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1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
26 puts ("stdin ready"); 28 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 29 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 30 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 31 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 32
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 33 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 34 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 35 }
34 36
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 37 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 38 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 39 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 40 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 41 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 42 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 43 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 44 }
43 45
44 int 46 int
45 main (void) 47 main (void)
46 { 48 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 49 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 50 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 51
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 52 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 53 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 54 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 55 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 58 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 59 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 60 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 61
60 // now wait for events to arrive 62 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 63 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 64
63 // unloop was called, so exit 65 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 66 return 0;
65 } 67 }
66 68
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 69=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 70
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 77While 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 78libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 79on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 80with libev.
79 81
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 82Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 83throughout this document.
84
85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
86
87This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
88it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
89reading L</ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L</EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
82 92
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 94
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 95Libev 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 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 134this argument.
125 135
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 136=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 137
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 138Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 139the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 140somewhere 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 141ask). 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 142too. 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 143any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
144
134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 145Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
135throughout libev. 146time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
136 147
137=head1 ERROR HANDLING 148=head1 ERROR HANDLING
138 149
139Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 150Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
140and internal errors (bugs). 151and internal errors (bugs).
164 175
165=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 176=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
166 177
167Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 178Returns 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 179C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
169you actually want to know. 180you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
181C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
170 182
171=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 183=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
172 184
173Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 185Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 186until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
187passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
188interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
189
175this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 190Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
191
192The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
193with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
176 194
177=item int ev_version_major () 195=item int ev_version_major ()
178 196
179=item int ev_version_minor () 197=item int ev_version_minor ()
180 198
191as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 209as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
192compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 210compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
193not a problem. 211not a problem.
194 212
195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 213Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
196version. 214version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
215such as LFS or reentrancy).
197 216
198 assert (("libev version mismatch", 217 assert (("libev version mismatch",
199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 218 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 219 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
201 220
212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 231 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 232 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
214 233
215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 234=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
216 235
217Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 236Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
218recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 237also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
238descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
219returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 239C<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 240and 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 241you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 242probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
223 243
224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 244=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
225 245
226Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 246Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
227is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 247value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
228might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 248current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
229C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 249the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
230recommended ones. 250& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
231 251
232See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 252See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
233 253
234=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 254=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
235 255
236Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 256Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
237semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 257semantics 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 258used 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 259when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
265 } 285 }
266 286
267 ... 287 ...
268 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 288 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
269 289
270=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 290=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
271 291
272Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 292Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
273as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 293as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
274indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 294indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
275callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 295callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
287 } 307 }
288 308
289 ... 309 ...
290 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 310 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
291 311
312=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
313
314This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
315safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
316handlers or random threads.
317
318Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
319in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
320by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
321creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
322mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
323C<ev_feed_signal>.
324
292=back 325=back
293 326
294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 327=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
295 328
296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 329An 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> 330I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
298I<function>). 331libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
299 332
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 333The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 334supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
302not. 335do not.
303 336
304=over 4 337=over 4
305 338
306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 339=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
307 340
308This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 341This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
309yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 342normally 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 343the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
311flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 344C<ev_loop_new>.
345
346If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
347returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
348C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
349flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
350one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
312 351
313If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 352If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
314function. 353function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
315 354
316Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 355Note 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, 356from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 357that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
358threads anyway).
319 359
320The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 360The 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 361and 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 362a 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 363C<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 364C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
325C<ev_default_init>. 365
366Example: This is the most typical usage.
367
368 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
369 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
370
371Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
372environment settings to be taken into account:
373
374 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
375
376=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
377
378This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
379could not be initialised, returns false.
380
381This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
382threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
383loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
326 384
327The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 385The 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>). 386backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
329 387
330The following flags are supported: 388The following flags are supported:
340 398
341If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 399If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
342or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 400or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
343C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 401C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
344override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 402override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
345useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 403useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
346around bugs. 404around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
405cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
406thread modifies them).
347 407
348=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 408=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
349 409
350Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 410Instead 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 411make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
352enabling this flag.
353 412
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 413This 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 414and 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 415iterations 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 416GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
358without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 417sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
359C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 418system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
419versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
360 420
361The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 421The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
362forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 422forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
363flag. 423have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
364 424
365This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 425This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
366environment variable. 426environment variable.
367 427
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 428=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 429
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 430When 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 431I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 432testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 433otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 434
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 435=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 436
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 437When 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 438I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 439delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 440it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 441handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 442threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 443
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 444Signalfd 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 445there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 446example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
447
448=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
449
450When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
451mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
452when you want to receive them.
453
454This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
455want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
456unblocking the signals.
457
458It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
459C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
460
461This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
387 462
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 463=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 464
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 465This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 466libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
419=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 494=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
420 495
421Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 496Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
422kernels). 497kernels).
423 498
424For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 499For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
425but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 500it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
426like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 501O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 502fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 503
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 504The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 505of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 506dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 507descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
508returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
509(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
433so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 5100.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
434I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 511forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 512set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 513and is of course hard to detect.
437 514
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 515Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 516but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 517totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 518one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 519(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 520notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 521that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
522when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
523no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
524because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
525not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
526perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
527
528Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
529cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
530others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
445 531
446While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 532While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
447will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 533will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
448incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 534incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
449I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 535I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
486 572
487It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 573It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
488kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 574kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
489course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 575course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
490cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 576cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
491two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 577two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
492sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 578might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
493cases 579drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
494 580
495This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 581This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
496 582
497While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 583While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
498everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 584everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
515=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 601=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
516 602
517This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 603This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
518it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 604it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
519 605
520Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
521notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
522blocking when no data (or space) is available.
523
524While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 606While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
525file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 607file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
526descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 608descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
527might perform better. 609might perform better.
528 610
529On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 611On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
530notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
531in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 612specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
532OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 613among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
614hacks).
615
616On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
617even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
618function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
619occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
620even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
621absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
622to re-arm the watcher.
623
624Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
533 625
534This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 626This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
535C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 627C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
536 628
537=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 629=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
538 630
539Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 631Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
540with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 632with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
541C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 633C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
542 634
543It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 635It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
636C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
637at all.
638
639=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
640
641Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
642C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
643value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
544 644
545=back 645=back
546 646
547If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 647If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
548then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 648then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
549here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 649here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
550()> will be tried. 650()> will be tried.
551 651
552Example: This is the most typical usage.
553
554 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
555 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
556
557Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
558environment settings to be taken into account:
559
560 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
561
562Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
563used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
564private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
565fds):
566
567 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
568
569=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
570
571Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
572always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
573handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
574undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
575
576Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
577libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
578default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
579
580Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 652Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 653
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 654 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 655 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 656 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 657
658Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
659used if available.
660
661 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
662
586=item ev_default_destroy () 663=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 664
588Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 665Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 666etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
590sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 667sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
591responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 668responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 669calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 670the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
595 672
596Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 673Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
597handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 674handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
598as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 675as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
599 676
600In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 677This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
601rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 678C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
679C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
680
681Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
682except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
602pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 683If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
603C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 684and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
604 685
605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 686=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
606 687
607Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
608earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
609
610=item ev_default_fork ()
611
612This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 688This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
613to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 689to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
614name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 690the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
615the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 691watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
616sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 692sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
617functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 693C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
694
695In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
696C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
697
698Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
699a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
700because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
701during fork.
