2759 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3048 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2760 3049
2761 // stop timer again 3050 // stop timer again
2762 if (timeout >= 0) 3051 if (timeout >= 0)
2763 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 3052 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2764 3053
2842if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3131if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2843 3132
2844=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3133=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2845 3134
2846Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3135Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2847similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3136similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2848appropriate way for embedded loops. 3137appropriate way for embedded loops.
2849 3138
2850=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3139=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2851 3140
2852The embedded event loop. 3141The embedded event loop.
2912C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3201C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2913handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3202handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2914 3203
2915=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3204=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2916 3205
2917Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3206Most 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 3207up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2919sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3208sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2920 3209
2921This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3210This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2922in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3211in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2938disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3227disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2939signal watchers). 3228signal watchers).
2940 3229
2941When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3230When 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 3231other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2943C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3232C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2944the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3233Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2945have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3234watchers, 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. 3235those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3236signal watchers.
2947 3237
2948=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3238=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2949 3239
2950=over 4 3240=over 4
2951 3241
2952=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3242=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2953 3243
2954Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3244Initialises 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, 3245kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2956believe me. 3246really.
2957 3247
2958=back 3248=back
2959 3249
2960 3250
3251=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3252
3253Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3254by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3255
3256While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3257watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3258program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3259loop when you want them to be invoked.
3260
3261Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3262all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3263makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3264can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3265
3266=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3267
3268=over 4
3269
3270=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3271
3272Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3273any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3274pointless, I assure you.
3275
3276=back
3277
3278Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3279cleanup functions are called.
3280
3281 static void
3282 program_exits (void)
3283 {
3284 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3285 }
3286
3287 ...
3288 atexit (program_exits);
3289
3290
2961=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3291=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2962 3292
2963In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3293In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2964asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3294asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2965loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3295loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2966 3296
2967Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3297Sometimes, 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 3298for 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 3299watchers 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 3300it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2971safe.
2972 3301
2973This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3302This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2974too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3303too, 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 3304(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2976C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3305C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
2977 3306of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
2978Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3307signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
2979just the default loop. 3308even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
2980 3309
2981=head3 Queueing 3310=head3 Queueing
2982 3311
2983C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3312C<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 3313is 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 3314multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2986need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3315need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3316semantics.
2987 3317
2988That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3318That 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 3319queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2990queue: 3320queue:
2991 3321
3075trust me. 3405trust me.
3076 3406
3077=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3407=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3078 3408
3079Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3409Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3080an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3410an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3411returns.
3412
3081C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3413Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3082similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3414signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3083section below on what exactly this means). 3415embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3084 3416
3085Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3417Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3086compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3418compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3087is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3419this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3088reset when the event loop detects that). 3420C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3089 3421
3090This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3422This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3091iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3423loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3092repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3424the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3425repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3426performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3427zero) under load.
3093 3428
3094=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3429=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3095 3430
3096Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3431Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3097watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3432watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3130 3465
3131If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3466If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3132started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3467started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3133repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3468repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3134 3469
3135The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3470The 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 3471passed 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> 3472C<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> 3473value 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 3474a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3140events precedence. 3475events precedence.
3141 3476
3142Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3477Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3143 3478
3144 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3479 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3145 { 3480 {
3146 if (revents & EV_READ) 3481 if (revents & EV_READ)
3147 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3482 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3148 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3483 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3149 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3484 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3150 } 3485 }
3151 3486
3152 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3487 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3153 3488
3154=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3489=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3155 3490
3156Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3491Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3157the given events it. 3492the given events.
3158 3493
3159=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3494=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3160 3495
3161Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3496Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3162loop!). 3497which is async-safe.
3163 3498
3164=back 3499=back
3500
3501
3502=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3503
3504This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3505obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3506section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3507
3508=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3509
3510Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3511or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3512to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3513don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3514data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3515data:
3516
3517 struct my_io
3518 {
3519 ev_io io;
3520 int otherfd;
3521 void *somedata;
3522 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3523 };
3524
3525 ...
