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Revision 1.292 by sf-exg, Mon Mar 22 09:57:01 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.349 by root, Mon Jan 10 01:58:55 2011 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 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // 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
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 132this argument.
125 133
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 135
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
135throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
136 145
137=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
138 147
139Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
140and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
164 173
165=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
166 175
167Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
168C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
169you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
170 180
171=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
172 182
173Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
191as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
192compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
193not a problem. 203not a problem.
194 204
195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
196version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
197 208
198 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
201 212
212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
214 225
215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
216 227
217Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
218recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
219returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<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 232and 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 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
223 235
224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
225 237
226Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
227is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
228might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
229C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
230recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
231 243
232See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
233 245
234=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
235 247
236Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
237semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
238used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
239when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
265 } 277 }
266 278
267 ... 279 ...
268 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
269 281
270=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
271 283
272Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
273as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
274indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
275callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
287 } 299 }
288 300
289 ... 301 ...
290 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
291 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310It's main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
292=back 317=back
293 318
294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
295 320
296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 321An 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> 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
298I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
299 324
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
302not. 327do not.
303 328
304=over 4 329=over 4
305 330
306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
307 332
308This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
309yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
310false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
311flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
312 343
313If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
314function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
315 346
316Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
317from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
319 351
320The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
321C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 353and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
322for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 354a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
323create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 355C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
324can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
325C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
326 376
327The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
328backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
329 379
330The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
365environment variable. 415environment variable.
366 416
367=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
368 418
369When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
370I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
371testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
372otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
373 423
374=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
375 425
376When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
377I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
378delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
379it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
380handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
381threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
382 432
383Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
384there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
385example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
386 448
387=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
388 450
389This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
390libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
426epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
427 489
428The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
429of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
430dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
431descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
432so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
433I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
434take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
435hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
436 500
437Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
438of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
439I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
440even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
441on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
442employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
443events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
444 512
445While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While 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 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
447incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (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 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
537 605
538Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 606Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
539with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 607with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
540C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 608C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
541 609
542It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 610It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
611C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
612at all.
613
614=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
615
616Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
617C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
618value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
543 619
544=back 620=back
545 621
546If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 622If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
547then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 623then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
548here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 624here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
549()> will be tried. 625()> will be tried.
550 626
551Example: This is the most typical usage.
552
553 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
554 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
555
556Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
557environment settings to be taken into account:
558
559 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
560
561Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
562used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
563private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
564fds):
565
566 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
567
568=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
569
570Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
571always distinct from the default loop.
572
573Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
574libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
575default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
576
577Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 627Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
578 628
579 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 629 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
580 if (!epoller) 630 if (!epoller)
581 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 631 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
582 632
633Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
634used if available.
635
636 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
637
583=item ev_default_destroy () 638=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
584 639
585Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 640Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
586of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 641etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
587e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 642sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
588either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 643responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
589or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 644calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
590can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 645the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
646for example).
591 647
592Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 648Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
593handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 649handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
594as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 650as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
595 651
596In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 652This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
597rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 653C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
654C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
655
656Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
657except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
598pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 658If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
599C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 659and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
600 660
601=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 661=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
602 662
603Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
604earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
605
606=item ev_default_fork ()
607
608This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 663This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
609to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 664reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
610name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 665name, 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 666the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
612sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 667child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
613functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
614 668
615Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 669Again, 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 670a 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 671because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
618during fork. 672during fork.
619 673
620On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 674On 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 675process 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 676you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
623it at all. 677call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
678difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
679costly reset of the backend).
624 680
625The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 681The 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 682it just in case after a fork.
627quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
628 683
684Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
685using pthreads.
686
687 static void
688 post_fork_child (void)
689 {
690 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
691 }
692
693 ...
629 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 694 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
630
631=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
632
633Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
634C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
635after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
636them is entirely your own problem.
637 695
638=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 696=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
639 697
640Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 698Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
641otherwise. 699otherwise.
