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Revision 1.292 by sf-exg, Mon Mar 22 09:57:01 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.318 by root, Fri Oct 22 09:40:22 2010 UTC

26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial 76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82 82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 84
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
124this argument. 124this argument.
125 125
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 127
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 130somewhere 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 131ask). 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 132too. 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 133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134
134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 135Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
135throughout libev. 136time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
136 137
137=head1 ERROR HANDLING 138=head1 ERROR HANDLING
138 139
139Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 140Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
140and internal errors (bugs). 141and internal errors (bugs).
164 165
165=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 166=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
166 167
167Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 168Returns 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 169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
169you actually want to know. 170you actually want to know. Also interetsing is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
170 172
171=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
172 174
173Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
191as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
192compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
193not a problem. 195not a problem.
194 196
195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
196version. 198version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :).
197 199
198 assert (("libev version mismatch", 200 assert (("libev version mismatch",
199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 201 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 202 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
201 203
212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 214 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 215 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
214 216
215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 217=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
216 218
217Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 219Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
218recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 220also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
221descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
219returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 222C<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 223and 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 224you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 225probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
223 226
224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 227=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
225 228
226Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 229Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
227is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 230is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends
291 294
292=back 295=back
293 296
294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 297=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
295 298
296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 299An 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> 300I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
298I<function>). 301libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
299 302
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 303The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 304supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops
302not. 305which do not.
303 306
304=over 4 307=over 4
305 308
306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 309=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
307 310
438of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 441of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
439I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 442I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
440even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 443even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
441on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 444on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
442employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 445employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
443events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 446events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
447not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
448perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
444 449
445While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 450While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
446will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 451will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
447incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 452incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
448I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 453I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
603Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 608Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
604earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 609earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
605 610
606=item ev_default_fork () 611=item ev_default_fork ()
607 612
608This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 613This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
609to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 614to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
610name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 615name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
611the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 616the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
612sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 617sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
613functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 618functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
614 619
615Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 620Again, 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 621a 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 622because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
618during fork. 623during fork.
619 624
620On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 625On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
621process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If you 626process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
622just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to call 627you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
623it at all. 628call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
629difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
630costly reset of the backend).
624 631
625The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 632The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
626it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 633it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
627quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 634quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
628 635
640Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 647Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
641otherwise. 648otherwise.
642 649
643=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 650=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
644 651
645Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 652Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
646the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 653to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
647happily wraps around with enough iterations. 654and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
648 655
649This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 656This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
650"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 657"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
651C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 658C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
652prepare and check phases. 659prepare and check phases.
653 660
654=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 661=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
655 662
656Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 663Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
657times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 664times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
658 665
659Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 666Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
660C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 667C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
661in which case it is higher. 668in which case it is higher.
662 669
663Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 670Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
664etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 671etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
665ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 672ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
666 673
667=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 674=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
668 675
669Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 676Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
670use. 677use.
679 686
680=item ev_now_update (loop) 687=item ev_now_update (loop)
681 688
682Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 689Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
683returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 690returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
684is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 691is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
685 692
686This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 693This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
687very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 694very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
688the current time is a good idea. 695the current time is a good idea.
689 696
691 698
692=item ev_suspend (loop) 699=item ev_suspend (loop)
693 700
694=item ev_resume (loop) 701=item ev_resume (loop)
695 702
696These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 703These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
697not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 704loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
698 705
699A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 706A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
700the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 707the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
701would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 708would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
702the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 709the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
704C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 711C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
705 712
706Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 713Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
707between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 714between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
708will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 715will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
709occured while suspended). 716occurred while suspended).
710 717
711After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 718After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
712given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 719given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
713without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 720without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
714 721
715Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 722Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
716event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 723event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
717 724
718=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 725=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
719 726
720Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 727Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
721after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 728after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
722handling events. 729handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
730the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
731is why event loops are called I<loops>.
723 732
724If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 733If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
725either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 734until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
735called.
726 736
727Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 737Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
728relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 738relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
729finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 739finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
730that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 740that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
731of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 741of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
732beauty. 742beauty.
733 743
734A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 744A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
735those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 745those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
736process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 746block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
737the loop. 747iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
748events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
738 749
739A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 750A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
740necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 751necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
741will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 752will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
742be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 753be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
743user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 754user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
744iteration of the loop. 755iteration of the loop.