3526 struct my_io w;
3527 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3528
3529And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3530can cast it back to your own type:
3531
3532 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3533 {
3534 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3535 ...
3536 }
3537
3538More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3539function type instead have been omitted.
3540
3541=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3542
3543Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3544embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3545multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3546
3547 struct my_biggy
3548 {
3549 int some_data;
3550 ev_timer t1;
3551 ev_timer t2;
3552 }
3553
3554In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3555complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3556the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3557to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3558real programmers):
3559
3560 #include <stddef.h>
3561
3562 static void
3563 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3564 {
3565 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3566 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3567 }
3568
3569 static void
3570 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3571 {
3572 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3573 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3574 }
3575
3576=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3577
3578Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3579
3580 callback ()
3581 {
3582 free (request);
3583 }
3584
3585 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3586
3587The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3588used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3589
3590It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3591immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3592some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3593operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3594
3595The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3596has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3597
3598Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3599might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3600canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3601already been invoked.
3602
3603A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3604C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3605C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3606delay invoking the callback by e.g. using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher
3607for example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher
3608and pushing it into the pending queue:
3609
3610 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3611 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3612
3613This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3614invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3615
3616=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3617
3618Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3619I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3620invoking C<ev_run>.
3621
3622This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3623main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3624a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3625and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3626other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3627
3628The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3629invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3630triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3631
3632 // main loop
3633 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3634
3635 while (!exit_main_loop)
3636 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3637
3638 // in a modal watcher
3639 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3640
3641 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3642 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3643
3644To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3645
3646 // exit modal loop
3647 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3648
3649 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3650 exit_main_loop = 1;
3651
3652 // exit both
3653 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3654
3655=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3656
3657Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3658thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3659created/added/removed.
3660
3661For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3662which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3663languages).
3664
3665The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3666variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3667event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3668
3669First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3670
3671 typedef struct {
3672 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3673 ev_async async_w;
3674 thread_t tid;
3675 cond_t invoke_cv;
3676 } userdata;
3677
3678 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3679 {
3680 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3681 static userdata u;
3682
3683 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3684 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3685
3686 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3687 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3688
3689 // now associate this with the loop
3690 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3691 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3692 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3693
3694 // then create the thread running ev_run
3695 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3696 }
3697
3698The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3699solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3700that might have been added:
3701
3702 static void
3703 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3704 {
3705 // just used for the side effects
3706 }
3707
3708The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3709protecting the loop data, respectively.
3710
3711 static void
3712 l_release (EV_P)
3713 {
3714 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3715 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3716 }
3717
3718 static void
3719 l_acquire (EV_P)
3720 {
3721 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3722 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3723 }
3724
3725The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3726into C<ev_run>:
3727
3728 void *
3729 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3730 {
3731 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3732
3733 l_acquire (EV_A);
3734 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3735 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3736 l_release (EV_A);
3737
3738 return 0;
3739 }
3740
3741Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3742signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3743writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3744have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3745and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3746watchers is very beneficial):
3747
3748 static void
3749 l_invoke (EV_P)
3750 {
3751 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3752
3753 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3754 {
3755 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3756 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3757 }
3758 }
3759
3760Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3761will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3762thread to continue:
3763
3764 static void
3765 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3766 {
3767 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3768
3769 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3770 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3771 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3772 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3773 }
3774
3775Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3776event loop, you will now have to lock:
3777
3778 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3779 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3780
3781 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3782
3783 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3784 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3785 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3786 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3787
3788Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3789an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3790about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3791watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3792
3793=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3794
3795While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3796is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3797kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3798doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3799
3800Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3801C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3802and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3803global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3804event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3805the differing C<;> conventions):
3806
3807 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3808 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3809
3810That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3811coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3812your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3813
3814A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3815C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3816matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3817called):
3818
3819 void
3820 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3821 {
3822 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro;
3823 switch_to (libev_coro);
3824 }
3825
3826That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3827continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3828this or any other coroutine.