618 702
619On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 703On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
620process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 704process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
621you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 705you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
706call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
707difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
708costly reset of the backend).
622 709
623The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 710The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
624it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 711it just in case after a fork.
625quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
626 712
713Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
714using pthreads.
715
716 static void
717 post_fork_child (void)
718 {
719 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
720 }
721
722 ...
627 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 723 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
628
629=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
630
631Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
632C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
633after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
634entirely your own problem.
635 724
636=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 725=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
637 726
638Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 727Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
639otherwise. 728otherwise.
640 729
641=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 730=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
642 731
643Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 732Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
644the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 733to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
645happily wraps around with enough iterations. 734and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
646 735
647This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 736This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
648"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 737"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
649C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 738C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
739prepare and check phases.
650 740
651=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 741=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
652 742
653Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 743Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
654times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 744times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
655 745
656Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 746Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
657C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 747C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
658in which case it is higher. 748in which case it is higher.
659 749
660Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 750Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
661etc.), doesn't count as exit. 751throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
752as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
753convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
662 754
663=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 755=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
664 756
665Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 757Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
666use. 758use.
675 767
676=item ev_now_update (loop) 768=item ev_now_update (loop)
677 769
678Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 770Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
679returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 771returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
680is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 772is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
681 773
682This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 774This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
683very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 775very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
684the current time is a good idea. 776the current time is a good idea.
685 777
686See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 778See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
687 779
688=item ev_suspend (loop) 780=item ev_suspend (loop)
689 781
690=item ev_resume (loop) 782=item ev_resume (loop)
691 783
692These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 784These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
693not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 785loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
694 786
695A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 787A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
696the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 788the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
697would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 789would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
698the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 790the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
700C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 792C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
701 793
702Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 794Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
703between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 795between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
704will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 796will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
705occured while suspended). 797occurred while suspended).
706 798
707After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 799After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
708given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 800given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
709without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 801without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
710 802
711Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 803Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
712event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 804event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
713 805
714=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 806=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
715 807
716Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 808Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
717after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 809after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
718handling events. 810handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
811the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
812is why event loops are called I<loops>.
719 813
720If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 814If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
721either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 815until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
816called.
722 817
818The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
819usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
820(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
821
723Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 822Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
724relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 823relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
725finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 824finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
726that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 825that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
727of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 826of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
728beauty. 827beauty.
729 828
829This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
830C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
831exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
832will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
833
730A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 834A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
731those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 835those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
732process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 836block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
733the loop. 837iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
838events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
734 839
735A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 840A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
736necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 841necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
737will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 842will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
738be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 843be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
739user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 844user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
740iteration of the loop. 845iteration of the loop.
741 846
742This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 847This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
743with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 848with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
744own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 849own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
745usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 850usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
746 851
747Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 852Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
853understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
854future versions):
748 855
856 - Increment loop depth.
857 - Reset the ev_break status.
749 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 858 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
859 LOOP:
750 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 860 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
751 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 861 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
752 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 862 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
863 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
753 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 864 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
754 as to not disturb the other process. 865 as to not disturb the other process.
755 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 866 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
756 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 867 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
757 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 868 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
758 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 869 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
759 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 870 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
760 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 871 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
872 - Increment loop iteration counter.
761 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 873 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
762 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 874 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
763 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 875 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
764 - Queue all expired timers. 876 - Queue all expired timers.
765 - Queue all expired periodics. 877 - Queue all expired periodics.
766 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 878 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
767 - Queue all check watchers. 879 - Queue all check watchers.
768 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 880 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
769 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 881 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
770 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 882 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
771 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 883 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
772 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 884 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
773 continue with step *. 885 continue with step LOOP.
886 FINISH:
887 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
888 - Decrement the loop depth.
889 - Return.
774 890
775Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 891Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
776anymore. 892anymore.
777 893
778 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 894 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
779 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 895 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
780 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 896 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
781 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 897 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
782 898
783=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 899=item ev_break (loop, how)
784 900
785Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 901Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
786has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 902has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
787C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 903C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
788C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 904C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
789 905
790This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 906This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
791 907
792It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 908It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
909which case it will have no effect.
793 910
794=item ev_ref (loop) 911=item ev_ref (loop)
795 912
796=item ev_unref (loop) 913=item ev_unref (loop)
797 914
798Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 915Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
799loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 916loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
800count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 917count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
801 918
802This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 919This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
803unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 920unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
804returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 921returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
805before stopping it. 922before stopping it.
806 923
807As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 924As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
808is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 925is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
809exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 926exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
810excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 927excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
811third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 928third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
812before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 929before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
813before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 930before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
814(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 931(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
815in the callback). 932in the callback).
816 933
817Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 934Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
818running when nothing else is active. 935running when nothing else is active.
819 936
820 ev_signal exitsig; 937 ev_signal exitsig;
821 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 938 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
822 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 939 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
823 evf_unref (loop); 940 ev_unref (loop);
824 941
825Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 942Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
826 943
827 ev_ref (loop); 944 ev_ref (loop);
828 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 945 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
848overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 965overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
849 966
850By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 967By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
851time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 968time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
852at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 969at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
853C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 970C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
854introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 971introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
855sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 972sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
856once per this interval, on average. 973once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
974good enough).
857 975
858Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 976Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
859to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 977to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
860latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 978latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
861later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 979later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
867usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 985usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
868as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 986as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
869you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 987you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
870parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 988parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
871need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 989need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
872then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 990then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
873 991
874Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 992Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
875saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 993saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
876are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 994are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
877times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 995times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
885 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 1003 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
886 1004
887=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 1005=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
888 1006
889This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 1007This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
890pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 1008pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
891but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 1009but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
1010function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
1011when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
1012event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
1013thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
892 1014
893=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 1015=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
894 1016
895Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 1017Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
896are pending. 1018are pending.
897 1019
898=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 1020=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
899 1021
900This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 1022This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
901invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 1023invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
902this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 1024this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
903invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1025invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
904 1026
905If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1027If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
906callback. 1028callback.
907 1029
908=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1030=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
909 1031
910Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1032Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
911can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1033can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
912each call to a libev function. 1034each call to a libev function.
913 1035
914However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1036However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
915wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 1037to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
916C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 1038loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
917and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1039I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
918 1040
919When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1041When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
920suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1042suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
921afterwards. 1043afterwards.
922 1044
925 1047
926While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1048While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
927C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1049C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
928modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1050modifications 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 1051have 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 1052waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
931to take note of any changes you made. 1053to take note of any changes you made.
932 1054
933In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1055In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
934invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1056invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
935 1057
936See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1058See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
937document. 1059document.
938 1060
939=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1061=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
940 1062
941=item ev_userdata (loop) 1063=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
942 1064
943Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1065Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
944C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1066C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
945C<0.> 1067C<0>.
946 1068
947These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1069These 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 1070and 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 1071C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
950any other purpose as well. 1072any other purpose as well.
951 1073
952=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1074=item ev_verify (loop)
953 1075
954This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1076This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
955compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1077compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
956through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1078through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
957is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1079is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
968 1090
969In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1091In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
970watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1092watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
971watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1093watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
972 1094
973A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1095A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
974interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1096your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
975become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1097to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1098for that:
976 1099
977 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1100 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
978 { 1101 {
979 ev_io_stop (w); 1102 ev_io_stop (w);
980 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1103 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
981 } 1104 }
982 1105
983 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1106 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
984 1107
985 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1108 ev_io stdin_watcher;
986 1109
987 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1110 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
988 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1111 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
989 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1112 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
990 1113
991 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1114 ev_run (loop, 0);
992 1115
993As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1116As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
994watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1117watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
995stack). 1118stack).