745 756
746This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 757This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
747with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 758with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
748own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 759own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
749usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 760usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
750 761
751Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 762Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
752 763
764 - Increment loop depth.
765 - Reset the ev_break status.
753 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 766 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
767 LOOP:
754 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 768 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
755 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 769 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
756 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 770 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
771 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
757 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 772 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
758 as to not disturb the other process. 773 as to not disturb the other process.
759 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 774 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
760 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 775 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
761 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 776 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
762 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 777 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
763 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 778 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
764 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 779 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
780 - Increment loop iteration counter.
765 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 781 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
766 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 782 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
767 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 783 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
768 - Queue all expired timers. 784 - Queue all expired timers.
769 - Queue all expired periodics. 785 - Queue all expired periodics.
770 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 786 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
771 - Queue all check watchers. 787 - Queue all check watchers.
772 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 788 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
773 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 789 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
774 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 790 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
775 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 791 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
776 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 792 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
777 continue with step *. 793 continue with step LOOP.
794 FINISH:
795 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
796 - Decrement the loop depth.
797 - Return.
778 798
779Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 799Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
780anymore. 800anymore.
781 801
782 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 802 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
783 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 803 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
784 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 804 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
785 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 805 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
786 806
787=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 807=item ev_break (loop, how)
788 808
789Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 809Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
790has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 810has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
791C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 811C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
792C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 812C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
793 813
794This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 814This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
795 815
796It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 816It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO##
797 817
798=item ev_ref (loop) 818=item ev_ref (loop)
799 819
800=item ev_unref (loop) 820=item ev_unref (loop)
801 821
802Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 822Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
803loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 823loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
804count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 824count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
805 825
806This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 826This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
807unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 827unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
808returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 828returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
809before stopping it. 829before stopping it.
810 830
811As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 831As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
812is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 832is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
813exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 833exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
814excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 834excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
815third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 835third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
816before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 836before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
817before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 837before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
818(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 838(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
819in the callback). 839in the callback).
820 840
821Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 841Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
822running when nothing else is active. 842running when nothing else is active.
823 843
824 ev_signal exitsig; 844 ev_signal exitsig;
825 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 845 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
826 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 846 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
871usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 891usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
872as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 892as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
873you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 893you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
874parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 894parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
875need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 895need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
876then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 896then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
877 897
878Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 898Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
879saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 899saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
880are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 900are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
881times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 901times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
889 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 909 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
890 910
891=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 911=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
892 912
893This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 913This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
894pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 914pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
895but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 915but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
916function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
917when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
918event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
919thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
896 920
897=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 921=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
898 922
899Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 923Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
900are pending. 924are pending.
901 925
902=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 926=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
903 927
904This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 928This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
905invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 929invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
906this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 930this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
907invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 931invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
908 932
909If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 933If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
910callback. 934callback.
913 937
914Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 938Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
915can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 939can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
916each call to a libev function. 940each call to a libev function.
917 941
918However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 942However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
919wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 943to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
920C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 944loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
921and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 945I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
922 946
923When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 947When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
924suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 948suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
925afterwards. 949afterwards.
926 950
929 953
930While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 954While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
931C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 955C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
932modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 956modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
933have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 957have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
934waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 958waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
935to take note of any changes you made. 959to take note of any changes you made.
936 960
937In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 961In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
938invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 962invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
939 963
940See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 964See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
941document. 965document.
942 966
951These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 975These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
952and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 976and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
953C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 977C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
954any other purpose as well. 978any other purpose as well.
955 979
956=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 980=item ev_verify (loop)
957 981
958This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 982This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
959compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 983compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
960through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 984through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
961is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 985is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
972 996
973In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 997In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
974watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 998watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
975watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 999watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
976 1000
977A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1001A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
978interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1002your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
979become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1003to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1004for that:
980 1005
981 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1006 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
982 { 1007 {
983 ev_io_stop (w); 1008 ev_io_stop (w);
984 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1009 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
985 } 1010 }
986 1011
987 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1012 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
988 1013
989 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1014 ev_io stdin_watcher;
990 1015
991 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1016 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
992 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1017 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
993 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1018 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
994 1019
995 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1020 ev_run (loop, 0);
996 1021
997As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1022As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
998watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1023watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
999stack). 1024stack).