3829
3830You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3831instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3832switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3833any waiters.
3834
3835To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3836files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3837
3838 // my_ev.h
3839 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3840 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3841 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3842
3843 // my_ev.c
3844 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3845 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3846
3847And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3848F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3849can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3165 3850
3166 3851
3167=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3852=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3168 3853
3169Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3854Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3170emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3855emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3171 3856
3172=over 4 3857=over 4
3858
3859=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3860
3861This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3862and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3173 3863
3174=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3864=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3175 3865
3176=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3866=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3177ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3867ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3183=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3873=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3184will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3874will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3185is an ev_pri field. 3875is an ev_pri field.
3186 3876
3187=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3877=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3188first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3878base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3189 3879
3190=item * Other members are not supported. 3880=item * Other members are not supported.
3191 3881
3192=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3882=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3193to use the libev header file and library. 3883to use the libev header file and library.
3212Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3902Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3213classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3903classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3214that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3904that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3215you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3905you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3216 3906
3217Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3907Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3218used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3908with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3219need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3909to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3220types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3910you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3221it). 3911(preferably after implementing it).
3222 3912
3223Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3913Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3224 3914
3225=over 4 3915=over 4
3226 3916
3236=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 3926=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3237 3927
3238For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 3928For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3239the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 3929the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3240which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 3930which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3241defines by many implementations. 3931defined by many implementations.
3242 3932
3243All of those classes have these methods: 3933All of those classes have these methods:
3244 3934
3245=over 4 3935=over 4
3246 3936
3247=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3937=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3248 3938
3249=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3939=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3250 3940
3251=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3941=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3252 3942
3253The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3943The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3254with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3944with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3287 myclass obj; 3977 myclass obj;
3288 ev::io iow; 3978 ev::io iow;
3289 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3979 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3290 3980
3291=item w->set (object *) 3981=item w->set (object *)
3292
3293This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3294 3982
3295This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3983This 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 3984will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3297functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3985functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3298the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3986the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3331Example: Use a plain function as callback. 4019Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3332 4020
3333 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 4021 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3334 iow.set <io_cb> (); 4022 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3335 4023
3336=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 4024=item w->set (loop)
3337 4025
3338Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4026Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3339do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4027do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3340 4028
3341=item w->set ([arguments]) 4029=item w->set ([arguments])
3342 4030
3343Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 4031Basically 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 4032method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3345automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 4033C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3346method. 4034when reconfiguring it with this method.
3347 4035
3348=item w->start () 4036=item w->start ()
3349 4037
3350Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4038Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3351constructor already stores the event loop. 4039constructor already stores the event loop.
3352 4040
4041=item w->start ([arguments])
4042
4043Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
4044convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
4045the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
4046
3353=item w->stop () 4047=item w->stop ()
3354 4048
3355Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 4049Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3356 4050
3357=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 4051=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3369 4063
3370=back 4064=back
3371 4065
3372=back 4066=back
3373 4067
3374Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 4068Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3375the constructor. 4069watchers in the constructor.
3376 4070
3377 class myclass 4071 class myclass
3378 { 4072 {
3379 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4073 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
4074 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3380 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4075 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3381 4076
3382 myclass (int fd) 4077 myclass (int fd)
3383 { 4078 {
3384 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4079 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
4080 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3385 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 4081 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3386 4082
3387 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 4083 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
4084 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
4085
4086 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3388 } 4087 }
3389 }; 4088 };
3390 4089
3391 4090
3392=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 4091=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3431L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4130L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3432 4131
3433=item D 4132=item D
3434 4133
3435Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4134Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3436be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4135be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3437 4136
3438=item Ocaml 4137=item Ocaml
3439 4138
3440Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4139Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3441L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4140L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3442 4141
3443=item Lua 4142=item Lua
3444 4143
3445Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev 4144Brian 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 4145time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3447L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4146L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3448 4147
3449=back 4148=back
3450 4149
3451 4150
3466loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 4165loop 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: 4166C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3468 4167
3469 ev_unref (EV_A); 4168 ev_unref (EV_A);
3470 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 4169 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3471 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4170 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3472 4171
3473It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 4172It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3474which is often provided by the following macro. 4173which is often provided by the following macro.