642 700
643=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 701=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
644 702
645Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 703Returns 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 704to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
647happily wraps around with enough iterations. 705and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
648 706
649This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 707This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
650"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 708"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
651C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 709C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
652prepare and check phases. 710prepare and check phases.
653 711
654=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 712=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
655 713
656Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 714Returns 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. 715times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
658 716
659Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 717Outside 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), 718C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
661in which case it is higher. 719in which case it is higher.
662 720
663Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 721Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
664etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 722throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
665ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 723as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
724convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
666 725
667=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 726=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
668 727
669Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 728Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
670use. 729use.
679 738
680=item ev_now_update (loop) 739=item ev_now_update (loop)
681 740
682Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 741Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
683returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 742returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
684is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 743is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
685 744
686This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 745This 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 746very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
688the current time is a good idea. 747the current time is a good idea.
689 748
691 750
692=item ev_suspend (loop) 751=item ev_suspend (loop)
693 752
694=item ev_resume (loop) 753=item ev_resume (loop)
695 754
696These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 755These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
697not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 756loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
698 757
699A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 758A 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 759the 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 760would 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> 761the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
704C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 763C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
705 764
706Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 765Effectively, 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 766between 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 767will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
709occured while suspended). 768occurred while suspended).
710 769
711After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 770After 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> 771given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
713without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 772without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
714 773
715Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 774Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
716event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 775event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
717 776
718=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 777=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
719 778
720Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 779Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
721after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 780after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
722handling events. 781handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
782the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
783is why event loops are called I<loops>.
723 784
724If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 785If 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. 786until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
787called.
726 788
727Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 789Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
728relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 790relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
729finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 791finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
730that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 792that 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 793of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
732beauty. 794beauty.
733 795
796This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
797a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
798exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
799will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
800
734A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 801A 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 802those 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 803block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
737the loop. 804iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
805events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
738 806
739A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 807A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
740necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 808necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
741will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 809will 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 810be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
743user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 811user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
744iteration of the loop. 812iteration of the loop.
745 813
746This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 814This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
747with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 815with 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 816own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
749usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 817usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
750 818
751Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 819Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
752 820
821 - Increment loop depth.
822 - Reset the ev_break status.
753 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 823 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
824 LOOP:
754 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 825 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
755 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 826 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
756 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 827 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
828 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
757 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 829 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
758 as to not disturb the other process. 830 as to not disturb the other process.
759 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 831 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
760 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 832 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
761 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 833 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
762 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 834 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
763 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 835 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
764 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 836 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
837 - Increment loop iteration counter.
765 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 838 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
766 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 839 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
767 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 840 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
768 - Queue all expired timers. 841 - Queue all expired timers.
769 - Queue all expired periodics. 842 - Queue all expired periodics.
770 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 843 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
771 - Queue all check watchers. 844 - Queue all check watchers.
772 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 845 - 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 846 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
774 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 847 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
775 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 848 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
776 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 849 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
777 continue with step *. 850 continue with step LOOP.
851 FINISH:
852 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
853 - Decrement the loop depth.
854 - Return.
778 855
779Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 856Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
780anymore. 857anymore.
781 858
782 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 859 ... 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..) 860 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
784 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 861 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
785 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 862 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
786 863
787=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 864=item ev_break (loop, how)
788 865
789Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 866Can 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 867has 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 868C<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. 869C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
793 870
794This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 871This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
795 872
796It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 873It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
874which case it will have no effect.
797 875
798=item ev_ref (loop) 876=item ev_ref (loop)
799 877
800=item ev_unref (loop) 878=item ev_unref (loop)
801 879
802Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 880Ref/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 881loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
804count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 882count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
805 883
806This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 884This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
807unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 885unregister, 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> 886returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
809before stopping it. 887before stopping it.
810 888
811As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 889As 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 890is 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 891exiting 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 892excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
815third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 893third-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 894before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
817before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 895before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
818(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 896(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
819in the callback). 897in the callback).
