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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 (in practise 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 142
165 173
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 175
168Returns 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
169C<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
170you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
171 180
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 182
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 203not a problem.
195 204
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
198 208
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 212
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 225
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 227
218Return 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
219recommended 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
220returned 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
221most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
222(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
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 235
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 237
227Returns 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
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 243
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 245
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
236 247
237Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
238semantics 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
239used 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
240when 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
266 } 277 }
267 278
268 ... 279 ...
269 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
270 281
271=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
272 283
273Set 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
274as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
275indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
276callback 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
288 } 299 }
289 300
290 ... 301 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 303
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
310Its 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
293=back 317=back
294 318
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 320
297An 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
298is 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
299I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 324
301The 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
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303not. 327do not.
304 328
305=over 4 329=over 4
306 330
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 332
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet 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
311false. 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
312flags. 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".
313 343
314If 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
315function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 346
317Note 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
318from 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
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
320 351
321The 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,
322C<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
323for 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
324create 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
325can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<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.
327 376
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
329backends 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>).
330 379
331The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
366environment variable. 415environment variable.
367 416
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 418
370When 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
371I<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
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 423
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 425
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it 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
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 432
384Signalfd 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
385there 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
386example) 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.
387 448
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 450
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 489
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (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
433so 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
434I<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
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
437 500
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
439of 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
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events 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.
445 512
446While 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
447will 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
448incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
449I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
515=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
516 583
517This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 584This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
518it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 585it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
519 586
520Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
521notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
522blocking when no data (or space) is available.
523
524While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
525file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
526descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
527might perform better. 590might perform better.
528 591
529On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
530notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
531in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 593specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
532OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 594among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
595hacks).
596
597On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre>, with the event polling
598function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
599occured, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
600even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces, but
601fortunately libev seems to be able to work around it.
533 602
534This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 603This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
535C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 604C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
536 605
537=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 606=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
538 607
539Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 608Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
540with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 609with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
541C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 610C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
542 611
543It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 612It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
613C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
614at all.
615
616=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
617
618Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
619C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
620value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
544 621
545=back 622=back
546 623
547If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 624If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
548then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 625then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
549here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 626here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
550()> will be tried. 627()> will be tried.
551 628
552Example: This is the most typical usage.
553
554 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
555 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
556
557Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
558environment settings to be taken into account:
559
560 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
561
562Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
563used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
564private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
565fds):
566
567 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
568
569=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
570
571Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
572always distinct from the default loop.
573
574Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
575libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
576default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
577
578Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 629Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
579 630
580 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 631 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
581 if (!epoller) 632 if (!epoller)
582 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 633 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
583 634
635Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
636used if available.
637
638 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
639
584=item ev_default_destroy () 640=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
585 641
586Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 642Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
587of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 643etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
588e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 644sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
589either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 645responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
590or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 646calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
591can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 647the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
648for example).
592 649
593Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 650Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
594handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 651handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
595as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 652as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
596 653
597In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 654This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
598rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 655C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
656C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
657
658Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
659except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
599pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 660If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
600C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 661and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
601 662
602=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 663=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
603 664
604Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
605earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
606
607=item ev_default_fork ()
608
609This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 665This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
610to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 666reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
611name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 667name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
612the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 668the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
613sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 669child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
614functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
615 670
616Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 671Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
617a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 672a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
618because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 673because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
619during fork. 674during fork.
620 675
621On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 676On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
622process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If you 677process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
623just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to call 678you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
624it at all. 679call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
680difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
681costly reset of the backend).
625 682
626The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 683The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
627it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 684it just in case after a fork.
628quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
629 685
686Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
687using pthreads.
688
689 static void
690 post_fork_child (void)
691 {
692 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
693 }
694
695 ...
630 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 696 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
631
632=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
633
634Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
635C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
636after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
637them is entirely your own problem.
638 697
639=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 698=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
640 699
641Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 700Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
642otherwise. 701otherwise.
643 702
644=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 703=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
645 704
646Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 705Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
647the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 706to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
648happily wraps around with enough iterations. 707and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
649 708
650This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 709This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
651"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 710"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
652C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 711C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
653prepare and check phases. 712prepare and check phases.
654 713
655=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 714=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
656 715
657Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 716Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
658times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 717times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
659 718
660Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 719Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
661C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 720C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
662in which case it is higher. 721in which case it is higher.
663 722
664Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 723Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
665etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 724throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
666ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 725as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
726convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
667 727
668=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 728=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
669 729
670Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 730Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
671use. 731use.
