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Revision 1.275 by root, Sat Dec 26 09:21:54 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.292 by sf-exg, Mon Mar 22 09:57:01 2010 UTC

345useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 345useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
346around bugs. 346around bugs.
347 347
348=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 348=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
349 349
350Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 350Instead 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 351make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
352enabling this flag.
353 352
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 353This 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 354and 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 355iterations 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 356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 369When 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 370I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 371testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 372otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 373
375=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> 374=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 375
377When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 376When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This is 377I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379probably only useful to work around any bugs in libev. Consequently, this 378delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable, 379it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381so it's useful mostly in environment variables and not in program code. 380handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
381threads that are not interested in handling them.
382
383Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
384there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
385example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
382 386
383=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 387=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
384 388
385This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 389This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
386libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 390libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
562 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 566 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
563 567
564=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 568=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
565 569
566Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 570Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
567always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 571always distinct from the default loop.
568handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
569undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
570 572
571Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use 573Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
572libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 574libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
573default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 575default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
574 576
575Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 577Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
576 578
578 if (!epoller) 580 if (!epoller)
579 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 581 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
580 582
581=item ev_default_destroy () 583=item ev_default_destroy ()
582 584
583Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 585Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None
584etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 586of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so
585sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 587e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to
586responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 588either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function,
587calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 589or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you
588the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 590can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example).
589for example).
590 591
591Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 592Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
592handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 593handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
593as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 594as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
594 595
609name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 610name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
610the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 611the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
611sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 612sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
612functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 613functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
613 614
615Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
616a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
617because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
618during fork.
619
614On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 620On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
615process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 621process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If you
616you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 622just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to call
623it at all.
617 624
618The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 625The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
619it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 626it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
620quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 627quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
621 628
623 630
624=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 631=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
625 632
626Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 633Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
627C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 634C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
628after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is 635after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
629entirely your own problem. 636them is entirely your own problem.
630 637
631=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 638=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
632 639
633Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 640Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
634otherwise. 641otherwise.
635 642
636=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 643=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
637 644
638Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 645Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to
639the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 646the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
640happily wraps around with enough iterations. 647happily wraps around with enough iterations.
641 648
642This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 649This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
643"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 650"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
644C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 651C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
652prepare and check phases.
645 653
646=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 654=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
647 655
648Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 656Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of
649times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 657times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
650 658
651Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 659Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
652C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 660C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
653in which case it is higher. 661in which case it is higher.
654 662
655Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 663Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
656etc.), doesn't count as exit. 664etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
665ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient.
657 666
658=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 667=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
659 668
660Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 669Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
661use. 670use.
792 801
793Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 802Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
794loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 803loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
795count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 804count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
796 805
797If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 806This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
798from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 807unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from
808returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
799stopping it. 809before stopping it.
800 810
801As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 811As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
802is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 812is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
803exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 813exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
804excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 814excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
1026=item C<EV_WRITE> 1036=item C<EV_WRITE>
1027 1037
1028The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1038The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
1029writable. 1039writable.
1030 1040
1031=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1041=item C<EV_TIMER>
1032 1042
1033The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1043The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
1034 1044
1035=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1045=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
1036 1046
1532 1542
1533So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1543So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1534ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1544ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1535somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1545somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1536 1546
1547=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1548
1549Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1550found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1551connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1552
1553For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1554of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1555rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1556the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1557typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1558
1559Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1560operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1561situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1562cope with overload is known (to me).
1563
1564One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1565- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1566situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1567event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1568
1569A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1570C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1571messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1572what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1573the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1574usage.
1575
1576If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1577descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1578when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1579close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1580clients under typical overload conditions.
1581
1582The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1583is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1584opportunity for a DoS attack.
1537 1585
1538=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1586=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1539 1587
1540=over 4 1588=over 4
1541 1589
1720to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1768to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1721callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1769callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1722 1770
1723 ev_init (timer, callback); 1771 ev_init (timer, callback);
1724 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1772 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1725 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1773 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1726 1774
1727And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1775And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1728C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1776C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1729 1777
1730 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1778 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1861Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 1909Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1862then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's 1910then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1863the timeout value currently configured. 1911the timeout value currently configured.