1000 1025
1001Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1026Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1002or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1027or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1003 1028
1004Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1029Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1005(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1030*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1006callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1031invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1007watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1032time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1008is readable and/or writable). 1033and/or writable).
1009 1034
1010Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1035Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1011macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1036macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1012is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1037is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1013ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1038ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1064 1089
1065=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1090=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1066 1091
1067=item C<EV_CHECK> 1092=item C<EV_CHECK>
1068 1093
1069All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1094All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1070to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1095to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1071C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1096C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1072received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1097received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1073many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1098many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1074(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1099(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1075C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1100C<ev_run> from blocking).
1076 1101
1077=item C<EV_EMBED> 1102=item C<EV_EMBED>
1078 1103
1079The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1104The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1080 1105
1108example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 1133example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
1109callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 1134callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
1110the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 1135the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
1111programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1136programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1112thing, so beware. 1137thing, so beware.
1138
1139=back
1140
1141=head2 WATCHER STATES
1142
1143There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1144active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1145transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1146rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1147
1148=over 4
1149
1150=item initialiased
1151
1152Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1153initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1154C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1155
1156In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1157in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1158
1159=item started/running/active
1160
1161Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1162property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1163this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1164freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1165and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1166
1167=item pending
1168
1169If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1170in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1171stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1172about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1173callback.
1174
1175The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1176an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1177is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1178but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1179moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1180previous item still apply.
1181
1182It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1183via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1184active.
1185
1186=item stopped
1187
1188A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1189be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1190latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1191of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1192freeing it is often a good idea.
1193
1194While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1195initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1196you wish.
1113 1197
1114=back 1198=back
1115 1199
1116=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1200=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1117 1201
1379 1463
1380For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1464For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1381you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1465you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1382the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1466the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1383processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1467processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1384continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1468continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1385the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1469the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1386workable. 1470workable.
1387 1471
1388Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1472Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1389miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1473miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1403 { 1487 {
1404 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1488 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1405 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1489 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1406 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1490 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1407 1491
1408 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1492 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1409 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1493 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1410 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1494 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1411 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1495 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1412 } 1496 }
1413 1497
1467 1551
1468If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1552If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1469known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1553known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1470C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1554C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1471descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1555descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1472files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1556files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1473 1557
1474Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1558Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1475receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1559receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1476be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1560be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1477because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1561because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1621 ... 1705 ...
1622 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1706 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1623 ev_io stdin_readable; 1707 ev_io stdin_readable;
1624 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1708 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1625 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1709 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1626 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1710 ev_run (loop, 0);
1627 1711
1628 1712
1629=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1713=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1630 1714
1631Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1715Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1640The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1724The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1641passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1725passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1642might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1726might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1643same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1727same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1644before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1728before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1645no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1729no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1646 1730
1647=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1731=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1648 1732
1649Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1733Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1650recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1734recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1736 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1820 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1737 1821
1738 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1822 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1739 if (timeout < now) 1823 if (timeout < now)
1740 { 1824 {
1741 // timeout occured, take action 1825 // timeout occurred, take action
1742 } 1826 }
1743 else 1827 else
1744 { 1828 {
1745 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1829 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1746 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1830 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1773 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER); 1857 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1774 1858
1775And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1859And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1776C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1860C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1777 1861
1778 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1862 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1779 1863
1780This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1864This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1781time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1865time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1782 1866
1783Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1867Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1821 1905
1822=head3 The special problem of time updates 1906=head3 The special problem of time updates
1823 1907
1824Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1908Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1825least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1909least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1826time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1910time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1827growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1911growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1828lots of events in one iteration. 1912lots of events in one iteration.