680 740
681=item ev_now_update (loop) 741=item ev_now_update (loop)
682 742
683Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 743Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
684returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 744returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
685is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 745is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
686 746
687This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 747This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
688very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 748very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
689the current time is a good idea. 749the current time is a good idea.
690 750
692 752
693=item ev_suspend (loop) 753=item ev_suspend (loop)
694 754
695=item ev_resume (loop) 755=item ev_resume (loop)
696 756
697These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 757These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
698not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 758loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
699 759
700A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 760A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
701the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 761the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
702would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 762would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
703the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 763the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
705C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 765C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
706 766
707Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 767Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
708between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 768between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
709will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 769will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
710occured while suspended). 770occurred while suspended).
711 771
712After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 772After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
713given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 773given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
714without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 774without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
715 775
716Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 776Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
717event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 777event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
718 778
719=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 779=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
720 780
721Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 781Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
722after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 782after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
723handling events. 783handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
784the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
785is why event loops are called I<loops>.
724 786
725If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 787If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
726either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 788until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
789called.
727 790
728Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 791Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
729relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 792relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
730finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 793finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
731that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 794that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
732of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 795of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
733beauty. 796beauty.
734 797
798This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
799a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
800exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
801will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
802
735A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 803A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
736those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 804those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
737process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 805block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
738the loop. 806iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
807events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
739 808
740A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 809A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
741necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 810necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
742will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 811will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
743be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 812be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
744user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 813user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
745iteration of the loop. 814iteration of the loop.
746 815
747This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 816This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
748with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 817with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
749own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 818own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
750usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 819usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
751 820
752Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 821Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
753 822
823 - Increment loop depth.
824 - Reset the ev_break status.
754 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 825 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
826 LOOP:
755 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 827 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
756 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 828 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
757 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 829 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
830 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
758 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 831 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
759 as to not disturb the other process. 832 as to not disturb the other process.
760 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 833 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
761 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 834 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
762 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 835 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
763 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 836 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
764 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 837 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
765 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 838 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
839 - Increment loop iteration counter.
766 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 840 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
767 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 841 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
768 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 842 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
769 - Queue all expired timers. 843 - Queue all expired timers.
770 - Queue all expired periodics. 844 - Queue all expired periodics.
771 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 845 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
772 - Queue all check watchers. 846 - Queue all check watchers.
773 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 847 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
774 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 848 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
775 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 849 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
776 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 850 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
777 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 851 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
778 continue with step *. 852 continue with step LOOP.
853 FINISH:
854 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
855 - Decrement the loop depth.
856 - Return.
779 857
780Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 858Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
781anymore. 859anymore.
782 860
783 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 861 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
784 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 862 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
785 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 863 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
786 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 864 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
787 865
788=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 866=item ev_break (loop, how)
789 867
790Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 868Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
791has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 869has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
792C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 870C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
793C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 871C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
794 872
795This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 873This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
796 874
797It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 875It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
876which case it will have no effect.
798 877
799=item ev_ref (loop) 878=item ev_ref (loop)
800 879
801=item ev_unref (loop) 880=item ev_unref (loop)
802 881
803Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 882Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
804loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 883loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
805count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 884count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
806 885
807This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 886This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
808unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 887unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
809returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 888returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
810before stopping it. 889before stopping it.
811 890
812As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 891As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
813is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 892is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
814exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 893exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
815excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 894excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
816third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 895third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
817before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 896before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
818before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 897before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
819(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 898(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
820in the callback). 899in the callback).
821 900
822Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 901Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
823running when nothing else is active. 902running when nothing else is active.
824 903
825 ev_signal exitsig; 904 ev_signal exitsig;
826 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 905 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
827 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 906 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
828 evf_unref (loop); 907 ev_unref (loop);
829 908
830Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 909Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
831 910
832 ev_ref (loop); 911 ev_ref (loop);
833 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 912 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
872usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 951usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
873as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 952as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
874you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 953you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
875parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 954parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
876need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 955need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
877then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 956then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
878 957
879Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 958Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
880saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 959saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
881are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 960are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
882times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 961times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
890 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 969 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
891 970
892=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 971=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
893 972
894This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 973This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
895pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 974pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
896but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 975but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
976function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
977when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
978event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
979thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
897 980
898=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 981=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
899 982
900Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 983Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
901are pending. 984are pending.