820 898
821Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 899Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
822running when nothing else is active. 900running when nothing else is active.
823 901
824 ev_signal exitsig; 902 ev_signal exitsig;
825 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 903 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
826 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 904 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
827 evf_unref (loop); 905 ev_unref (loop);
828 906
829Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 907Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
830 908
831 ev_ref (loop); 909 ev_ref (loop);
832 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
871usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 949usually 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 950as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
873you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 951you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
874parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 952parallelity, 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, 953need 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). 954then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
877 955
878Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 956Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
879saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 957saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
880are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 958are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
881times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 959times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
889 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 967 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
890 968
891=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 969=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
892 970
893This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 971This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
894pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 972pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
895but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 973but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
974function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
975when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
976event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
977thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
896 978
897=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 979=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
898 980
899Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 981Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
900are pending. 982are pending.
901 983
902=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 984=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
903 985
904This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 986This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
905invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 987invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
906this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 988this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
907invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 989invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
908 990
909If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 991If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
910callback. 992callback.
913 995
914Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 996Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
915can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 997can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
916each call to a libev function. 998each call to a libev function.
917 999
918However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1000However, 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 1001to 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> 1002loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
921and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1003I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
922 1004
923When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1005When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
924suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1006suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
925afterwards. 1007afterwards.
926 1008
929 1011
930While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1012While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
931C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1013C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
932modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1014modifications 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 1015have 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 1016waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
935to take note of any changes you made. 1017to take note of any changes you made.
936 1018
937In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1019In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
938invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1020invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
939 1021
940See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1022See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
941document. 1023document.
942 1024
943=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1025=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
944 1026
945=item ev_userdata (loop) 1027=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
946 1028
947Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1029Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
948C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1030C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
949C<0.> 1031C<0>.
950 1032
951These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1033These 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 1034and 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 1035C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
954any other purpose as well. 1036any other purpose as well.
955 1037
956=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1038=item ev_verify (loop)
957 1039
958This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1040This 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 1041compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
960through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1042through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
961is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1043is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
972 1054
973In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1055In 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 1056watcher 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. 1057watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
976 1058
977A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1059A 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 1060your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
979become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1061to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1062for that:
980 1063
981 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1064 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
982 { 1065 {
983 ev_io_stop (w); 1066 ev_io_stop (w);
984 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1067 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
985 } 1068 }
986 1069
987 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1070 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
988 1071
989 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1072 ev_io stdin_watcher;
990 1073
991 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1074 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
992 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1075 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
993 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1076 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
994 1077
995 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1078 ev_run (loop, 0);
996 1079
997As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1080As 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 1081watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
999stack). 1082stack).
1000 1083
1001Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1084Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1002or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1085or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1003 1086
1004Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1087Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1005(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1088*, 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 1089invoked 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 1090time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1008is readable and/or writable). 1091and/or writable).
1009 1092
1010Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1093Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1011macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1094macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1012is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1095is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1013ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1096ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1064 1147
1065=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1148=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1066 1149
1067=item C<EV_CHECK> 1150=item C<EV_CHECK>
1068 1151
1069All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1152All 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 1153to 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 1154C<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 1155received 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 1156many 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 1157(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1075C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1158C<ev_run> from blocking).
1076 1159
1077=item C<EV_EMBED> 1160=item C<EV_EMBED>
1078 1161
1079The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1162The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1080 1163
1081=item C<EV_FORK> 1164=item C<EV_FORK>
1082 1165
1083The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1166The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1084C<ev_fork>). 1167C<ev_fork>).
1168
1169=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1170
1171The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1085 1172
1086=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1173=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1087 1174
1088The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1175The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1089 1176
1261 1348
1262See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1349See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1263functions that do not need a watcher. 1350functions that do not need a watcher.