996 1119
997Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1120Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
998or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1121or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
999 1122
1000Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1123Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1001(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1124*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1002callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1125invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1003watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1126time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1004is readable and/or writable). 1127and/or writable).
1005 1128
1006Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1129Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1007macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1130macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1008is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1131is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1009ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1132ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1032=item C<EV_WRITE> 1155=item C<EV_WRITE>
1033 1156
1034The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1157The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
1035writable. 1158writable.
1036 1159
1037=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1160=item C<EV_TIMER>
1038 1161
1039The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1162The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
1040 1163
1041=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1164=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
1042 1165
1060 1183
1061=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1184=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1062 1185
1063=item C<EV_CHECK> 1186=item C<EV_CHECK>
1064 1187
1065All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1188All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1066to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1189gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1067C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1190just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1191for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1192watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1193C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1194or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1195
1068received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1196Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1069many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1197they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1070(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1198C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1071C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1199blocking).
1072 1200
1073=item C<EV_EMBED> 1201=item C<EV_EMBED>
1074 1202
1075The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1203The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1076 1204
1077=item C<EV_FORK> 1205=item C<EV_FORK>
1078 1206
1079The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1207The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1080C<ev_fork>). 1208C<ev_fork>).
1209
1210=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1211
1212The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1081 1213
1082=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1214=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1083 1215
1084The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1216The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1085 1217
1195 1327
1196=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1328=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1197 1329
1198Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1330Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1199 1331
1200=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1332=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1201 1333
1202Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1334Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1203(modulo threads). 1335(modulo threads).
1204 1336
1205=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1337=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1223or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1355or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1224 1356
1225The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1357The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1226always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1358always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1227 1359
1228See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1360See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1229priorities. 1361priorities.
1230 1362
1231=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1363=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1232 1364
1233Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1365Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1258See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1390See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1259functions that do not need a watcher. 1391functions that do not need a watcher.
1260 1392
1261=back 1393=back
1262 1394
1395See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1396OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1263 1397
1264=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1398=head2 WATCHER STATES
1265 1399
1266Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1400There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1267and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1401active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1268to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1402transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1269don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1403rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1270member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1271data:
1272 1404
1273 struct my_io 1405=over 4
1274 {
1275 ev_io io;
1276 int otherfd;
1277 void *somedata;
1278 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1279 };
1280 1406
1281 ... 1407=item initialised
1282 struct my_io w;
1283 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1284 1408
1285And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1409Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1286can cast it back to your own type: 1410initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1411C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1287 1412
1288 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents) 1413In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1289 { 1414use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1290 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1415will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1291 ... 1416C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1292 }
1293 1417
1294More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1418=item started/running/active
1295instead have been omitted.
1296 1419
1297Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple 1420Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1298embedded watchers: 1421property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1422this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1423freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1424and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1299 1425
1300 struct my_biggy 1426=item pending
1301 {
1302 int some_data;
1303 ev_timer t1;
1304 ev_timer t2;
1305 }
1306 1427
1307In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more 1428If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1308complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct 1429in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1309in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use 1430stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1310some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real 1431about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1311programmers): 1432callback.
1312 1433
1313 #include <stddef.h> 1434The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1435an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1436is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1437but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1438moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1439previous item still apply.
1314 1440
1315 static void 1441It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1316 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1442via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1317 { 1443active.
1318 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1319 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1320 }
1321 1444
1322 static void 1445=item stopped
1323 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1446
1324 { 1447A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1325 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1448be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1326 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1449latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1327 } 1450of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1451freeing it is often a good idea.
1452
1453While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1454initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1455you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1456it again).
1457
1458=back
1328 1459
1329=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1460=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1330 1461
1331Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1462Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1332integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1463integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1375 1506
1376For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1507For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1377you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1508you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1378the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1509the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1379processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1510processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1380continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1511continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1381the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1512the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1382workable. 1513workable.
1383 1514
1384Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1515Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1385miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1516miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1399 { 1530 {
1400 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1531 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1401 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1532 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1402 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1533 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1403 1534
1404 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1535 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1405 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1536 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1406 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1537 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1407 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1538 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1408 } 1539 }
1409 1540
1459In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1590In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1460fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1591fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1461descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1592descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1462required if you know what you are doing). 1593required if you know what you are doing).
1463 1594
1464If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1465known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1466C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1467descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1468files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1469
1470Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1595Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1471receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1596receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1472be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1597be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1473because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1598because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1474lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1599with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1475this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1600use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1476it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1477C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1601preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1478 1602
1479If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1603If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1480not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1604not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1481re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1605re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1482interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1606interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1483does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1607this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1484use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1608use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1485indefinitely. 1609indefinitely.
1486 1610
1487But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1611But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1488 1612
1516 1640
1517There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1641There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1518for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1642for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1519C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1643C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1520 1644
1645=head3 The special problem of files
1646
1647Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1648representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1649doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1650
1651However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1652notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1653there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1654always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1655write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1656
1657Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1658devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1659on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1660will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1661wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1662
1663Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1664mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1665to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1666convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1667usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1668(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1669F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1670asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1671it "just works" instead of freezing.
1672
1673So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1674libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1675when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1676reuse the same code path.
1677
1521=head3 The special problem of fork 1678=head3 The special problem of fork
1522 1679
1523Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1680Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1524useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1681useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1525it in the child. 1682it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1526 1683
1527To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1684To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1528C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1685()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1529enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1686C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1530C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1531 1687
1532=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1688=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1533 1689
1534While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1690While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1535when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1691when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1538 1694
1539So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1695So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1540ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1696ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1541somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1697somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1542 1698
1699=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1700
1701Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1702found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1703connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1704
1705For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1706of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1707rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1708the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1709typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1710
1711Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1712operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1713situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1714cope with overload is known (to me).
1715
1716One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1717- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1718situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1719event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1720
1721A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1722C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1723messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1724what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1725the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1726usage.
1727
1728If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1729descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1730when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1731close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1732clients under typical overload conditions.
1733
1734The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1735is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1736opportunity for a DoS attack.
1543 1737
1544=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1738=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1545 1739
1546=over 4 1740=over 4
1547 1741
1579 ... 1773 ...
1580 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1774 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1581 ev_io stdin_readable; 1775 ev_io stdin_readable;
1582 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1776 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1583 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1777 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1584 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1778 ev_run (loop, 0);
1585 1779
1586 1780
1587=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1781=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1588 1782
1589Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1783Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1595detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1789detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1596monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1790monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1597 1791
1598The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1792The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1599passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1793passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1600might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1794might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1795early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1601same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1796iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1602before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1797ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1603no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1798longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1604 1799
1605=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1800=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1606 1801
1607Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1802Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1608recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1803recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1683 1878
1684In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1879In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1685but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1880but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1686within the callback: 1881within the callback:
1687 1882
1883 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1688 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1884 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1885 ev_timer timer;
1689 1886
1690 static void 1887 static void
1691 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1888 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1692 { 1889 {
1693 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1890 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1694 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1891 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1695 1892
1696 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1893 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1697 if (timeout < now) 1894 if (after < 0.)