1864 1912
1865That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns 1913That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1866C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remain> 1914C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1867will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return 1915will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1868roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time, 1916roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1869too), and so on. 1917too), and so on.
1870 1918
1871=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1919=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
2131C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2179C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2132not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2180not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2133interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2181interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2134and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2182and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2135 2183
2136=head3 The special problem of inheritance over execve 2184=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2137 2185
2138Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2186Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2139(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2187(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2140stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2188stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2141and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2189and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2151 2199
2152The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is 2200The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2153to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will 2201to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2154catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well. 2202catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2155 2203
2156In current versions of libev, you can also ensure that the signal mask is 2204In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2157not blocking any signals (except temporarily, so thread users watch out) 2205unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2158by specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> when creating the event loop. This 2206the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2159is not guaranteed for future versions, however. 2207I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2208
2209So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2210you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2211is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2160 2212
2161=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2213=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2162 2214
2163=over 4 2215=over 4
2164 2216
3131 3183
3132If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3184If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3133started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3185started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3134repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3186repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3135 3187
3136The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3188The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
3137passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3189passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
3138C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3190C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
3139value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3191value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3140a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3192a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3141events precedence. 3193events precedence.
3142 3194
3143Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3195Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3144 3196
3145 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3197 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3146 { 3198 {
3147 if (revents & EV_READ) 3199 if (revents & EV_READ)
3148 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3200 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3149 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3201 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3150 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3202 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3151 } 3203 }
3152 3204
3153 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3205 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3154 3206
3441Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3493Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3442L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3494L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3443 3495
3444=item Lua 3496=item Lua
3445 3497
3446Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev 3498Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3447for lua (only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 3499time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3448L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 3500L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3449 3501
3450=back 3502=back
3451 3503
3452 3504
3607 libev.m4 3659 libev.m4
3608 3660
3609=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3661=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3610 3662
3611Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3663Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3612define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3664define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3613autoconf is documented for every option. 3665the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3666
3667Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3668values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3669to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3670to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3671users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3672settings.
3614 3673
3615=over 4 3674=over 4
3616 3675
3617=item EV_STANDALONE 3676=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3618 3677
3619Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3678Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3620keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3679keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3621implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3680implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3622supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3681supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3772as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3831as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3773 3832
3774In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3833In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3775(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3834(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3776 3835
3777=item EV_H 3836=item EV_H (h)
3778 3837
3779The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3838The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3780undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3839undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3781used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3840used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3782 3841
3783=item EV_CONFIG_H 3842=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3784 3843
3785If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3844If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3786F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3845F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3787C<EV_H>, above. 3846C<EV_H>, above.
3788 3847
3789=item EV_EVENT_H 3848=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3790 3849
3791Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3850Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3792of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 3851of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3793 3852
3794=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3853=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3795 3854
3796If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3855If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3797prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3856prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3798occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 3857occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3799around libev functions. 3858around libev functions.
3821fine. 3880fine.
3822 3881
3823If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 3882If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3824both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 3883both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3825 3884
3826=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3885=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
3886EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3887EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3827 3888
3828If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3889If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3829defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3890the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3830code. 3891is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize.
3831 3892
3832=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 3893=item EV_FEATURES
3833
3834If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3835defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3836code.
3837
3838=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3839
3840If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3841defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3842watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3843
3844=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3845
3846If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3847defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3848
3849=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3850
3851If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3852defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3853
3854=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3855
3856If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3857defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3858
3859=item EV_MINIMAL
3860 3894
3861If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3895If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3862speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 3896speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3863is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 3897certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3864on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 3898that can be enabled on the platform.
3865the default 4-heap.
