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98=head2 FEATURES 98=head2 FEATURES
99 99
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
103(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 103(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 104inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 105timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 106(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 107change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 108loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
109(C<ev_fork>). 109C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
110limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
110 111
111It also is quite fast (see this 112It also is quite fast (see this
112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 113L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
113for example). 114for example).
114 115
117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 118Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 119configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
119more info about various configuration options please have a look at 120more info about various configuration options please have a look at
120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 121B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 122for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 123name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument. 124this argument.
124 125
125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
126 127
127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
362flag. 363flag.
363 364
364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 365This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365environment variable. 366environment variable.
366 367
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them.
383
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
385there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
387
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 389
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 392but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
394 415
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 416This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 417C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397 418
398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 419=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
420
421Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
422kernels).
399 423
400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 424For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 425but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 426like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
518 542
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 543It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520 544
521=back 545=back
522 546
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 547If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 548then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 549here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
550()> will be tried.
526 551
527Example: This is the most typical usage. 552Example: This is the most typical usage.
528 553
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 554 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 555 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 598as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574 599
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 600In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 601rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 602pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 603C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579 604
580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
581 606
582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 607Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 608earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
687event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 712event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
688 713
689=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 714=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
690 715
691Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 716Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
692after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 717after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
693events. 718handling events.
694 719
695If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 720If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
696either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 721either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
697 722
698Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 723Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
772 797
773Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 798Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
774loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 799loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
775count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 800count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
776 801
777If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 802This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
778from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 803unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from
804returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
779stopping it. 805before stopping it.
780 806
781As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 807As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
782is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 808is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
783exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 809exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
784excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 810excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
856more often than 100 times per second: 882more often than 100 times per second:
857 883
858 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1); 884 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
859 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 885 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
860 886
887=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
888
889This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
890pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required,
891but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy.
892
893=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
894
895Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
896are pending.
897
898=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
899
900This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
901invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call
902this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
903invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
904
905If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
906callback.
907
908=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
909
910Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
911can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
912each call to a libev function.
913
914However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to
915wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via
916C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release>
917and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
918
919When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
920suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
921afterwards.
922
923Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
924C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
925
926While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
927C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
928modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
929have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
930waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it
931to take note of any changes you made.
932
933In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between
934invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
935
936See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
937document.
938
939=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
940
941=item ev_userdata (loop)
942
943Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
944C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
945C<0.>
946
947These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
948and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
949C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
950any other purpose as well.
951
861=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 952=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
862 953
863This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 954This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
864compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 955compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
865through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 956through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
1041 1132
1042 ev_io w; 1133 ev_io w;
1043 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1134 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1044 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1135 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1045 1136
1046=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1137=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1047 1138
1048This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1139This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1049call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1140call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1050call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1141call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1051macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1142macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1064 1155
1065Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1156Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1066 1157
1067 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1158 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1068 1159
1069=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1160=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1070 1161
1071Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1162Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1072events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1163events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1073 1164
1074Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1165Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1075whole section. 1166whole section.
1076 1167
1077 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1168 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1078 1169
1079=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1170=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1080 1171
1081Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1172Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1082the watcher was active or not). 1173the watcher was active or not).
1083 1174
1084It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1175It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1109=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1200=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1110 1201
1111Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1202Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1112(modulo threads). 1203(modulo threads).
1113 1204
1114=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1205=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1115 1206
1116=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1207=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1117 1208
1118Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1209Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1119integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1210integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1150returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1241returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1151watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1242watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1152 1243
1153Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1244Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1154callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1245callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1246
1247=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1248
1249Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1250had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1251initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1252not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1253
1254Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1255C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1256not started in the first place.
1257
1258See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1259functions that do not need a watcher.
1155 1260
1156=back 1261=back
1157 1262
1158 1263
1159=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1264=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1690 1795
1691If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1796If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1692update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1797update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1693()>. 1798()>.
1694 1799
1800=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1801
1802When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1803can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1804
1805Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1806all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1807to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1808system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1809was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1810towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1811clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1812long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1813be adjusted accordingly.
1814
1815I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1816operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1817
1818The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1819time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1820is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1821then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1822will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1823use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1824
1825It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1826and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1827deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1828C<SIGSTOP>).
1829
1695=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1830=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1696 1831
1697=over 4 1832=over 4
1698 1833
1699=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1834=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1724If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1859If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1725C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1860C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1726 1861
1727This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 1862This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1728usage example. 1863usage example.
1864
1865=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1866
1867Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1868then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1869the timeout value currently configured.
1870
1871That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1872C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1873will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1874roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1875too), and so on.
1729 1876
1730=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1877=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1731 1878
1732The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1879The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1733or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1880or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1969Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2116Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1970signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2117signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1971will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2118will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1972normal event processing, like any other event. 2119normal event processing, like any other event.