1698 { 1895 {
1699 // timeout occured, take action 1896 // timeout occurred, take action
1700 } 1897 }
1701 else 1898 else
1702 { 1899 {
1703 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1900 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1704 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1901 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1705 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1902 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1706 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1903 // the timeout can occur.
1904 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1707 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1905 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1708 } 1906 }
1709 } 1907 }
1710 1908
1711To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1909To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1712as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1910timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1713been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1911C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1714the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1912(EV_A)> from that).
1715re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1716a timeout then.
1717 1913
1718Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1914If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1719C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1915timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1916
1917Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1918and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1919
1920In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1921the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1922again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1720 1923
1721This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1924This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1722minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1925minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1723libev to change the timeout. 1926libev to change the timeout.
1724 1927
1725To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1928To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1726to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1929C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1727callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1930now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1931the timer:
1728 1932
1933 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1729 ev_init (timer, callback); 1934 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1730 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1935 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1731 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1732 1936
1733And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1937When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1734C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1938C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1735 1939
1940 if (activity detected)
1736 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1941 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1942
1943When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1944providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1945will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1946
1947 timeout = new_value;
1948 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1949 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1737 1950
1738This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1951This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1739time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1952time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1740
1741Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1742callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1743fix things for you.
1744 1953
1745=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1954=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1746 1955
1747If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1956If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1748employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1957employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1775Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1984Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1776rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1985rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1777off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1986off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1778overkill :) 1987overkill :)
1779 1988
1989=head3 The special problem of being too early
1990
1991If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1992you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1993cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1994guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1995process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1996
1997So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1998delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1999
2000A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2001loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2002this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2003expect.
2004
2005To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2006resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2007yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2008event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2009(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2010
2011If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2012501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2013one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2014intentions.
2015
2016This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2017delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2018larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2019the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2020
2021So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2022exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2023delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2024late" side of things.
2025
1780=head3 The special problem of time updates 2026=head3 The special problem of time updates
1781 2027
1782Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2028Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1783least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2029at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1784time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 2030time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1785growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2031growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1786lots of events in one iteration. 2032lots of events in one iteration.
1787 2033
1788The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2034The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1789time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2035time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1790of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2036of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1791you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2037you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1792timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2038timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2039for it:
1793 2040
1794 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2041 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
1795 2042
1796If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2043If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1797update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2044update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1798()>. 2045()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2046further into the future.
2047
2048=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2049
2050Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2051"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2052jumps).
2053
2054Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2055on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2056than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2057a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2058than a directly following call to C<time>.
2059
2060The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2061C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2062a second or so.
2063
2064One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2065the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2066or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2067invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2068
2069This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2070libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2071I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2072
2073If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2074connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2075exactly the right behaviour.
2076
2077If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2078you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2079time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1799 2080
1800=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2081=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1801 2082
1802When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2083When 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? 2084can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1847keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2128keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1848do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2129do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1849 2130
1850=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2131=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1851 2132
1852This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2133This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
1853repeating. The exact semantics are: 2134repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2135timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
1854 2136
2137The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2138applied to the watcher:
2139
2140=over 4
2141
1855If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2142=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
1856 2143
1857If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2144=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2145out, without invoking it).
1858 2146
1859If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2147=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
1860C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2148and start the timer, if necessary.
1861 2149
2150=back
2151
1862This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2152This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1863usage example. 2153usage example.
1864 2154
1865=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2155=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1866 2156
1867Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2157Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1906 } 2196 }
1907 2197
1908 ev_timer mytimer; 2198 ev_timer mytimer;
1909 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2199 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1910 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2200 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1911 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2201 ev_run (loop, 0);
1912 2202
1913 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2203 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1914 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2204 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1915 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2205 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1916 2206
1920Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2210Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1921(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2211(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1922 2212
1923Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2213Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1924relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2214relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1925(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2215(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
1926difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2216difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1927time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2217time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1928wrist-watch). 2218wrist-watch).
1929 2219
1930You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2220You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1942 2232
1943As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2233As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1944point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2234point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1945timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2235timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1946earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2236earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1947(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2237(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1948 2238
1949=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2239=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1950 2240
1951=over 4 2241=over 4
1952 2242
1987 2277
1988Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2278Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1989C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2279C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1990time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2280time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1991 2281
1992For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2282The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
1993C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2283interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
1994this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2284microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2285at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2286ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2287C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
1995 2288
1996Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2289Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1997speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2290speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1998will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2291will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1999millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2292millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2080Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2373Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2081system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2374system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2082potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2375potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2083 2376
2084 static void 2377 static void
2085 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2378 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2086 { 2379 {
2087 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2380 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2088 } 2381 }
2089 2382
2090 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2383 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2107 2400
2108 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2401 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2109 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2402 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2110 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2403 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2111 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2404 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2112 2405
2113 2406
2114=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2407=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2115 2408
2116Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2409Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2117signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2410signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2118will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2411will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2119normal event processing, like any other event. 2412normal event processing, like any other event.
2120 2413
2121If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2414If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2122C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2415C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2123the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2416the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2127only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2420only 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 2421default 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 2422C<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. 2423the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2131 2424
2132When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2425Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2133with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2426register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2134you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2427handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2135 2428
2136If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2429If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2137C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2430C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2138not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2431not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2139interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2432interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2142=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2435=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2143 2436
2144Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2437Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2145(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2438(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2146stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2439stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2147and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2440and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2441see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2148 2442
2149While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2443While 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 2444sets 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 2445C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2152certain signals to be blocked. 2446certain signals to be blocked.
2166 2460
2167So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2461So 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 2462you 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. 2463is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2170 2464
2465=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2466
2467POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2468a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2469threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2470
2471When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2472for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2473all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2474sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2475loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2476these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2477in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2478
2171=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2479=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2172 2480
2173=over 4 2481=over 4
2174 2482
2175=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2483=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2190Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2498Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2191 2499
2192 static void 2500 static void
2193 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2501 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2194 { 2502 {
2195 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2503 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2196 } 2504 }
2197 2505
2198 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2506 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2199 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2507 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2200 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2508 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2309 2617
2310=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2618=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2311 2619
2312This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2620This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2313C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2621C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2314and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2622and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2315it did. 2623if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2624happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2316 2625
2317The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2626The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2318not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2627not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2319exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2628exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2320C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2629C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2550Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2859Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2551effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2860effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2552"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2861"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2553event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2862event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2554 2863
2864=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2865
2866As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2867sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2868For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2869lowest priority will do.
2870
2871This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2872to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2873between different connections.
2874
2875See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2876example.
2877
2555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2878=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2556 2879
2557=over 4 2880=over 4
2558 2881
2559=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2882=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2570callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2893callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2571 2894
2572 static void 2895 static void
2573 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2896 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2574 { 2897 {
2898 // stop the watcher
2899 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2900
2901 // now we can free it
2575 free (w); 2902 free (w);
2903
2576 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2904 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2577 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2905 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2578 } 2906 }
2579 2907
2580 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2908 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2582 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2910 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2583 2911
2584 2912
2585=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2913=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2586 2914
2587Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2915Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2588prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2916prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2589afterwards. 2917afterwards.