3866 3899
3867You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 3900A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3868and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert> 3901with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3869(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. 3902additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
3903but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
3904backend, use this:
3870 3905
3871Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 3906 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3872provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 3907 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3873of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 3908 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3874over time. 3909 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
3910 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
3911
3912The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
3913values:
3914
3915=over 4
3916
3917=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3918
3919Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3920
3921Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly
392230% code size on amd64.
3923
3924When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
3925gcc recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3926assertions.
3927
3928=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3929
3930Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
3931hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase codesize
3932and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3933runtime.
3934
3935=item C<4> - full API configuration
3936
3937This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
3938enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
3939
3940=item C<8> - full API
3941
3942This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
3943details on which parts of the API are still available without this
3944feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
3945
3946=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
3947
3948Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
3949only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
3950embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
3951C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
3952
3953=item C<32> - enable all backends
3954
3955This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
3956least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
3957
3958=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
3959
3960Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
3961default.
3962
3963=back
3964
3965Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
3966reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
3967code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
3968watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
3969
3970With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
3971when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
3972your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
3973I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3974
3975=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3976
3977If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3978functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize
3979somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
3980libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3981big.
3982
3983Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3984enabled.
3875 3985
3876=item EV_NSIG 3986=item EV_NSIG
3877 3987
3878The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 3988The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3879signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 3989signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3883statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 3993statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3884 3994
3885=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3995=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3886 3996
3887C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3997C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3888pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3998pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3889than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3999usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3890increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4000might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3891 4001
3892=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4002=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3893 4003
3894C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4004C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3895inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4005inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3896usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4006disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3897watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4007C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3898two). 4008power of two).
3899 4009
3900=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4010=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3901 4011
3902Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4012Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3903timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4013timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3904to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4014to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3905faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4015faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3906 4016
3907The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4017The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3908(disabled). 4018will be C<0>.
3909 4019
3910=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4020=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3911 4021
3912Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4022Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3913timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4023timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3914the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4024the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3915which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4025which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3916but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4026but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3917noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4027noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3918 4028
3919The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4029The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3920(disabled). 4030will be C<0>.
3921 4031
3922=item EV_VERIFY 4032=item EV_VERIFY
3923 4033
3924Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4034Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3925be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4035be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3927called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4037called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3928called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4038called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3929verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4039verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3930libev considerably. 4040libev considerably.
3931 4041
3932The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4042The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3933C<0>. 4043will be C<0>.
3934 4044
3935=item EV_COMMON 4045=item EV_COMMON
3936 4046
3937By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4047By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3938this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4048this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3996file. 4106file.
3997 4107
3998The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4108The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3999that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4109that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
4000 4110
4001 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4111 #define EV_FEATURES 8
4002 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4112 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4003 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
4004 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4113 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4114 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
4005 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4115 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
4006 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4116 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4117 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
4007 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4118 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
4008 #define EV_MINPRI 0
4009 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
4010 4119
4011 #include "ev++.h" 4120 #include "ev++.h"
4012 4121
4013And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4122And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4014 4123
4516involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4625involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4517 4626
4518=back 4627=back
4519 4628
4520 4629
4630=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4631
4632The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API.
4633
4634At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial
4635compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4636removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4637
4638=over 4
4639
4640=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration>
4641
4642=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth>
4643
4644=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify>
4645
4646Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4647C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is
4648still called C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the
4649C<ev_fork> typedef.
4650
4651=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents>
4652
4653This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name
4654as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too.
4655
4656Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4657and continue to be present for the forseeable future, so this is mostly a
4658documentation change.
4659
4660=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4661
4662The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4663mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4664and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4665
4666=back
4667
4668
4521=head1 GLOSSARY 4669=head1 GLOSSARY
4522 4670
4523=over 4 4671=over 4
4524 4672
4525=item active 4673=item active
4546A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4694A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4547for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 4695for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4548any other events happening anymore. 4696any other events happening anymore.
4549 4697
4550In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4698In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4551C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4699C<EV_TIMER>).
4552 4700
4553=item event library 4701=item event library
4554 4702
4555A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4703A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4556 4704

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