1829 1913
1830The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1914The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1831time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1915time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1948 } 2032 }
1949 2033
1950 ev_timer mytimer; 2034 ev_timer mytimer;
1951 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2035 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1952 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2036 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1953 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2037 ev_run (loop, 0);
1954 2038
1955 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2039 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1956 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2040 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1957 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2041 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1958 2042
1984 2068
1985As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2069As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1986point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2070point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1987timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2071timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1988earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2072earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1989(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2073(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1990 2074
1991=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2075=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1992 2076
1993=over 4 2077=over 4
1994 2078
2122Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2206Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2123system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2207system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2124potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2208potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2125 2209
2126 static void 2210 static void
2127 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2211 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2128 { 2212 {
2129 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2213 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2130 } 2214 }
2131 2215
2132 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2216 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2232Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2316Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2233 2317
2234 static void 2318 static void
2235 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2319 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2236 { 2320 {
2237 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2321 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2238 } 2322 }
2239 2323
2240 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2324 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2241 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2325 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2242 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2326 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2628 2712
2629Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2713Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2630prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2714prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2631afterwards. 2715afterwards.
2632 2716
2633You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2717You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2634the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2718the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2635watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2719watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2636rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2720rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2637those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2721those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2638C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2722C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2806 2890
2807 if (timeout >= 0) 2891 if (timeout >= 0)
2808 // create/start timer 2892 // create/start timer
2809 2893
2810 // poll 2894 // poll
2811 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2895 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2812 2896
2813 // stop timer again 2897 // stop timer again
2814 if (timeout >= 0) 2898 if (timeout >= 0)
2815 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2899 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2816 2900
2894if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2978if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2895 2979
2896=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2980=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2897 2981
2898Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2982Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2899similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2983similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2900appropriate way for embedded loops. 2984appropriate way for embedded loops.
2901 2985
2902=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2986=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2903 2987
2904The embedded event loop. 2988The embedded event loop.
2964C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3048C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2965handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3049handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2966 3050
2967=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3051=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2968 3052
2969Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3053Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2970up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3054up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2971sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3055sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2972 3056
2973This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3057This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2974in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3058in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3008believe me. 3092believe me.
3009 3093
3010=back 3094=back
3011 3095
3012 3096
3013=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3097=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3014 3098
3015In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3099In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3016asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3100asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3017loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3101loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3018 3102
3019Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3103Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3020control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3104for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3021C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3105watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
3022can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3106it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3023safe.
3024 3107
3025This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3108This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3026too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3109too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3027(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3110(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3028C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3111C<ev_async_sent> calls).
3340 myclass obj; 3423 myclass obj;
3341 ev::io iow; 3424 ev::io iow;
3342 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3425 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3343 3426
3344=item w->set (object *) 3427=item w->set (object *)
3345
3346This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3347 3428
3348This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3429This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3349will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3430will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3350functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3431functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3351the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3432the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3391Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3472Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3392do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3473do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3393 3474
3394=item w->set ([arguments]) 3475=item w->set ([arguments])
3395 3476
3396Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3477Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3397called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3478method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3398automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3479C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3399method. 3480when reconfiguring it with this method.
3400 3481
3401=item w->start () 3482=item w->start ()
3402 3483
3403Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3484Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3404constructor already stores the event loop. 3485constructor already stores the event loop.
3405 3486
3487=item w->start ([arguments])
3488
3489Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3490convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3491the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3492
3406=item w->stop () 3493=item w->stop ()
3407 3494
3408Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3495Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3409 3496
3410=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3497=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3422 3509
3423=back 3510=back
3424 3511
3425=back 3512=back
3426 3513
3427Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3514Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3428the constructor. 3515watchers in the constructor.
3429 3516
3430 class myclass 3517 class myclass
3431 { 3518 {
3432 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3519 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3520 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3433 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3521 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3434 3522
3435 myclass (int fd) 3523 myclass (int fd)
3436 { 3524 {
3437 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3525 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3526 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3438 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3527 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3439 3528
3440 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3529 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3530 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3531
3532 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3441 } 3533 }
3442 }; 3534 };
3443 3535
3444 3536
3445=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3537=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3519loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3611loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3520C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3612C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3521 3613
3522 ev_unref (EV_A); 3614 ev_unref (EV_A);
3523 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3615 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3524 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3616 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3525 3617
3526It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3618It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3527which is often provided by the following macro. 3619which is often provided by the following macro.