1973 2120
1974If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2121If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1975do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2122C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1976C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2123the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2124synchronously wake up an event loop.
1977 2125
1978You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2126You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2127only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2128default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2129C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2130the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2131
1979first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2132When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1980with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2133with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1981you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2134you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1982the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1983signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1984 2135
1985If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2136If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1986C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2137C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1987interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2138not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1988signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2139interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1989them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2140and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2141
2142=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2143
2144Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2145(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2146stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2147and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2148
2149While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2150sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2151C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2152certain signals to be blocked.
2153
2154This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2155the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2156choice usually).
2157
2158The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2159to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2160catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2161
2162In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2163unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2164the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2165I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2166
2167So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2168you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2169is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1990 2170
1991=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2171=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1992 2172
1993=over 4 2173=over 4
1994 2174
2039libev) 2219libev)
2040 2220
2041=head3 Process Interaction 2221=head3 Process Interaction
2042 2222
2043Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2223Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2044initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2224initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2045the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2225first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2046of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2226of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2047synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2227synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2048children, even ones not watched. 2228children, even ones not watched.
2049 2229
2050=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2230=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2060=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2240=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2061 2241
2062Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2242Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2063child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2243child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2064callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2244callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2065when a child exit is detected. 2245when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2246problem).
2066 2247
2067=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2248=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2068 2249
2069=over 4 2250=over 4
2070 2251
2810=head3 Queueing 2991=head3 Queueing
2811 2992
2812C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 2993C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2813is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2994is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2814multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2995multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2815need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2996need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
2997semantics.
2816 2998
2817That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2999That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2818queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3000queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2819queue: 3001queue:
2820 3002
2978 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3160 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2979 } 3161 }
2980 3162
2981 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3163 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2982 3164
2983=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2984
2985Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2986had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2987initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2988
2989=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3165=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2990 3166
2991Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3167Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2992the given events it. 3168the given events it.
2993 3169
2994=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3170=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2995 3171
2996Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3172Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2997loop!). 3173loop!).
2998 3174
2999=back 3175=back
3079 3255
3080=over 4 3256=over 4
3081 3257
3082=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3258=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3083 3259
3084=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3260=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3085 3261
3086=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3262=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3087 3263
3088The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3264The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3089with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3265with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3166Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3342Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3167 3343
3168 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3344 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3169 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3345 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3170 3346
3171=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3347=item w->set (loop)
3172 3348
3173Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3349Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3174do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3350do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3175 3351
3176=item w->set ([arguments]) 3352=item w->set ([arguments])
3273=item Ocaml 3449=item Ocaml
3274 3450
3275Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3451Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3276L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3452L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3277 3453
3454=item Lua
3455
3456Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3457time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3458L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3459
3278=back 3460=back
3279 3461
3280 3462
3281=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3463=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3282 3464
3435 libev.m4 3617 libev.m4
3436 3618
3437=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3619=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3438 3620
3439Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3621Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3440define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3622define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3441autoconf is documented for every option. 3623the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3624
3625Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3626values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3627to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breakign compatibility
3628to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3629users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3630settings.
3442 3631
3443=over 4 3632=over 4
3444 3633
3445=item EV_STANDALONE 3634=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3446 3635
3447Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3636Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3448keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3637keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3449implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3638implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3450supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3639supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3451F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3640F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3452 3641
3453In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3642In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3454configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3643configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3455 3644
3456=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3645=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3457 3646
3458If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3647If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3523be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3712be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3524C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3713C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3525it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3714it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3526on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3715on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3527 3716
3528=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3717=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3529 3718
3530If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3719If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3531file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3720file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3532default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3721default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3533correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3722correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3534in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3723in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3724
3725=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3726
3727If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3728using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3729their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3730to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3731
3732=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3733
3734If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3735macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3736file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3737the underlying OS handle.
3535 3738
3536=item EV_USE_POLL 3739=item EV_USE_POLL
3537 3740
3538If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3741If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3539backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3742backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3586as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3789as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3587 3790
3588In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3791In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3589(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3792(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3590 3793
3591=item EV_H 3794=item EV_H (h)
3592 3795
3593The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3796The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3594undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3797undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3595used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3798used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3596 3799
3597=item EV_CONFIG_H 3800=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3598 3801
3599If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3802If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3600F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3803F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3601C<EV_H>, above. 3804C<EV_H>, above.
3602 3805
3603=item EV_EVENT_H 3806=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3604 3807
3605Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3808Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3606of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 3809of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3607 3810
3608=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3811=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3609 3812
3610If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3813If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3611prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3814prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3612occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 3815occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3613around libev functions. 3816around libev functions.