2590 2918
2591You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2919You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2592the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2920current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2593watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2921C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2594rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2922however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2595those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2923for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2596C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2924C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2597called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2925kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2598 2926
2599Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2927Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2600their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 2928their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2601variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2929variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2602coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2930coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2620with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2948with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2621of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2949of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2622loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2950loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2623low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2951low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2624 2952
2625It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2953When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2626priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2954highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2627after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2955any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2956watchers).
2628 2957
2629Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2958Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2630activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2959activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2631might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2960might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2632C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2961C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2633loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 2962loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2634C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 2963C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2635others). 2964others).
2965
2966=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
2967
2968C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
2969useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
2970example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
2971normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
2972is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
2973connections have a chance of making progress.
2974
2975Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
2976next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
2977without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
2978
2979This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
2980single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
2981C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
2982will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
2983invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2636 2984
2637=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2985=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2638 2986
2639=over 4 2987=over 4
2640 2988
2764 3112
2765 if (timeout >= 0) 3113 if (timeout >= 0)
2766 // create/start timer 3114 // create/start timer
2767 3115
2768 // poll 3116 // poll
2769 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3117 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2770 3118
2771 // stop timer again 3119 // stop timer again
2772 if (timeout >= 0) 3120 if (timeout >= 0)
2773 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 3121 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2774 3122
2841 3189
2842=over 4 3190=over 4
2843 3191
2844=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3192=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2845 3193
2846=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3194=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2847 3195
2848Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3196Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2849embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3197embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2850invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3198invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2851to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3199to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2852if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3200if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2853 3201
2854=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3202=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2855 3203
2856Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3204Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2857similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3205similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2858appropriate way for embedded loops. 3206appropriate way for embedded loops.
2859 3207
2860=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3208=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2861 3209
2862The embedded event loop. 3210The embedded event loop.
2872used). 3220used).
2873 3221
2874 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3222 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2875 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3223 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2876 ev_embed embed; 3224 ev_embed embed;
2877 3225
2878 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3226 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2879 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3227 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2880 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3228 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2881 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3229 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2882 : 0; 3230 : 0;
2896C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3244C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2897 3245
2898 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3246 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2899 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3247 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2900 ev_embed embed; 3248 ev_embed embed;
2901 3249
2902 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3250 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2903 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3251 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2904 { 3252 {
2905 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3253 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2906 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3254 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2914 3262
2915=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3263=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2916 3264
2917Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3265Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2918whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3266whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2919C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3267C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
2920event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3268and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
2921and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3269after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
2922C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3270and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
2923handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3271of course.
2924 3272
2925=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3273=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2926 3274
2927Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3275Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2928up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3276up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2929sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3277sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2930 3278
2931This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3279This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2932in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3280in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2948disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3296disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2949signal watchers). 3297signal watchers).
2950 3298
2951When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3299When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2952other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3300other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2953C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3301C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2954the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3302Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2955have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3303watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2956also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3304those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3305signal watchers.
2957 3306
2958=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3307=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2959 3308
2960=over 4 3309=over 4
2961 3310
2962=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3311=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2963 3312
2964Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3313Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2965kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3314kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2966believe me. 3315really.
2967 3316
2968=back 3317=back
2969 3318
2970 3319
3320=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3321
3322Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3323by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3324
3325While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3326watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3327program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3328loop when you want them to be invoked.
3329
3330Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3331all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3332makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3333can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3334
3335=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3336
3337=over 4
3338
3339=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3340
3341Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3342any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3343pointless, I assure you.
3344
3345=back
3346
3347Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3348cleanup functions are called.
3349
3350 static void
3351 program_exits (void)
3352 {
3353 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3354 }
3355
3356 ...
3357 atexit (program_exits);
3358
3359
2971=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3360=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2972 3361
2973In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3362In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2974asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3363asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2975loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3364loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2976 3365
2977Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3366Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2978control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3367for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2979C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3368watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2980can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3369it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2981safe.
2982 3370
2983This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3371This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2984too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3372too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2985(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3373(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2986C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3374C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
2987 3375of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
2988Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3376signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
2989just the default loop. 3377even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
2990 3378
2991=head3 Queueing 3379=head3 Queueing
2992 3380
2993C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3381C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2994is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3382is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3086trust me. 3474trust me.
3087 3475
3088=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3476=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3089 3477
3090Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3478Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3091an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3479an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3480returns.
3481
3092C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3482Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3093similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3483signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3094section below on what exactly this means). 3484embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3095 3485
3096Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3486Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3097compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3487compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3098is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3488this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3099reset when the event loop detects that). 3489C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3100 3490
3101This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3491This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3102iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3492loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3103repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3493the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3494repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3495performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3496zero) under load.
3104 3497
3105=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3498=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3106 3499
3107Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3500Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3108watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3501watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3141 3534
3142If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3535If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3143started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3536started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3144repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3537repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3145 3538
3146The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3539The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
3147passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3540passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
3148C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3541C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
3149value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3542value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3150a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3543a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3151events precedence. 3544events precedence.
3152 3545
3153Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3546Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3154 3547
3155 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3548 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3156 { 3549 {
3157 if (revents & EV_READ) 3550 if (revents & EV_READ)
3158 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3551 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3159 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3552 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3160 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3553 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3161 } 3554 }
3162 3555
3163 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3556 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3164 3557
3165=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3558=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3166 3559
3167Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3560Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3168the given events it. 3561the given events.
3169 3562
3170=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3563=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3171 3564
3172Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3565Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3173loop!). 3566which is async-safe.
3174 3567
3175=back 3568=back
3569
3570
3571=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3572
3573This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3574obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3575section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3576
3577=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3578
3579Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3580or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3581to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3582don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3583data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3584data:
3585
3586 struct my_io
3587 {
3588 ev_io io;
3589 int otherfd;
3590 void *somedata;
3591 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3592 };
3593
3594 ...
3595 struct my_io w;
3596 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3597
3598And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3599can cast it back to your own type:
3600
3601 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3602 {
3603 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3604 ...
3605 }
3606
3607More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3608function type instead have been omitted.
3609
3610=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3611
3612Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3613embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3614multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3615
3616 struct my_biggy
3617 {
3618 int some_data;
3619 ev_timer t1;
3620 ev_timer t2;
3621 }
3622
3623In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3624complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3625the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3626to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3627real programmers):
3628
3629 #include <stddef.h>
3630
3631 static void
3632 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3633 {
3634 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3635 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3636 }
3637
3638 static void
3639 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3640 {
3641 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3642 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3643 }
3644
3645=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3646
3647Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3648
3649 callback ()
3650 {
3651 free (request);
3652 }
3653
3654 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3655
3656The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3657used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3658
3659It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3660immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3661some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3662operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3663
3664The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3665has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3666
3667Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3668might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3669canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3670already been invoked.
3671
3672A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3673C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3674C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3675delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3676example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3677pushing it into the pending queue:
3678
3679 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3680 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3681
3682This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3683invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3684
3685=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3686
3687Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3688I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3689invoking C<ev_run>.
3690
3691This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3692main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3693a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3694and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3695other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3696
3697The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3698invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3699triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3700
3701 // main loop
3702 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3703
3704 while (!exit_main_loop)
3705 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3706
3707 // in a modal watcher
3708 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3709
3710 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3711 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3712
3713To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3714
3715 // exit modal loop
3716 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3717
3718 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3719 exit_main_loop = 1;
3720
3721 // exit both
3722 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3723
3724=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3725
3726Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3727thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3728created/added/removed.