1264 1351
1265=back 1352=back
1266
1267 1353
1268=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1354=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1269 1355
1270Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1356Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1271and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1357and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1327 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1413 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1328 { 1414 {
1329 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1415 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1330 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1416 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1331 } 1417 }
1418
1419=head2 WATCHER STATES
1420
1421There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1422active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1423transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1424rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1425
1426=over 4
1427
1428=item initialiased
1429
1430Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1431initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1432C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1433
1434In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1435in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1436
1437=item started/running/active
1438
1439Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1440property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1441this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1442freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1443and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1444
1445=item pending
1446
1447If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1448in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1449stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1450about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1451callback.
1452
1453The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1454an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1455is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1456but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1457moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1458previous item still apply.
1459
1460It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1461via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1462active.
1463
1464=item stopped
1465
1466A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1467be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1468latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1469of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1470freeing it is often a good idea.
1471
1472While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1473initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1474you wish.
1475
1476=back
1332 1477
1333=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1478=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1334 1479
1335Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1480Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1336integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1481integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1379 1524
1380For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1525For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1381you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1526you 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 1527the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1383processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1528processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1384continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1529continuously 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 1530the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1386workable. 1531workable.
1387 1532
1388Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1533Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1389miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1534miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1403 { 1548 {
1404 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1549 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1405 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1550 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1406 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1551 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1407 1552
1408 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1553 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1409 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1554 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1410 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1555 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1411 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1556 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1412 } 1557 }
1413 1558
1467 1612
1468If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1613If 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 1614known-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 1615C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1471descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1616descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1472files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1617files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1473 1618
1474Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1619Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1475receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1620receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1476be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1621be 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 1622because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1621 ... 1766 ...
1622 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1767 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1623 ev_io stdin_readable; 1768 ev_io stdin_readable;
1624 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1769 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1625 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1770 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1626 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1771 ev_run (loop, 0);
1627 1772
1628 1773
1629=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1774=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1630 1775
1631Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1776Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1640The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1785The 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 1786passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1642might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1787might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1643same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1788same 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 1789before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1645no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1790no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1646 1791
1647=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1792=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1648 1793
1649Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1794Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1650recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1795recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1736 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1881 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1737 1882
1738 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1883 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1739 if (timeout < now) 1884 if (timeout < now)
1740 { 1885 {
1741 // timeout occured, take action 1886 // timeout occurred, take action
1742 } 1887 }
1743 else 1888 else
1744 { 1889 {
1745 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1890 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1746 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1891 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1773 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER); 1918 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1774 1919
1775And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1920And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1776C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1921C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1777 1922
1778 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1923 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1779 1924
1780This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1925This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1781time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1926time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1782 1927
1783Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1928Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1821 1966
1822=head3 The special problem of time updates 1967=head3 The special problem of time updates
1823 1968
1824Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1969Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1825least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1970least 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 1971time 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 1972growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1828lots of events in one iteration. 1973lots of events in one iteration.
1829 1974
1830The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1975The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1831time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1976time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1948 } 2093 }
1949 2094
1950 ev_timer mytimer; 2095 ev_timer mytimer;
1951 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2096 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1952 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2097 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1953 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2098 ev_run (loop, 0);
1954 2099
1955 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2100 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1956 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2101 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1957 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2102 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1958 2103
1984 2129
1985As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2130As 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 2131point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1987timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2132timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1988earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2133earlier 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). 2134(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1990 2135
1991=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2136=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1992 2137
1993=over 4 2138=over 4
1994 2139
2122Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2267Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2123system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2268system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2124potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2269potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2125 2270
2126 static void 2271 static void
2127 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2272 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2128 { 2273 {
2129 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2274 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2130 } 2275 }
2131 2276
2132 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2277 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2155 2300
2156=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2301=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2157 2302
2158Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2303Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2159signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2304signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2160will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2305will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2161normal event processing, like any other event. 2306normal event processing, like any other event.