902 985
903=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 986=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
904 987
905This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 988This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
906invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 989invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
907this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 990this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
908invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 991invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
909 992
910If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 993If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
911callback. 994callback.
914 997
915Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 998Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
916can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 999can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
917each call to a libev function. 1000each call to a libev function.
918 1001
919However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1002However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
920wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 1003to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
921C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 1004loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
922and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1005I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
923 1006
924When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1007When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
925suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1008suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
926afterwards. 1009afterwards.
927 1010
930 1013
931While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1014While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
932C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1015C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
933modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1016modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
934have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 1017have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
935waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 1018waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
936to take note of any changes you made. 1019to take note of any changes you made.
937 1020
938In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1021In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
939invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1022invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
940 1023
941See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1024See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
942document. 1025document.
943 1026
944=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1027=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
945 1028
946=item ev_userdata (loop) 1029=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
947 1030
948Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1031Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
949C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1032C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
950C<0.> 1033C<0>.
951 1034
952These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1035These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
953and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1036and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
954C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1037C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
955any other purpose as well. 1038any other purpose as well.
956 1039
957=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1040=item ev_verify (loop)
958 1041
959This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1042This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
960compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1043compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
961through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1044through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
962is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1045is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
973 1056
974In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1057In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
975watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1058watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
976watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1059watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
977 1060
978A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1061A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
979interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1062your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
980become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1063to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1064for that:
981 1065
982 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1066 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
983 { 1067 {
984 ev_io_stop (w); 1068 ev_io_stop (w);
985 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1069 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
986 } 1070 }
987 1071
988 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1072 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
989 1073
990 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1074 ev_io stdin_watcher;
991 1075
992 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1076 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
993 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1077 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
994 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1078 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
995 1079
996 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1080 ev_run (loop, 0);
997 1081
998As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1082As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
999watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1083watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1000stack). 1084stack).
1001 1085
1002Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1086Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1003or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1087or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1004 1088
1005Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1089Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1006(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1090*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1007callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1091invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1008watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1092time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1009is readable and/or writable). 1093and/or writable).
1010 1094
1011Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1095Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1012macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1096macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1013is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1097is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1014ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1098ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1065 1149
1066=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1150=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1067 1151
1068=item C<EV_CHECK> 1152=item C<EV_CHECK>
1069 1153
1070All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1154All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1071to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1155to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1072C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1156C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1073received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1157received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1074many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1158many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1075(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1159(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1076C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1160C<ev_run> from blocking).
1077 1161
1078=item C<EV_EMBED> 1162=item C<EV_EMBED>
1079 1163
1080The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1164The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1081 1165
1082=item C<EV_FORK> 1166=item C<EV_FORK>
1083 1167
1084The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1168The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1085C<ev_fork>). 1169C<ev_fork>).
1170
1171=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1172
1173The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1086 1174
1087=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1175=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1088 1176
1089The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1177The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1090 1178
1262 1350
1263See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1351See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1264functions that do not need a watcher. 1352functions that do not need a watcher.
1265 1353
1266=back 1354=back
1267
1268 1355
1269=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1356=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1270 1357
1271Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1358Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1272and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1359and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1328 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1415 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1329 { 1416 {
1330 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1417 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1331 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1418 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1332 } 1419 }
1420
1421=head2 WATCHER STATES
1422
1423There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1424active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1425transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1426rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1427
1428=over 4
1429
1430=item initialiased
1431
1432Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1433initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1434C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1435
1436In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1437in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1438
1439=item started/running/active
1440
1441Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1442property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1443this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1444freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1445and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1446
1447=item pending
1448
1449If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1450in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1451stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1452about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1453callback.
1454
1455The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1456an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1457is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1458but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1459moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1460previous item still apply.
1461
1462It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1463via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1464active.
1465
1466=item stopped
1467
1468A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1469be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1470latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1471of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1472freeing it is often a good idea.
1473
1474While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1475initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1476you wish.
1477
1478=back
1333 1479
1334=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1480=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1335 1481
1336Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1482Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1337integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1483integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1380 1526
1381For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1527For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1382you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1528you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1383the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1529the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1384processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1530processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1385continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1531continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1386the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1532the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1387workable. 1533workable.
1388 1534
1389Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1535Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1390miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1536miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1468 1614
1469If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1615If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1470known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1616known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1471C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1617C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1472descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1618descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1473files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1619files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1474 1620
1475Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1621Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1476receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1622receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1477be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1623be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1478because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1624because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1622 ... 1768 ...