3663=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3866=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3664 3867
3665If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3868If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3666defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3869defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3667 3870
3871=item EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE
3872
3873If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then signal watchers are supported. If
3874defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3875
3668=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 3876=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3669 3877
3670If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If 3878If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3671defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3879defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3880
3881=item EV_CHILD_ENABLE
3882
3883If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and C<_WIN32> is not defined), then
3884child watchers are supported. If defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3672 3885
3673=item EV_MINIMAL 3886=item EV_MINIMAL
3674 3887
3675If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3888If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3676speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 3889speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this
3677is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 3890is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size
3678on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 3891on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over
3679the default 4-heap. 3892the default 4-heap.
3680 3893
3681You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need and 3894You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need
3682setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. 3895and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert>
3896(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. Disabling inotify,
3897eventfd and signalfd will further help, and disabling backends one doesn't
3898need (e.g. poll, epoll, kqueue, ports) will help further.
3683 3899
3684Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 3900Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to
3685provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 3901provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts
3686of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 3902of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes
3687over time. 3903over time.
3904
3905This example set of settings reduces the compiled size of libev from 24Kb
3906to 8Kb on my GNU/Linux amd64 system (and leaves little in - there is also
3907an effect on the amount of memory used). With an intelligent-enough linker
3908further unused functions might be left out as well automatically.
3909
3910 // tuning and API changes
3911 #define EV_MINIMAL 2
3912 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3913 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3914 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3915
3916 // OS-specific backends
3917 #define EV_USE_INOTIFY 0
3918 #define EV_USE_EVENTFD 0
3919 #define EV_USE_SIGNALFD 0
3920 #define EV_USE_REALTIME 0
3921 #define EV_USE_MONOTONIC 0
3922 #define EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL 0
3923
3924 // disable all backends except select
3925 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3926 #define EV_USE_PORT 0
3927 #define EV_USE_KQUEUE 0
3928 #define EV_USE_EPOLL 0
3929
3930 // disable all watcher types that cna be disabled
3931 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3932 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3933 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 0
3934 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3935 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 0
3936 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 0
3937 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 0
3938 #define EV_EMBED_ENABLE 0
3939
3940=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3941
3942If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3943functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize
3944somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
3945libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3946big.
3947
3948Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3949enabled.
3950
3951=item EV_NSIG
3952
3953The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3954signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3955automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3956specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3957good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev
3958statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3688 3959
3689=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3960=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3690 3961
3691C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3962C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3692pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3963pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
3878default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4149default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3879watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4150watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3880 4151
3881=back 4152=back
3882 4153
4154=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4155
4156Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4157thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4158created/added/removed.
4159
4160For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4161which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4162languages).
4163
4164The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4165variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4166event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4167
4168First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4169
4170 typedef struct {
4171 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4172 ev_async async_w;
4173 thread_t tid;
4174 cond_t invoke_cv;
4175 } userdata;
4176
4177 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4178 {
4179 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4180 static userdata u;
4181
4182 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4183 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4184
4185 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4186 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4187
4188 // now associate this with the loop
4189 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4190 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4191 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4192
4193 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4194 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4195 }
4196
4197The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4198solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4199that might have been added:
4200
4201 static void
4202 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4203 {
4204 // just used for the side effects
4205 }
4206
4207The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4208protecting the loop data, respectively.
4209
4210 static void
4211 l_release (EV_P)
4212 {
4213 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4214 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4215 }
4216
4217 static void
4218 l_acquire (EV_P)
4219 {
4220 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4221 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4222 }
4223
4224The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4225into C<ev_loop>:
4226
4227 void *
4228 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4229 {
4230 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4231
4232 l_acquire (EV_A);
4233 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4234 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4235 l_release (EV_A);
4236
4237 return 0;
4238 }
4239
4240Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4241signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4242writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4243have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4244and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4245watchers is very beneficial):
4246
4247 static void
4248 l_invoke (EV_P)
4249 {
4250 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4251
4252 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4253 {
4254 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4255 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4256 }
4257 }
4258
4259Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4260will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4261thread to continue:
4262
4263 static void
4264 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4265 {
4266 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4267
4268 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4269 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4270 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4271 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4272 }
4273
4274Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4275event loop, you will now have to lock:
4276
4277 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4278 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4279
4280 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4281
4282 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4283 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4284 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4285 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4286
4287Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4288an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4289about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4290watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4291
3883=head3 COROUTINES 4292=head3 COROUTINES
3884 4293
3885Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4294Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3886libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4295libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3887coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4296coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3888different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4297different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3889loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4298the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3890you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4299that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3891 4300
3892Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4301Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3893C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4302C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3894they do not call any callbacks. 4303they do not call any callbacks.
3895 4304

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