2162 2307
2163If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2308If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2164C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2309C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2165the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2310the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2208 2353
2209So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2354So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2210you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2355you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2211is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2356is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2212 2357
2358=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2359
2360POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2361a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2362threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2363
2364When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2365for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2366all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2367sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2368loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2369these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2370in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2371
2213=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2372=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2214 2373
2215=over 4 2374=over 4
2216 2375
2217=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2376=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2232Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2391Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2233 2392
2234 static void 2393 static void
2235 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2394 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2236 { 2395 {
2237 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2396 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2238 } 2397 }
2239 2398
2240 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2399 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2241 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2400 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2242 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2401 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2628 2787
2629Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2788Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2630prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2789prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2631afterwards. 2790afterwards.
2632 2791
2633You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2792You 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> 2793the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2635watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2794watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2636rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2795rationale 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, 2796those 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 2797C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2806 2965
2807 if (timeout >= 0) 2966 if (timeout >= 0)
2808 // create/start timer 2967 // create/start timer
2809 2968
2810 // poll 2969 // poll
2811 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2970 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2812 2971
2813 // stop timer again 2972 // stop timer again
2814 if (timeout >= 0) 2973 if (timeout >= 0)
2815 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2974 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2816 2975
2894if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3053if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2895 3054
2896=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3055=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2897 3056
2898Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3057Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2899similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3058similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2900appropriate way for embedded loops. 3059appropriate way for embedded loops.
2901 3060
2902=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3061=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2903 3062
2904The embedded event loop. 3063The embedded event loop.
2964C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3123C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2965handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3124handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2966 3125
2967=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3126=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2968 3127
2969Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3128Most 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 3129up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2971sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3130sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2972 3131
2973This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3132This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2974in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3133in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2990disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3149disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2991signal watchers). 3150signal watchers).
2992 3151
2993When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3152When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2994other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3153other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2995C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3154C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2996the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3155Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2997have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3156watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2998also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3157those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3158signal watchers.
2999 3159
3000=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3160=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3001 3161
3002=over 4 3162=over 4
3003 3163
3004=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3164=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3005 3165
3006Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3166Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3007kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3167kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3008believe me. 3168really.
3009 3169
3010=back 3170=back
3011 3171
3012 3172
3173=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3174
3175Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3176by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3177
3178While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3179watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3180program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3181loop when you want them to be invoked.
3182
3183Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3184all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3185makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3186can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3187
3188=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3189
3190=over 4
3191
3192=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3193
3194Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3195any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3196pointless, I assure you.
3197
3198=back
3199
3200Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3201cleanup functions are called.
3202
3203 static void
3204 program_exits (void)
3205 {
3206 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3207 }
3208
3209 ...
3210 atexit (program_exits);
3211
3212
3013=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3213=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3014 3214
3015In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3215In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3016asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3216asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3017loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3217loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3018 3218
3019Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3219Sometimes, 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 3220for 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 3221watchers 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 3222it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3023safe.
3024 3223
3025This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3224This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3026too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3225too, 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 3226(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3028C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3227C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3228of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3229signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3230even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3029 3231
3030Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3232Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3031just the default loop. 3233just the default loop.
3032 3234
3033=head3 Queueing 3235=head3 Queueing
3209Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3411Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3210the given events it. 3412the given events it.
3211 3413
3212=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3414=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3213 3415
3214Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3416Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3215loop!). 3417which is async-safe.
3418
3419=back
3420
3421
3422=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3423
3424This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3425obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3426section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3427
3428=over 4
3429
3430=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3431
3432Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3433I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3434invoking C<ev_run>.