3475 4174
3476=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 4175=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3489suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4188suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3490 4189
3491=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4190=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3492 4191
3493Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4192Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3494loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4193loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4194will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4195
4196For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4197to initialise the loop somewhere.
3495 4198
3496=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4199=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3497 4200
3498Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4201Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3499default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4202default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3516 } 4219 }
3517 4220
3518 ev_check check; 4221 ev_check check;
3519 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 4222 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3520 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 4223 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3521 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 4224 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3522 4225
3523=head1 EMBEDDING 4226=head1 EMBEDDING
3524 4227
3525Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 4228Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3526applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 4229applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3606 libev.m4 4309 libev.m4
3607 4310
3608=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 4311=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3609 4312
3610Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 4313Libev 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 4314define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3612autoconf is documented for every option. 4315the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
4316
4317Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
4318values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
4319to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
4320to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
4321users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
4322settings.
3613 4323
3614=over 4 4324=over 4
3615 4325
4326=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
4327
4328Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
4329release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
4330have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
4331
4332You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
4333versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
4334sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
4335from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
4336typedef in that case.
4337
4338In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
4339and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
4340removed completely.
4341
3616=item EV_STANDALONE 4342=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3617 4343
3618Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 4344Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3619keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 4345keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3620implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 4346implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3621supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4347supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3622F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4348F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3623 4349
3624In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4350In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3625configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4351configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4352
4353=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4354
4355If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4356periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4357portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4358link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4359function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4360this.
3626 4361
3627=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4362=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3628 4363
3629If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4364If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3630monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4365monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3763indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4498indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3764 4499
3765=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4500=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3766 4501
3767Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4502Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3768access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4503access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal
3769type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4504contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can
3770that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4505provide your own type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used
3771as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4506both for signal handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety
4507in C<ev_async> watchers.
3772 4508
3773In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4509In 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. 4510(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms,
4511although strictly speaking using a type that also implies a memory fence
4512is required.
3775 4513
3776=item EV_H 4514=item EV_H (h)
3777 4515
3778The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4516The 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 4517undefined 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. 4518used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3781 4519
3782=item EV_CONFIG_H 4520=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3783 4521
3784If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4522If 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 4523F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3786C<EV_H>, above. 4524C<EV_H>, above.
3787 4525
3788=item EV_EVENT_H 4526=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3789 4527
3790Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4528Similarly 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">. 4529of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3792 4530
3793=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4531=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3794 4532
3795If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4533If 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 4534prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3797occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4535occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3798around libev functions. 4536around libev functions.
3803will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4541will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
3804additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4542additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
3805for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4543for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
3806argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4544argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
3807 4545
4546Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4547default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4548initialise the loop manually in this case.
4549
3808=item EV_MINPRI 4550=item EV_MINPRI
3809 4551
3810=item EV_MAXPRI 4552=item EV_MAXPRI
3811 4553
3812The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4554The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3820fine. 4562fine.
3821 4563
3822If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4564If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3823both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4565both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3824 4566
3825=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4567=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4568EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4569EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3826 4570
3827If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4571If 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 4572the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3829code. 4573is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3830 4574
3831=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4575=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 4576
3860If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4577If 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 4578speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3862is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 4579certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3863on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 4580that can be enabled on the platform.
3864the default 4-heap.