1623 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1769 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1624 ev_io stdin_readable; 1770 ev_io stdin_readable;
1625 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1771 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1626 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1772 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1627 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1773 ev_run (loop, 0);
1628 1774
1629 1775
1630=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1776=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1631 1777
1632Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1778Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1641The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1787The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1642passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1788passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1643might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1789might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1644same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1790same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1645before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1791before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1646no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1792no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1647 1793
1648=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1794=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1649 1795
1650Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1796Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1651recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1797recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1737 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1883 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1738 1884
1739 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1885 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1740 if (timeout < now) 1886 if (timeout < now)
1741 { 1887 {
1742 // timeout occured, take action 1888 // timeout occurred, take action
1743 } 1889 }
1744 else 1890 else
1745 { 1891 {
1746 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1892 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1747 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1893 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1822 1968
1823=head3 The special problem of time updates 1969=head3 The special problem of time updates
1824 1970
1825Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1971Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1826least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1972least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1827time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1973time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1828growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1974growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1829lots of events in one iteration. 1975lots of events in one iteration.
1830 1976
1831The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1977The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1832time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1978time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1949 } 2095 }
1950 2096
1951 ev_timer mytimer; 2097 ev_timer mytimer;
1952 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2098 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1953 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2099 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1954 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2100 ev_run (loop, 0);
1955 2101
1956 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2102 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1957 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2103 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1958 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2104 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1959 2105
1985 2131
1986As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2132As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1987point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2133point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1988timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2134timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1989earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2135earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1990(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2136(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1991 2137
1992=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2138=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1993 2139
1994=over 4 2140=over 4
1995 2141
2123Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2269Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2124system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2270system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2125potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2271potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2126 2272
2127 static void 2273 static void
2128 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2274 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2129 { 2275 {
2130 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2276 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2131 } 2277 }
2132 2278
2133 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2279 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2156 2302
2157=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2303=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2158 2304
2159Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2305Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2160signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2306signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2161will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2307will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2162normal event processing, like any other event. 2308normal event processing, like any other event.
2163 2309
2164If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2310If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2165C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2311C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2166the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2312the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2209 2355
2210So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2356So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2211you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2357you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2212is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2358is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2213 2359
2360=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2361
2362POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2363a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2364threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2365
2366When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2367for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2368all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2369sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2370loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2371these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2372in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2373
2214=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2374=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2215 2375
2216=over 4 2376=over 4
2217 2377
2218=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2378=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2233Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2393Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2234 2394
2235 static void 2395 static void
2236 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2396 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2237 { 2397 {
2238 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2398 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2239 } 2399 }
2240 2400
2241 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2401 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2242 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2402 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2243 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2403 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2629 2789
2630Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2790Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2631prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2791prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2632afterwards. 2792afterwards.
2633 2793
2634You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2794You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2635the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2795the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2636watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2796watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2637rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2797rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2638those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2798those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2639C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2799C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2807 2967
2808 if (timeout >= 0) 2968 if (timeout >= 0)
2809 // create/start timer 2969 // create/start timer
2810 2970
2811 // poll 2971 // poll
2812 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2972 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2813 2973
2814 // stop timer again 2974 // stop timer again
2815 if (timeout >= 0) 2975 if (timeout >= 0)
2816 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2976 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2817 2977
2895if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3055if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2896 3056
2897=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3057=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2898 3058
2899Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3059Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2900similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3060similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2901appropriate way for embedded loops. 3061appropriate way for embedded loops.
2902 3062
2903=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3063=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2904 3064
2905The embedded event loop. 3065The embedded event loop.
2965C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3125C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2966handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3126handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2967 3127
2968=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3128=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2969 3129
2970Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3130Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2971up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3131up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2972sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3132sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2973 3133
2974This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3134This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2975in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3135in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2991disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3151disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2992signal watchers). 3152signal watchers).
2993 3153
2994When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3154When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2995other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3155other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2996C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3156C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2997the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3157Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2998have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3158watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2999also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3159those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3160signal watchers.
3000 3161
3001=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3162=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3002 3163
3003=over 4 3164=over 4
3004 3165
3005=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3166=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3006 3167
3007Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3168Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3008kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3169kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3009believe me. 3170really.