3435
3436This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3437main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3438a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3439and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3440other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3441
3442The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3443invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3444triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3445
3446 // main loop
3447 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3448
3449 while (!exit_main_loop)
3450 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3451
3452 // in a model watcher
3453 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3454
3455 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457
3458To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3459
3460 // exit modal loop
3461 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3462
3463 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3464 exit_main_loop = 1;
3465
3466 // exit both
3467 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3216 3468
3217=back 3469=back
3218 3470
3219 3471
3220=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3472=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3221 3473
3222Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3474Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3223emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3475emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3224 3476
3225=over 4 3477=over 4
3478
3479=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3480
3481This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3482and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3226 3483
3227=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3484=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3228 3485
3229=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3486=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3230ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3487ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3236=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3493=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3237will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3494will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3238is an ev_pri field. 3495is an ev_pri field.
3239 3496
3240=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3497=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3241first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3498base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3242 3499
3243=item * Other members are not supported. 3500=item * Other members are not supported.
3244 3501
3245=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3502=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3246to use the libev header file and library. 3503to use the libev header file and library.
3265Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3522Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3266classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3523classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3267that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3524that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3268you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3525you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3269 3526
3270Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3527Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3271used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3528with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3272need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3529to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3273types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3530you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3274it). 3531(preferably after implementing it).
3275 3532
3276Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3533Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3277 3534
3278=over 4 3535=over 4
3279 3536
3340 myclass obj; 3597 myclass obj;
3341 ev::io iow; 3598 ev::io iow;
3342 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3599 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3343 3600
3344=item w->set (object *) 3601=item w->set (object *)
3345
3346This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3347 3602
3348This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3603This 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 3604will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3350functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3605functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3351the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3606the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3391Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3646Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3392do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3647do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3393 3648
3394=item w->set ([arguments]) 3649=item w->set ([arguments])
3395 3650
3396Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3651Basically 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 3652method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3398automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3653C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3399method. 3654when reconfiguring it with this method.
3400 3655
3401=item w->start () 3656=item w->start ()
3402 3657
3403Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3658Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3404constructor already stores the event loop. 3659constructor already stores the event loop.
3405 3660
3661=item w->start ([arguments])
3662
3663Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3664convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3665the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3666
3406=item w->stop () 3667=item w->stop ()
3407 3668
3408Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3669Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3409 3670
3410=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3671=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3422 3683
3423=back 3684=back
3424 3685
3425=back 3686=back
3426 3687
3427Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3688Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3428the constructor. 3689watchers in the constructor.
3429 3690
3430 class myclass 3691 class myclass
3431 { 3692 {
3432 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3693 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3694 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3433 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3695 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3434 3696
3435 myclass (int fd) 3697 myclass (int fd)
3436 { 3698 {
3437 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3699 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3700 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3438 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3701 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3439 3702
3440 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3703 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3704 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3705
3706 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3441 } 3707 }
3442 }; 3708 };
3443 3709
3444 3710
3445=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3711=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3519loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3785loop 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: 3786C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3521 3787
3522 ev_unref (EV_A); 3788 ev_unref (EV_A);
3523 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3789 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3524 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3790 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3525 3791
3526It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3792It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3527which is often provided by the following macro. 3793which is often provided by the following macro.
3528 3794
3529=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3795=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3569 } 3835 }
3570 3836
3571 ev_check check; 3837 ev_check check;
3572 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3838 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3573 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3839 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3574 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3840 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3575 3841
3576=head1 EMBEDDING 3842=head1 EMBEDDING
3577 3843
3578Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3579applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3670to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3936to 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 3937users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3672settings. 3938settings.
3673 3939
3674=over 4 3940=over 4
3941
3942=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3943
3944Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3945release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3946have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3947
3948You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3949versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3950sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3951from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3952typedef in that case.
3953
3954In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3955and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3956removed completely.
3675 3957
3676=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3958=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3677 3959
3678Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3960Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3679keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3961keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3886EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE, 4168EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3887EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE. 4169EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3888 4170
3889If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then 4171If 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 4172the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3891is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize. 4173is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3892 4174
3893=item EV_FEATURES 4175=item EV_FEATURES
3894 4176
3895If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4177If 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 4178speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3916 4198
3917=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4199=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3918 4200
3919Use larger code to speed up some operations. 4201Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3920 4202
3921Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly 4203Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
392230% code size on amd64. 4204code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
3923 4205
3924When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4206When 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 4207gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3926assertions. 4208assertions.