3865 4581
3866You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 4582A 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> 4583with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3868(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. 4584additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4585but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4586backend, use this:
3869 4587
3870Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 4588 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3871provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 4589 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3872of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 4590 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3873over time. 4591 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4592 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4593
4594The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4595values:
4596
4597=over 4
4598
4599=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4600
4601Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4602
4603Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4604code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4605
4606When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4607gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4608assertions.
4609
4610=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4611
4612Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4613hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4614and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4615runtime.
4616
4617=item C<4> - full API configuration
4618
4619This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4620enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4621
4622=item C<8> - full API
4623
4624This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4625details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4626feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4627
4628=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4629
4630Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4631only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4632embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4633C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4634
4635=item C<32> - enable all backends
4636
4637This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4638least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4639
4640=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4641
4642Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4643default.
4644
4645=back
4646
4647Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4648reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4649code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4650watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4651
4652With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4653when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4654your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4655I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4656
4657=item EV_API_STATIC
4658
4659If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4660will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4661identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4662when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4663and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4664
4665To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4666wants to use libev.
4667
4668=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4669
4670If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4671functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4672somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4673libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4674big.
4675
4676Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4677enabled.
3874 4678
3875=item EV_NSIG 4679=item EV_NSIG
3876 4680
3877The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4681The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3878signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4682signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3879automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4683automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3880specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4684specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3881good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4685good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3882statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4686statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3883 4687
3884=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4688=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3885 4689
3886C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4690C<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 4691pid. 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 4692usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3889increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4693might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3890 4694
3891=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4695=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3892 4696
3893C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4697C<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>), 4698inotify 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> 4699disabled), 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 4700C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3897two). 4701power of two).
3898 4702
3899=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4703=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3900 4704
3901Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4705Heaps 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 4706timer 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 4707to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3904faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4708faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3905 4709
3906The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4710The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3907(disabled). 4711will be C<0>.
3908 4712
3909=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4713=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3910 4714
3911Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4715Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3912timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4716timer 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>), 4717the 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, 4718which 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 4719but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3916noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4720noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3917 4721
3918The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4722The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3919(disabled). 4723will be C<0>.
3920 4724
3921=item EV_VERIFY 4725=item EV_VERIFY
3922 4726
3923Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4727Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3924be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4728be 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 4729in. 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 4730called. 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 4731called 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 4732verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3929libev considerably. 4733libev considerably.
3930 4734
3931The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4735The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3932C<0>. 4736will be C<0>.
3933 4737
3934=item EV_COMMON 4738=item EV_COMMON
3935 4739
3936By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4740By 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 4741this 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, 4742members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3939though, and it must be identical each time. 4743though, and it must be identical each time.
3940 4744
3941For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4745For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3942 4746
3995file. 4799file.
3996 4800
3997The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4801The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3998that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4802that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3999 4803
4000 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4804 #define EV_FEATURES 8
4001 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4805 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4002 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
4003 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4806 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4807 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
4004 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4808 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
4005 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4809 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4810 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
4006 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4811 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
4007 #define EV_MINPRI 0
4008 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
4009 4812
4010 #include "ev++.h" 4813 #include "ev++.h"
4011 4814
4012And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4815And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4013 4816
4014 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4817 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4015 #include "ev.c" 4818 #include "ev.c"
4016 4819
4017=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4820=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4018 4821
4019=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4822=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4020 4823
4021=head3 THREADS 4824=head3 THREADS
4022 4825
4073default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4876default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4074watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4877watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4075 4878
4076=back 4879=back
4077 4880
4078=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 4881See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4079
4080Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4081thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4082created/added/removed.
4083
4084For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4085which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4086languages).