3010 3171
3011=back 3172=back
3012 3173
3013 3174
3175=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3176
3177Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3178by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3179
3180While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3181watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3182program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3183loop when you want them to be invoked.
3184
3185Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3186all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3187makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3188can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3189
3190=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3191
3192=over 4
3193
3194=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3195
3196Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3197any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3198pointless, I assure you.
3199
3200=back
3201
3202Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3203cleanup functions are called.
3204
3205 static void
3206 program_exits (void)
3207 {
3208 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3209 }
3210
3211 ...
3212 atexit (program_exits);
3213
3214
3014=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3215=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3015 3216
3016In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3217In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3017asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3218asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3018loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3219loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3019 3220
3020Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3221Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3021control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3222for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3022C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3223watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
3023can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3224it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3024safe.
3025 3225
3026This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3226This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3027too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3227too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3028(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3228(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3029C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3229C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3230of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3231signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3232even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3030 3233
3031Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3234Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3032just the default loop. 3235just the default loop.
3033 3236
3034=head3 Queueing 3237=head3 Queueing
3210Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3413Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3211the given events it. 3414the given events it.
3212 3415
3213=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3416=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3214 3417
3215Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3418Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3216loop!). 3419which is async-safe.
3420
3421=back
3422
3423
3424=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3425
3426This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3427obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3428section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3429
3430=over 4
3431
3432=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3433
3434Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3435I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3436invoking C<ev_run>.
3437
3438This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3439main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3440a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3441and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3442other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3443
3444The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3445invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3446triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3447
3448 // main loop
3449 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3450
3451 while (!exit_main_loop)
3452 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3453
3454 // in a model watcher
3455 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3456
3457 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3458 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3459
3460To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3461
3462 // exit modal loop
3463 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3464
3465 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3466 exit_main_loop = 1;
3467
3468 // exit both
3469 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3217 3470
3218=back 3471=back
3219 3472
3220 3473
3221=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3474=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3222 3475
3223Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3476Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3224emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3477emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3225 3478
3226=over 4 3479=over 4
3480
3481=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3482
3483This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3484and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3227 3485
3228=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3486=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3229 3487
3230=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3488=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3231ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3489ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3237=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3495=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3238will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3496will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3239is an ev_pri field. 3497is an ev_pri field.
3240 3498
3241=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3499=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3242first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3500base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3243 3501
3244=item * Other members are not supported. 3502=item * Other members are not supported.
3245 3503
3246=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3504=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3247to use the libev header file and library. 3505to use the libev header file and library.
3266Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3524Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3267classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3525classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3268that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3526that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3269you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3527you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3270 3528
3271Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3529Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3272used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3530with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3273need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3531to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3274types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3532you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3275it). 3533(preferably after implementing it).
3276 3534
3277Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3535Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3278 3536
3279=over 4 3537=over 4
3280 3538
3341 myclass obj; 3599 myclass obj;
3342 ev::io iow; 3600 ev::io iow;
3343 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3601 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3344 3602
3345=item w->set (object *) 3603=item w->set (object *)
3346
3347This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3348 3604
3349This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3605This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3350will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3606will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3351functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3607functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3352the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3608the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3392Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3648Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3393do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3649do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3394 3650
3395=item w->set ([arguments]) 3651=item w->set ([arguments])
3396 3652
3397Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3653Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3398called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3654method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3399automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3655C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3400method. 3656when reconfiguring it with this method.
3401 3657
3402=item w->start () 3658=item w->start ()
3403 3659
3404Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3660Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3405constructor already stores the event loop. 3661constructor already stores the event loop.
3406 3662
3663=item w->start ([arguments])
3664
3665Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3666convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3667the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3668
3407=item w->stop () 3669=item w->stop ()
3408 3670
3409Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3671Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3410 3672
3411=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3673=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3423 3685
3424=back 3686=back
3425 3687
3426=back 3688=back
3427 3689
3428Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3690Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3429the constructor. 3691watchers in the constructor.
3430 3692
3431 class myclass 3693 class myclass
3432 { 3694 {
3433 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3695 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3696 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3434 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3697 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3435 3698
3436 myclass (int fd) 3699 myclass (int fd)
3437 { 3700 {
3438 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3701 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3702 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3439 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3703 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3440 3704
3441 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3705 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3706 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3707
3708 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3442 } 3709 }
3443 }; 3710 };
3444 3711
3445 3712
3446=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3713=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3520loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3787loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3521C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3788C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3522 3789
3523 ev_unref (EV_A); 3790 ev_unref (EV_A);
3524 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3791 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3525 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3792 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3526 3793
3527It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3794It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3528which is often provided by the following macro. 3795which is often provided by the following macro.