3927 4209
3928=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4210=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3929 4211
3930Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4212Replaces 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 4213hash 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 4214and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3933runtime. 4215runtime.
3934 4216
3935=item C<4> - full API configuration 4217=item C<4> - full API configuration
3936 4218
3973I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4255I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3974 4256
3975=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4257=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3976 4258
3977If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4259If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3978functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize 4260functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
3979somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your 4261somewhat, 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 4262libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3981big. 4263big.
3982 4264
3983Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is 4265Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3987 4269
3988The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4270The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3989signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4271signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3990automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4272automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3991specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4273specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3992good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4274good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3993statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4275statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3994 4276
3995=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4277=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3996 4278
3997C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4279C<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 4311The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4030will be C<0>. 4312will be C<0>.
4031 4313
4032=item EV_VERIFY 4314=item EV_VERIFY
4033 4315
4034Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4316Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4035be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4317be 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 4318in. 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 4319called. 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 4320called 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 4321verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4043will be C<0>. 4325will be C<0>.
4044 4326
4045=item EV_COMMON 4327=item EV_COMMON
4046 4328
4047By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4329By 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 4330this 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, 4331members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
4050though, and it must be identical each time. 4332though, and it must be identical each time.
4051 4333
4052For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4334For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
4053 4335
4254 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4536 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4255 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4537 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4256 } 4538 }
4257 4539
4258The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4540The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4259into C<ev_loop>: 4541into C<ev_run>:
4260 4542
4261 void * 4543 void *
4262 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4544 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4263 { 4545 {
4264 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4546 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4265 4547
4266 l_acquire (EV_A); 4548 l_acquire (EV_A);
4267 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4549 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4268 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4550 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4269 l_release (EV_A); 4551 l_release (EV_A);
4270 4552
4271 return 0; 4553 return 0;
4272 } 4554 }
4273 4555
4325 4607
4326=head3 COROUTINES 4608=head3 COROUTINES
4327 4609
4328Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4610Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4329libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4611libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4330coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4612coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4331different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4613different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4332the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4614the 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. 4615that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4334 4616
4335Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4617Care 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 4618C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4337they do not call any callbacks. 4619they do not call any callbacks.
4338 4620
4339=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4621=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4340 4622
4341Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4623Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4352maintainable. 4634maintainable.
4353 4635
4354And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4636And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4355wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4637wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4356seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4638seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4357warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4639warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4358been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4640been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4359such buggy versions. 4641such buggy versions.
4360 4642
4361While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4643While 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 4644"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4398I suggest using suppression lists. 4680I suggest using suppression lists.
4399 4681
4400 4682
4401=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4683=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4402 4684
4685=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4686
4687GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4688interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4689
4690That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4691files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4692
4693Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4694by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4695standard libev compiled for their system.
4696
4697Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4698suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4699i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4700
4701=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4702
4703The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4704you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4705OpenGL drivers.
4706
4707=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4708
4709The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4710only sockets, many support pipes.
4711
4712Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4713rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4714loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4715probably going to work well.
4716
4717=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4718
4719Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4720implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4721release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4722
4723Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4724this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4725a loop.
4726
4727=head3 C<select> is buggy
4728
4729All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4730one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4731descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4732you use more.
4733
4734There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4735C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4736work on OS/X.
4737
4738=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4739
4740=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4741
4742The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4743thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4744without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4745defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4746
4747If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4748it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4749
4750=head3 Event port backend
4751
4752The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4753ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4754releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4755a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4756and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4757are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4758great.
4759
4760If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4761the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4762C<select> backends.
4763
4764=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4765
4766AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4767this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4768compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4769with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4770
4403=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4771=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4772
4773=head3 General issues
4404 4774
4405Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4775Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4406requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4776requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4407model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4777model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4408the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4778the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4409descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4779descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4410e.g. cygwin. 4780e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4781as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4782environment.