4087
4088The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4089variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4090event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4091
4092First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4093
4094 typedef struct {
4095 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4096 ev_async async_w;
4097 thread_t tid;
4098 cond_t invoke_cv;
4099 } userdata;
4100
4101 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4102 {
4103 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4104 static userdata u;
4105
4106 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4107 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4108
4109 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4110 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4111
4112 // now associate this with the loop
4113 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4114 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4115 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4116
4117 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4118 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4119 }
4120
4121The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4122solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4123that might have been added:
4124
4125 static void
4126 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4127 {
4128 // just used for the side effects
4129 }
4130
4131The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4132protecting the loop data, respectively.
4133
4134 static void
4135 l_release (EV_P)
4136 {
4137 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4138 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4139 }
4140
4141 static void
4142 l_acquire (EV_P)
4143 {
4144 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4145 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4146 }
4147
4148The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4149into C<ev_loop>:
4150
4151 void *
4152 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4153 {
4154 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4155
4156 l_acquire (EV_A);
4157 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4158 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4159 l_release (EV_A);
4160
4161 return 0;
4162 }
4163
4164Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4165signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4166writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4167have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4168and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4169watchers is very beneficial):
4170
4171 static void
4172 l_invoke (EV_P)
4173 {
4174 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4175
4176 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4177 {
4178 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4179 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4180 }
4181 }
4182
4183Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4184will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4185thread to continue:
4186
4187 static void
4188 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4189 {
4190 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4191
4192 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4193 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4194 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4195 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4196 }
4197
4198Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4199event loop, you will now have to lock:
4200
4201 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4202 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4203
4204 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4205
4206 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4207 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4208 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4209 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4210
4211Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4212an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4213about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4214watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4215 4882
4216=head3 COROUTINES 4883=head3 COROUTINES
4217 4884
4218Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4885Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4219libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4886libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4220coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4887coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4221different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4888different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4222the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4889the 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. 4890that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4224 4891
4225Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4892Care 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 4893C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4227they do not call any callbacks. 4894they do not call any callbacks.
4228 4895
4229=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4896=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4230 4897
4231Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4898Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4242maintainable. 4909maintainable.
4243 4910
4244And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4911And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4245wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4912wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4246seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4913seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4247warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4914warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4248been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4915been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4249such buggy versions. 4916such buggy versions.
4250 4917
4251While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4918While 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 4919"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4288I suggest using suppression lists. 4955I suggest using suppression lists.
4289 4956
4290 4957
4291=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4958=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4292 4959
4960=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4961
4962GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4963interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4964
4965That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4966files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4967
4968Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4969by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4970standard libev compiled for their system.
4971
4972Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4973suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4974i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4975
4976=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4977
4978The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4979you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4980OpenGL drivers.
4981
4982=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4983
4984The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4985only sockets, many support pipes.
4986
4987Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4988rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4989loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4990probably going to work well.
4991
4992=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4993
4994Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4995implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4996release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4997
4998Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4999this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
5000a loop.
5001
5002=head3 C<select> is buggy
5003
5004All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
5005one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
5006descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
5007you use more.
5008
5009There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
5010C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
5011work on OS/X.
5012
5013=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
5014
5015=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
5016
5017The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
5018thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
5019without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
5020defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
5021
5022If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
5023it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
5024
5025=head3 Event port backend
5026
5027The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
5028ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
5029releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
5030a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
5031and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
5032are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
5033great.
5034
5035If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
5036the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
5037C<select> backends.
5038
5039=head2 AIX POLL BUG
5040
5041AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
5042this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
5043compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
5044with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
5045
4293=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 5046=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
5047
5048=head3 General issues
4294 5049
4295Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 5050Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4296requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5051requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4297model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5052model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4298the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5053the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4299descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5054descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4300e.g. cygwin. 5055e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
5056as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
5057environment.
4301 5058
4302Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5059Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4303re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 5060re-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 5061then 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). 5062also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4306 5063
4307There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 5064There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4308embedding it into other applications. 5065embedding it into other applications.