3729
3730For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3731which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3732languages).
3733
3734The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3735variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3736event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3737
3738First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3739
3740 typedef struct {
3741 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3742 ev_async async_w;
3743 thread_t tid;
3744 cond_t invoke_cv;
3745 } userdata;
3746
3747 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3748 {
3749 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3750 static userdata u;
3751
3752 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3753 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3754
3755 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3756 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3757
3758 // now associate this with the loop
3759 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3760 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3761 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3762
3763 // then create the thread running ev_run
3764 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3765 }
3766
3767The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3768solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3769that might have been added:
3770
3771 static void
3772 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3773 {
3774 // just used for the side effects
3775 }
3776
3777The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3778protecting the loop data, respectively.
3779
3780 static void
3781 l_release (EV_P)
3782 {
3783 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3784 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3785 }
3786
3787 static void
3788 l_acquire (EV_P)
3789 {
3790 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3791 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3792 }
3793
3794The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3795into C<ev_run>:
3796
3797 void *
3798 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3799 {
3800 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3801
3802 l_acquire (EV_A);
3803 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3804 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3805 l_release (EV_A);
3806
3807 return 0;
3808 }
3809
3810Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3811signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3812writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3813have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3814and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3815watchers is very beneficial):
3816
3817 static void
3818 l_invoke (EV_P)
3819 {
3820 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3821
3822 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3823 {
3824 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3825 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3826 }
3827 }
3828
3829Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3830will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3831thread to continue:
3832
3833 static void
3834 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3835 {
3836 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3837
3838 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3839 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3840 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3841 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3842 }
3843
3844Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3845event loop, you will now have to lock:
3846
3847 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3848 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3849
3850 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3851
3852 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3853 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3854 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3855 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3856
3857Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3858an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3859about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3860watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3861
3862=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3863
3864While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3865is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3866kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3867doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3868
3869Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3870C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3871and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3872global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3873event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3874the differing C<;> conventions):
3875
3876 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3877 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3878
3879That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3880coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3881your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3882
3883A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3884C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3885matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3886called):
3887
3888 void
3889 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3890 {
3891 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3892 switch_to (libev_coro);
3893 }
3894
3895That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3896continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3897this or any other coroutine.
3898
3899You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3900instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3901switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3902any waiters.
3903
3904To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3905files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3906
3907 // my_ev.h
3908 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3909 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3910 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3911
3912 // my_ev.c
3913 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3914 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3915
3916And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3917F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3918can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3176 3919
3177 3920
3178=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3921=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3179 3922
3180Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3923Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3181emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3924emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3182 3925
3183=over 4 3926=over 4
3927
3928=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3929
3930This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3931and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3184 3932
3185=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3933=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3186 3934
3187=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3935=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3188ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3936ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3194=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3942=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3195will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3943will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3196is an ev_pri field. 3944is an ev_pri field.
3197 3945
3198=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3946=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3199first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3947base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3200 3948
3201=item * Other members are not supported. 3949=item * Other members are not supported.
3202 3950
3203=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3951=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3204to use the libev header file and library. 3952to use the libev header file and library.
3205 3953
3206=back 3954=back
3207 3955
3208=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3956=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3957
3958=head2 C API
3959
3960The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3961libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3962will work fine.
3963
3964Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3965to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all
3966other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic
3967reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw
3968()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C
3969and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this:
3970
3971 static void
3972 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW
3973 {
3974 perror (msg);
3975 abort ();
3976 }
3977
3978 ...
3979 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
3980
3981The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
3982C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
3983because it runs cleanup watchers).
3984
3985Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
3986is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
3987throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
3988
3989=head2 C++ API
3209 3990
3210Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3991Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3211you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3992you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3212the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3993the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3213 3994
3214To use it, 3995To use it,
3215 3996
3216 #include <ev++.h> 3997 #include <ev++.h>
3217 3998
3218This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3999This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3219of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4000of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3220put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4001put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3223Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 4004Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3224classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 4005classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3225that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 4006that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3226you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 4007you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3227 4008
3228Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 4009Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3229used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 4010with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3230need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 4011to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3231types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 4012you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3232it). 4013(preferably after implementing it).
4014
4015For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4016conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4017to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3233 4018
3234Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4019Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3235 4020
3236=over 4 4021=over 4
3237 4022
3247=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4032=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3248 4033
3249For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4034For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3250the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4035the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3251which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4036which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3252defines by many implementations. 4037defined by many implementations.
3253 4038
3254All of those classes have these methods: 4039All of those classes have these methods:
3255 4040
3256=over 4 4041=over 4
3257 4042
3298 myclass obj; 4083 myclass obj;
3299 ev::io iow; 4084 ev::io iow;
3300 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 4085 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3301 4086
3302=item w->set (object *) 4087=item w->set (object *)
3303
3304This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3305 4088
3306This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 4089This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3307will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 4090will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3308functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 4091functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3309the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 4092the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3321 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4104 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3322 { 4105 {
3323 ... 4106 ...
3324 } 4107 }
3325 } 4108 }
3326 4109
3327 myfunctor f; 4110 myfunctor f;
3328 4111
3329 ev::io w; 4112 ev::io w;
3330 w.set (&f); 4113 w.set (&f);
3331 4114
3349Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4132Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3350do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4133do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3351 4134
3352=item w->set ([arguments]) 4135=item w->set ([arguments])
3353 4136
3354Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 4137Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
4138with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3355called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 4139must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3356automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 4140gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
3357method. 4141method.
4142
4143For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4144clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3358 4145
3359=item w->start () 4146=item w->start ()
3360 4147
3361Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4148Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3362constructor already stores the event loop. 4149constructor already stores the event loop.
3363 4150
4151=item w->start ([arguments])
4152
4153Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
4154convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
4155the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
4156
3364=item w->stop () 4157=item w->stop ()
3365 4158
3366Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 4159Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3367 4160
3368=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 4161=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3380 4173
3381=back 4174=back
3382 4175
3383=back 4176=back
3384 4177
3385Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 4178Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3386the constructor. 4179watchers in the constructor.
3387 4180
3388 class myclass 4181 class myclass
3389 { 4182 {
3390 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4183 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
4184 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3391 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4185 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3392 4186
3393 myclass (int fd) 4187 myclass (int fd)
3394 { 4188 {
3395 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4189 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
4190 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3396 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 4191 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3397 4192
3398 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 4193 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
4194 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
4195
4196 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3399 } 4197 }
3400 }; 4198 };
3401 4199
3402 4200
3403=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 4201=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3442L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4240L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3443 4241
3444=item D 4242=item D
3445 4243
3446Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4244Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3447be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4245be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3448 4246
3449=item Ocaml 4247=item Ocaml
3450 4248
3451Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4249Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3452L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4250L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3455 4253
3456Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4254Brian 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 4255time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3458L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4256L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3459 4257
4258=item Javascript
4259
4260Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4261
4262=item Others
4263
4264There are others, and I stopped counting.
4265
3460=back 4266=back
3461 4267
3462 4268
3463=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4269=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3464 4270
3477loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 4283loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3478C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 4284C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3479 4285
3480 ev_unref (EV_A); 4286 ev_unref (EV_A);
3481 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 4287 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3482 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4288 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3483 4289
3484It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 4290It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3485which is often provided by the following macro. 4291which is often provided by the following macro.