3528 3620
3529=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3621=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3569 } 3661 }
3570 3662
3571 ev_check check; 3663 ev_check check;
3572 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3664 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3573 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3665 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3574 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3666 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3575 3667
3576=head1 EMBEDDING 3668=head1 EMBEDDING
3577 3669
3578Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3670Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3579applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3671applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3670to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3762to 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 3763users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3672settings. 3764settings.
3673 3765
3674=over 4 3766=over 4
3767
3768=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3769
3770Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3771release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3772have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3773
3774You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3775versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3776sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3777from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3778typedef in that case.
3779
3780In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3781and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3782removed completely.
3675 3783
3676=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3784=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3677 3785
3678Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3786Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3679keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3787keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3886EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE, 3994EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3887EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE. 3995EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3888 3996
3889If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then 3997If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3890the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it 3998the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3891is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize. 3999is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3892 4000
3893=item EV_FEATURES 4001=item EV_FEATURES
3894 4002
3895If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4003If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3896speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request 4004speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3916 4024
3917=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4025=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3918 4026
3919Use larger code to speed up some operations. 4027Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3920 4028
3921Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly 4029Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
392230% code size on amd64. 4030code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
3923 4031
3924When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4032When 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 4033gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3926assertions. 4034assertions.
3927 4035
3928=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4036=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3929 4037
3930Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4038Replaces 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 4039hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
3932and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4040and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3933runtime. 4041runtime.
3934 4042
3935=item C<4> - full API configuration 4043=item C<4> - full API configuration
3936 4044
3973I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4081I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3974 4082
3975=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4083=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3976 4084
3977If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4085If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3978functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize 4086functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
3979somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your 4087somewhat, 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 4088libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3981big. 4089big.
3982 4090
3983Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is 4091Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3987 4095
3988The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4096The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3989signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4097signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3990automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4098automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3991specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4099specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3992good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4100good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3993statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4101statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3994 4102
3995=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4103=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3996 4104
3997C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4105C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
4029The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 4137The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4030will be C<0>. 4138will be C<0>.
4031 4139
4032=item EV_VERIFY 4140=item EV_VERIFY
4033 4141
4034Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4142Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4035be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4143be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
4036in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4144in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4037called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4145called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4038called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4146called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4039verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4147verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4043will be C<0>. 4151will be C<0>.
4044 4152
4045=item EV_COMMON 4153=item EV_COMMON
4046 4154
4047By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4155By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
4048this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4156this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
4049members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4157members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
4050though, and it must be identical each time. 4158though, and it must be identical each time.
4051 4159
4052For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4160For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
4053 4161
4254 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4362 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4255 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4363 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4256 } 4364 }
4257 4365
4258The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4366The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4259into C<ev_loop>: 4367into C<ev_run>:
4260 4368
4261 void * 4369 void *
4262 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4370 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4263 { 4371 {
4264 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4372 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4265 4373
4266 l_acquire (EV_A); 4374 l_acquire (EV_A);
4267 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4375 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4268 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4376 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4269 l_release (EV_A); 4377 l_release (EV_A);
4270 4378
4271 return 0; 4379 return 0;
4272 } 4380 }
4273 4381
4325 4433
4326=head3 COROUTINES 4434=head3 COROUTINES
4327 4435
4328Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4436Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4329libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4437libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4330coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4438coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4331different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4439different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4332the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4440the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4333that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4441that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4334 4442
4335Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4443Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4336C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4444C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4337they do not call any callbacks. 4445they do not call any callbacks.
4338 4446
4339=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4447=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4340 4448
4341Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4449Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4352maintainable. 4460maintainable.
4353 4461
4354And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4462And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4355wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4463wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4356seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4464seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4357warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4465warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4358been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4466been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4359such buggy versions. 4467such buggy versions.
4360 4468
4361While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4469While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4362"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4470"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4398I suggest using suppression lists. 4506I suggest using suppression lists.
4399 4507
4400 4508
4401=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4509=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4402 4510
4511=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4512
4513GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4514interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4515
4516That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4517files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4518
4519Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4520by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4521standard libev compiled for their system.
4522
4523Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4524suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4525i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4526
4527=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4528
4529The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4530you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4531OpenGL drivers.
4532
4533=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4534
4535The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4536only sockets, many support pipes.
4537
4538Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4539rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4540loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4541probably going to work well.