4309 5066
4310Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 5067Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4338you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 5095you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4339 5096
4340 #include "evwrap.h" 5097 #include "evwrap.h"
4341 #include "ev.c" 5098 #include "ev.c"
4342 5099
4343=over 4
4344
4345=item The winsocket select function 5100=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4346 5101
4347The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 5102The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4348requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 5103requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4349also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 5104also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4350requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 5105requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4359 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 5114 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4360 5115
4361Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 5116Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4362complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 5117complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4363 5118
4364=item Limited number of file descriptors 5119=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4365 5120
4366Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 5121Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4367 5122
4368Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 5123Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4369of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 5124of 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 5139runtime 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, 5140(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 5141you 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. 5142the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4388 5143
4389=back
4390
4391=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 5144=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4392 5145
4393In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 5146In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4394backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 5147backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4395 5148
4401Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 5154Libev 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 5155structure (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 5156assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4404callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5157callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4405calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5158calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5159
5160=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5161
5162Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5163writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4406 5164
4407=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5165=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4408 5166
4409The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5167The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4410C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5168C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4433watchers. 5191watchers.
4434 5192
4435=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 5193=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4436 5194
4437The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5195The 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 5196have 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 5197good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
5198(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4440implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 5199implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5200
4441ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 5201With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
44422200. 5202year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5203is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5204something like that, just kidding).
4443 5205
4444=back 5206=back
4445 5207
4446If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5208If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4447 5209
4509=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5271=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4510 5272
4511=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5273=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4512 5274
4513Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5275Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4514calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5276calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5277blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4515involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5278running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4516 5279
4517=back 5280=back
4518 5281
4519 5282
5283=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5284
5285The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
5286
5287At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
5288for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
5289layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5290new API early than late.
5291
5292=over 4
5293
5294=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5295
5296The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5297C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5298section.
5299
5300=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5301
5302These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5303
5304 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5305 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5306
5307=item function/symbol renames
5308
5309A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5310
5311 ev_loop => ev_run
5312 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5313 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5314
5315 ev_unloop => ev_break
5316 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5317 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5318 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5319
5320 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5321
5322 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5323 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5324 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
5325
5326Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
5327C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5328associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5329ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5330as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5331C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5332typedef.
5333
5334=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5335
5336The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5337mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5338and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5339
5340=back
5341
5342
4520=head1 GLOSSARY 5343=head1 GLOSSARY
4521 5344
4522=over 4 5345=over 4
4523 5346
4524=item active 5347=item active
4525 5348
4526A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5349A 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). 5350See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4528 5351
4529=item application 5352=item application
4530 5353
4531In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5354In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5355
5356=item backend
5357
5358The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4532 5359
4533=item callback 5360=item callback
4534 5361
4535The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5362The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4536detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5363detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4537received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5364received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4538 5365
4539=item callback invocation 5366=item callback/watcher invocation
4540 5367
4541The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5368The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4542 5369
4543=item event 5370=item event
4544 5371
4545A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 5372A 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 5373for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4547any other events happening anymore. 5374any other events happening anymore.
4548 5375
4549In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 5376In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4550C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 5377C<EV_TIMER>).
4551 5378
4552=item event library 5379=item event library
4553 5380
4554A software package implementing an event model and loop. 5381A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4555 5382
4563The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5390The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4564watchers and events. 5391watchers and events.
4565 5392
4566=item pending 5393=item pending
4567 5394
4568A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5395A 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 5396detected. 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 5397
4575=item real time 5398=item real time
4576 5399
4577The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5400The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4578 5401
4579=item wall-clock time 5402=item wall-clock time
4580 5403
4581The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5404The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4582be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5405be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4583clock. 5406clock.
4584 5407
4585=item watcher 5408=item watcher
4586 5409
4587A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5410A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4588to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5411to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4589 5412
4590=item watcher invocation
4591
4592The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4593
4594=back 5413=back
4595 5414
4596=head1 AUTHOR 5415=head1 AUTHOR
4597 5416
4598Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5417Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5418Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4599 5419

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