3486 4292
3487=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 4293=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3500suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4306suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3501 4307
3502=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4308=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3503 4309
3504Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4310Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3505loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4311loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4312will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4313
4314For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4315to initialise the loop somewhere.
3506 4316
3507=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4317=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3508 4318
3509Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4319Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3510default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4320default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3527 } 4337 }
3528 4338
3529 ev_check check; 4339 ev_check check;
3530 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 4340 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3531 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 4341 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3532 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 4342 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3533 4343
3534=head1 EMBEDDING 4344=head1 EMBEDDING
3535 4345
3536Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 4346Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3537applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 4347applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3577 ev_vars.h 4387 ev_vars.h
3578 ev_wrap.h 4388 ev_wrap.h
3579 4389
3580 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4390 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
3581 4391
3582 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4392 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
3583 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4393 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
3584 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4394 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
3585 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4395 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
3586 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4396 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
3587 4397
3588F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4398F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
3589to compile this single file. 4399to compile this single file.
3590 4400
3591=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4401=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
3622define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in 4432define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3623the absence of autoconf is documented for every option. 4433the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3624 4434
3625Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different 4435Symbols 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 4436values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3627to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breakign compatibility 4437to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3628to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 4438to 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 4439users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3630settings. 4440settings.
3631 4441
3632=over 4 4442=over 4
4443
4444=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
4445
4446Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
4447release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
4448have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
4449
4450You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
4451versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
4452sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
4453from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
4454typedef in that case.
4455
4456In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
4457and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
4458removed completely.
3633 4459
3634=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 4460=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3635 4461
3636Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 4462Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3637keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 4463keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3639supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4465supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3640F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4466F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3641 4467
3642In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4468In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3643configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4469configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4470
4471=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4472
4473If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4474periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4475portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4476link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4477function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4478this.
3644 4479
3645=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4480=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3646 4481
3647If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4482If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3648monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4483monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3733 4568
3734If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4569If 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 4570macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3736file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4571file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3737the underlying OS handle. 4572the underlying OS handle.
4573
4574=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4575
4576If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4577communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4578the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4579environments.
3738 4580
3739=item EV_USE_POLL 4581=item EV_USE_POLL
3740 4582
3741If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4583If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3742backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4584backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3778If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4620If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3779interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4621interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3780be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4622be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3781indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4623indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3782 4624
4625=item EV_NO_SMP
4626
4627If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4628between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4629different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4630and makes libev faster.
4631
4632=item EV_NO_THREADS
4633
4634If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4635different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4636assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4637libev faster.
4638
3783=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4639=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3784 4640
3785Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4641Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3786access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4642access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
3787type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4643such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
3788that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4644type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
3789as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4645handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4646watchers.
3790 4647
3791In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4648In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3792(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4649(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3793 4650
3794=item EV_H (h) 4651=item EV_H (h)
3821will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4678will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
3822additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4679additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
3823for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4680for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
3824argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4681argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
3825 4682
4683Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4684default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4685initialise the loop manually in this case.
4686
3826=item EV_MINPRI 4687=item EV_MINPRI
3827 4688
3828=item EV_MAXPRI 4689=item EV_MAXPRI
3829 4690
3830The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4691The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3838fine. 4699fine.
3839 4700
3840If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4701If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3841both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4702both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3842 4703
3843=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4704=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4705EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4706EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3844 4707
3845If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4708If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3846defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4709the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3847code. 4710is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3848 4711
3849=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4712=item EV_FEATURES
3850
3851If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3852defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3853code.
3854
3855=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3856
3857If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3858defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3859watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3860
3861=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3862
3863If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3864defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3865
3866=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3867
3868If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3869defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
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
3876=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3877
3878If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
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.
3885
3886=item EV_MINIMAL
3887 4713
3888If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4714If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3889speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 4715speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3890is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 4716certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3891on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 4717that can be enabled on the platform.
3892the default 4-heap.
3893 4718
3894You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 4719A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3895and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert> 4720with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3896(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. Disabling inotify, 4721additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
3897eventfd and signalfd will further help, and disabling backends one doesn't 4722but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
3898need (e.g. poll, epoll, kqueue, ports) will help further. 4723backend, use this:
3899 4724
3900Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 4725 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3901provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts
3902of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes
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 4726 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
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 4727 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
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 4728 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
3937 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 0 4729 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
3938 #define EV_EMBED_ENABLE 0 4730
4731The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4732values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4733
4734=over 4
4735
4736=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4737
4738Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4739
4740Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4741code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4742
4743When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4744gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4745assertions.
4746
4747The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4748(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4749
4750=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4751
4752Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4753hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4754and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4755runtime.
4756
4757The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4758(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4759
4760=item C<4> - full API configuration
4761
4762This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4763enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4764
4765=item C<8> - full API
4766
4767This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4768details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4769feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4770
4771=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4772
4773Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4774only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4775embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4776C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4777
4778=item C<32> - enable all backends
4779
4780This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4781least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4782
4783=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4784
4785Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4786default.
4787
4788=back
4789
4790Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4791reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4792code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4793watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4794
4795With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4796when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4797your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4798I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4799
4800=item EV_API_STATIC
4801
4802If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4803will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4804identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4805when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4806and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4807
4808To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4809wants to use libev.
4810
4811This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4812doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
3939 4813
3940=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4814=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3941 4815
3942If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4816If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3943functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize 4817functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
3944somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your 4818somewhat, 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 4819libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3946big. 4820big.
3947 4821
3948Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is 4822Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3952 4826
3953The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4827The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3954signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4828signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3955automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4829automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3956specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4830specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3957good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4831good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3958statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4832statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3959 4833
3960=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4834=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3961 4835
3962C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4836C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3963pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4837pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3964than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4838usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3965increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4839might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3966 4840
3967=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4841=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3968 4842
3969C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4843C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3970inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4844inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3971usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4845disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3972watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4846C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3973two). 4847power of two).
3974 4848
3975=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4849=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3976 4850
3977Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4851Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3978timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4852timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3979to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4853to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3980faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4854faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3981 4855
3982The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4856The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3983(disabled). 4857will be C<0>.
3984 4858
3985=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4859=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3986 4860
3987Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4861Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3988timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4862timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3989the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4863the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3990which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4864which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3991but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4865but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3992noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4866noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3993 4867
3994The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4868The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3995(disabled). 4869will be C<0>.
3996 4870
3997=item EV_VERIFY 4871=item EV_VERIFY
3998 4872
3999Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4873Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4000be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4874be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
4001in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4875in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4002called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4876called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4003called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4877called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4004verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4878verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4005libev considerably. 4879libev considerably.
4006 4880
4007The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4881The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4008C<0>. 4882will be C<0>.
4009 4883
4010=item EV_COMMON 4884=item EV_COMMON
4011 4885
4012By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4886By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
4013this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4887this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
4014members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4888members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
4015though, and it must be identical each time. 4889though, and it must be identical each time.
4016 4890
4017For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4891For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
4018 4892
4071file. 4945file.