4411 4783
4412Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4784Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4413re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4785re-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 4786then 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). 4787also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4416 4788
4417There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4789There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4418embedding it into other applications. 4790embedding it into other applications.
4419 4791
4420Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4792Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4448you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4820you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4449 4821
4450 #include "evwrap.h" 4822 #include "evwrap.h"
4451 #include "ev.c" 4823 #include "ev.c"
4452 4824
4453=over 4
4454
4455=item The winsocket select function 4825=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4456 4826
4457The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4827The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4458requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4828requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4459also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4829also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4460requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4830requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4469 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4839 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4470 4840
4471Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4841Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4472complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4842complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4473 4843
4474=item Limited number of file descriptors 4844=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4475 4845
4476Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4846Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4477 4847
4478Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4848Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4479of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4849of 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 4864runtime 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, 4865(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 4866you 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. 4867the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4498 4868
4499=back
4500
4501=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4869=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4502 4870
4503In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4871In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4504backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4872backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4505 4873
4511Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4879Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4512structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4880structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4513assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4881assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4514callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4882callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4515calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4883calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4884
4885=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4886
4887Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4888writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4516 4889
4517=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4890=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4518 4891
4519The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4892The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4520C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4893C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4543watchers. 4916watchers.
4544 4917
4545=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4918=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4546 4919
4547The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4920The 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 4921have 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 4922good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4923(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4550implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4924implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4551ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4925IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
45522200.
4553 4926
4554=back 4927=back
4555 4928
4556If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4929If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4557 4930
4627=back 5000=back
4628 5001
4629 5002
4630=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5003=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4631 5004
4632The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5005The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4633 5006
4634At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5007At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4635compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5008for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4636removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5009layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5010new API early than late.
4637 5011
4638=over 4 5012=over 4
4639 5013
4640=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 5014=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4641 5015
4642=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 5016The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5017C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5018section.
4643 5019
4644=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 5020=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5021
5022These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5023
5024 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5025 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5026
5027=item function/symbol renames
5028
5029A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5030
5031 ev_loop => ev_run
5032 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5033 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5034
5035 ev_unloop => ev_break
5036 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5037 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5038 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5039
5040 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5041
5042 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5043 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5044 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4645 5045
4646Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 5046Most 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 5047C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5048associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5049ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5050as 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 5051C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4649C<ev_fork> typedef. 5052typedef.
4650
4651=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents>
4652
4653This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name
4654as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too.
4655
4656Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4657and continue to be present for the forseeable future, so this is mostly a
4658documentation change.
4659 5053
4660=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5054=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4661 5055
4662The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5056The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4663mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5057mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4670 5064
4671=over 4 5065=over 4
4672 5066
4673=item active 5067=item active
4674 5068
4675A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5069A 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). 5070See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4677 5071
4678=item application 5072=item application
4679 5073
4680In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5074In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5075
5076=item backend
5077
5078The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4681 5079
4682=item callback 5080=item callback
4683 5081
4684The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5082The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4685detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5083detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4686received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5084received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4687 5085
4688=item callback invocation 5086=item callback/watcher invocation
4689 5087
4690The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5088The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4691 5089
4692=item event 5090=item event
4693 5091
4712The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5110The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4713watchers and events. 5111watchers and events.
4714 5112
4715=item pending 5113=item pending
4716 5114
4717A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5115A 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 5116detected. 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 5117
4724=item real time 5118=item real time
4725 5119
4726The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5120The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4727 5121
4734=item watcher 5128=item watcher
4735 5129
4736A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5130A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4737to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5131to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4738 5132
4739=item watcher invocation
4740
4741The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4742
4743=back 5133=back
4744 5134
4745=head1 AUTHOR 5135=head1 AUTHOR
4746 5136
4747Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5137Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5138Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4748 5139

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