4542
4543=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4544
4545Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4546implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4547release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4548
4549Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4550this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4551a loop.
4552
4553=head3 C<select> is buggy
4554
4555All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4556one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4557descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4558you use more.
4559
4560There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4561C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4562work on OS/X.
4563
4564=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4565
4566=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4567
4568The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4569thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4570without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4571defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4572
4573If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4574it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4575
4576=head3 Event port backend
4577
4578The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4579ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4580releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4581a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4582and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4583are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4584great.
4585
4586If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4587the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4588C<select> backends.
4589
4590=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4591
4592AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4593this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4594compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4595with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4596
4403=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4597=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4598
4599=head3 General issues
4404 4600
4405Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4601Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4406requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4602requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4407model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4603model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4408the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4604the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4409descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4605descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4410e.g. cygwin. 4606e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4607as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4608environment.
4411 4609
4412Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4610Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4413re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4611re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4414things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4612then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4415way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4613also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4416 4614
4417There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4615There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4418embedding it into other applications. 4616embedding it into other applications.
4419 4617
4420Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4618Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4448you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4646you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4449 4647
4450 #include "evwrap.h" 4648 #include "evwrap.h"
4451 #include "ev.c" 4649 #include "ev.c"
4452 4650
4453=over 4
4454
4455=item The winsocket select function 4651=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4456 4652
4457The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4653The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4458requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4654requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4459also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4655also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4460requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4656requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4469 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4665 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4470 4666
4471Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4667Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4472complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4668complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4473 4669
4474=item Limited number of file descriptors 4670=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4475 4671
4476Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4672Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4477 4673
4478Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4674Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4479of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4675of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4494runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4690runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4495(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4691(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4496you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4692you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4497the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4693the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4498 4694
4499=back
4500
4501=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4695=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4502 4696
4503In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4697In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4504backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4698backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4505 4699
4543watchers. 4737watchers.
4544 4738
4545=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4739=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4546 4740
4547The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4741The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4548have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4742have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4549enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4743good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4744(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4550implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4745implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4551ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4746IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
45522200.
4553 4747
4554=back 4748=back
4555 4749
4556If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4750If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4557 4751
4635compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4829compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4636removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4830removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4637 4831
4638=over 4 4832=over 4
4639 4833
4640=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 4834=item function/symbol renames
4641 4835
4642=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 4836A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4643 4837
4644=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 4838 ev_loop => ev_run
4839 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4840 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4841
4842 ev_unloop => ev_break
4843 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4844 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4845 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4846
4847 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4848
4849 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4850 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4851 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4645 4852
4646Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 4853Most 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 4854C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4855associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4856ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4857as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4648still called C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the 4858C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4649C<ev_fork> typedef. 4859typedef.
4650 4860
4651=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents> 4861=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4652 4862
4653This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name 4863The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4654as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too. 4864C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4655 4865section.
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 4866
4660=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 4867=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4661 4868
4662The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 4869The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4663mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 4870mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4670 4877
4671=over 4 4878=over 4
4672 4879
4673=item active 4880=item active
4674 4881
4675A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4882A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4676an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4883See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4677 4884
4678=item application 4885=item application
4679 4886
4680In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4887In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4888
4889=item backend
4890
4891The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4681 4892
4682=item callback 4893=item callback
4683 4894
4684The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4895The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4685detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4896detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4686received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4897received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4687 4898
4688=item callback invocation 4899=item callback/watcher invocation
4689 4900
4690The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4901The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4691 4902
4692=item event 4903=item event
4693 4904
4712The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4923The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4713watchers and events. 4924watchers and events.
4714 4925
4715=item pending 4926=item pending
4716 4927
4717A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4928A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4718and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 4929detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4719pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4720
4721A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4722its pending status.
4723 4930
4724=item real time 4931=item real time
4725 4932
4726The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 4933The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4727 4934
4734=item watcher 4941=item watcher
4735 4942
4736A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 4943A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4737to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 4944to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4738 4945
4739=item watcher invocation
4740
4741The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4742
4743=back 4946=back
4744 4947
4745=head1 AUTHOR 4948=head1 AUTHOR
4746 4949
4747Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 4950Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.

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