4072 4946
4073The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4947The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
4074that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4948that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
4075 4949
4076 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4950 #define EV_FEATURES 8
4077 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4951 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4078 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
4079 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4952 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4953 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
4080 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4954 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
4081 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4955 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4956 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
4082 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4957 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
4083 #define EV_MINPRI 0
4084 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
4085 4958
4086 #include "ev++.h" 4959 #include "ev++.h"
4087 4960
4088And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4961And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4089 4962
4090 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4963 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4091 #include "ev.c" 4964 #include "ev.c"
4092 4965
4093=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4966=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4094 4967
4095=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4968=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4096 4969
4097=head3 THREADS 4970=head3 THREADS
4098 4971
4149default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5022default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4150watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5023watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4151 5024
4152=back 5025=back
4153 5026
4154=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5027See also L</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 5028
4292=head3 COROUTINES 5029=head3 COROUTINES
4293 5030
4294Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5031Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4295libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5032libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4296coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 5033coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4297different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 5034different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4298the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 5035the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4299that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 5036that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4300 5037
4301Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 5038Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4302C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 5039C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4303they do not call any callbacks. 5040they do not call any callbacks.
4304 5041
4305=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 5042=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4306 5043
4307Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 5044Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4318maintainable. 5055maintainable.
4319 5056
4320And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 5057And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4321wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 5058wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4322seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 5059seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4323warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 5060warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4324been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 5061been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4325such buggy versions. 5062such buggy versions.
4326 5063
4327While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 5064While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4328"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 5065"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4364I suggest using suppression lists. 5101I suggest using suppression lists.
4365 5102
4366 5103
4367=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 5104=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4368 5105
5106=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
5107
5108GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
5109interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
5110
5111That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
5112files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
5113
5114Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
5115by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
5116standard libev compiled for their system.
5117
5118Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
5119suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
5120i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
5121
5122=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
5123
5124The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
5125you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
5126OpenGL drivers.
5127
5128=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
5129
5130The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
5131only sockets, many support pipes.
5132
5133Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
5134rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
5135loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
5136probably going to work well.
5137
5138=head3 C<poll> is buggy
5139
5140Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
5141implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
5142release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
5143
5144Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
5145this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
5146a loop.
5147
5148=head3 C<select> is buggy
5149
5150All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
5151one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
5152descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
5153you use more.
5154
5155There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
5156C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
5157work on OS/X.
5158
5159=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
5160
5161=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
5162
5163The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
5164thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
5165without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
5166defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
5167
5168If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
5169it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
5170
5171=head3 Event port backend
5172
5173The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
5174ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
5175releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
5176a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
5177and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
5178are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
5179great.
5180
5181If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
5182the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
5183C<select> backends.
5184
5185=head2 AIX POLL BUG
5186
5187AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
5188this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
5189compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
5190with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
5191
4369=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 5192=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
5193
5194=head3 General issues
4370 5195
4371Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 5196Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4372requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5197requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4373model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5198model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4374the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5199the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4375descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5200descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4376e.g. cygwin. 5201e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
5202as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
5203environment.
4377 5204
4378Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5205Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4379re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 5206re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4380things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 5207then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4381way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 5208also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4382 5209
4383There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 5210There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4384embedding it into other applications. 5211embedding it into other applications.
4385 5212
4386Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 5213Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4414you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 5241you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4415 5242
4416 #include "evwrap.h" 5243 #include "evwrap.h"
4417 #include "ev.c" 5244 #include "ev.c"
4418 5245
4419=over 4
4420
4421=item The winsocket select function 5246=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4422 5247
4423The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 5248The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4424requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 5249requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4425also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 5250also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4426requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 5251requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4435 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 5260 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4436 5261
4437Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 5262Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4438complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 5263complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4439 5264
4440=item Limited number of file descriptors 5265=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4441 5266
4442Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 5267Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4443 5268
4444Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 5269Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4445of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 5270of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4460runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 5285runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4461(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 5286(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4462you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 5287you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4463the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 5288the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4464 5289
4465=back
4466
4467=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 5290=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4468 5291
4469In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 5292In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4470backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 5293backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4471 5294
4477Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 5300Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4478structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5301structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4479assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5302assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4480callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5303callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4481calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5304calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5305
5306=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5307
5308Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5309relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5310
5311=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5312
5313Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5314writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4482 5315
4483=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5316=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4484 5317
4485The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5318The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4486C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5319C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4495thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5328thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4496be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5329be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4497C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5330C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4498 5331
4499The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5332The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4500except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5333except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4501well. 5334thread as well.
4502 5335
4503=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5336=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4504 5337
4505To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5338To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4506instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5339instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4509watchers. 5342watchers.
4510 5343
4511=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 5344=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4512 5345
4513The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5346The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4514have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 5347have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4515enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 5348good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
5349(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4516implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 5350implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5351
4517ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 5352With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
45182200. 5353year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5354is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5355something like that, just kidding).
4519 5356
4520=back 5357=back
4521 5358
4522If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5359If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4523 5360
4585=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5422=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4586 5423
4587=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5424=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4588 5425
4589Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5426Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4590calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5427calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5428blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4591involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5429running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4592 5430
4593=back 5431=back
4594 5432
4595 5433
5434=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5435
5436The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
5437
5438At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
5439for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
5440layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5441new API early than late.
5442
5443=over 4
5444
5445=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5446
5447The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5448C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5449section.
5450
5451=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5452
5453These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5454
5455 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5456 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5457
5458=item function/symbol renames
5459
5460A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5461
5462 ev_loop => ev_run
5463 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5464 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5465
5466 ev_unloop => ev_break
5467 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5468 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5469 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5470
5471 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5472
5473 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5474 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5475 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
5476
5477Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
5478C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5479associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5480ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5481as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5482C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5483typedef.
5484
5485=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5486
5487The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5488mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5489and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5490
5491=back
5492
5493
4596=head1 GLOSSARY 5494=head1 GLOSSARY
4597 5495
4598=over 4 5496=over 4
4599 5497
4600=item active 5498=item active
4601 5499
4602A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5500A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4603an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 5501See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4604 5502
4605=item application 5503=item application
4606 5504
4607In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5505In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5506
5507=item backend
5508
5509The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4608 5510
4609=item callback 5511=item callback
4610 5512
4611The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5513The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4612detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5514detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4613received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5515received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4614 5516
4615=item callback invocation 5517=item callback/watcher invocation
4616 5518
4617The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5519The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4618 5520
4619=item event 5521=item event
4620 5522
4621A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 5523A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4622for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 5524for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4623any other events happening anymore. 5525any other events happening anymore.
4624 5526
4625In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 5527In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4626C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 5528C<EV_TIMER>).
4627 5529
4628=item event library 5530=item event library
4629 5531
4630A software package implementing an event model and loop. 5532A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4631 5533
4639The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5541The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4640watchers and events. 5542watchers and events.
4641 5543
4642=item pending 5544=item pending
4643 5545
4644A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5546A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4645and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5547detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4646pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4647
4648A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4649its pending status.
4650 5548
4651=item real time 5549=item real time
4652 5550
4653The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5551The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4654 5552
4655=item wall-clock time 5553=item wall-clock time
4656 5554
4657The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5555The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4658be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5556be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4659clock. 5557clock.
4660 5558
4661=item watcher 5559=item watcher
4662 5560
4663A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5561A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4664to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5562to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4665 5563
4666=item watcher invocation
4667
4668The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4669
4670=back 5564=back
4671 5565
4672=head1 AUTHOR 5566=head1 AUTHOR
4673 5567
4674Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5568Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5569Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4675 5570

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