3529 3796
3530=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3797=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3570 } 3837 }
3571 3838
3572 ev_check check; 3839 ev_check check;
3573 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3840 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3574 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3841 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3575 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3842 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3576 3843
3577=head1 EMBEDDING 3844=head1 EMBEDDING
3578 3845
3579Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3846Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3580applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3847applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3671to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3938to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3672users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible 3939users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3673settings. 3940settings.
3674 3941
3675=over 4 3942=over 4
3943
3944=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3945
3946Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3947release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3948have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3949
3950You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3951versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3952sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3953from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3954typedef in that case.
3955
3956In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3957and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3958removed completely.
3676 3959
3677=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3960=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3678 3961
3679Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3962Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3680keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3963keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3887EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE, 4170EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3888EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE. 4171EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3889 4172
3890If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then 4173If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3891the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it 4174the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3892is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize. 4175is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3893 4176
3894=item EV_FEATURES 4177=item EV_FEATURES
3895 4178
3896If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4179If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3897speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request 4180speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3917 4200
3918=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4201=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3919 4202
3920Use larger code to speed up some operations. 4203Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3921 4204
3922Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly 4205Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
392330% code size on amd64. 4206code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
3924 4207
3925When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4208When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
3926gcc recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4209gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3927assertions. 4210assertions.
3928 4211
3929=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4212=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3930 4213
3931Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4214Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
3932hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase codesize 4215hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
3933and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4216and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3934runtime. 4217runtime.
3935 4218
3936=item C<4> - full API configuration 4219=item C<4> - full API configuration
3937 4220
3974I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4257I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3975 4258
3976=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4259=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3977 4260
3978If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4261If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3979functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize 4262functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
3980somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your 4263somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
3981libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite 4264libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3982big. 4265big.
3983 4266
3984Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is 4267Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3988 4271
3989The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4272The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3990signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4273signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3991automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4274automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3992specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4275specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3993good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4276good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3994statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4277statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3995 4278
3996=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4279=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3997 4280
3998C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4281C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
4030The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 4313The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4031will be C<0>. 4314will be C<0>.
4032 4315
4033=item EV_VERIFY 4316=item EV_VERIFY
4034 4317
4035Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4318Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4036be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4319be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
4037in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4320in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4038called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4321called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4039called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4322called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4040verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4323verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4044will be C<0>. 4327will be C<0>.
4045 4328
4046=item EV_COMMON 4329=item EV_COMMON
4047 4330
4048By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4331By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
4049this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4332this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
4050members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4333members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
4051though, and it must be identical each time. 4334though, and it must be identical each time.
4052 4335
4053For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4336For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
4054 4337
4255 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4538 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4256 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4539 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4257 } 4540 }
4258 4541
4259The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4542The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4260into C<ev_loop>: 4543into C<ev_run>:
4261 4544
4262 void * 4545 void *
4263 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4546 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4264 { 4547 {
4265 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4548 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4266 4549
4267 l_acquire (EV_A); 4550 l_acquire (EV_A);
4268 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4551 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4269 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4552 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4270 l_release (EV_A); 4553 l_release (EV_A);
4271 4554
4272 return 0; 4555 return 0;
4273 } 4556 }
4274 4557
4326 4609
4327=head3 COROUTINES 4610=head3 COROUTINES
4328 4611
4329Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4612Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4330libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4613libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4331coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4614coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4332different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4615different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4333the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4616the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4334that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4617that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4335 4618
4336Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4619Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4337C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4620C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4338they do not call any callbacks. 4621they do not call any callbacks.
4339 4622
4340=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4623=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4341 4624
4342Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4625Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4353maintainable. 4636maintainable.
4354 4637
4355And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4638And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4356wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4639wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4357seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4640seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4358warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4641warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4359been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4642been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4360such buggy versions. 4643such buggy versions.
4361 4644
4362While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4645While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4363"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4646"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4399I suggest using suppression lists. 4682I suggest using suppression lists.
4400 4683
4401 4684
4402=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4685=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4403 4686
4687=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4688
4689GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4690interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4691
4692That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4693files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4694
4695Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4696by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4697standard libev compiled for their system.
4698
4699Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4700suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4701i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4702
4703=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4704
4705The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4706you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4707OpenGL drivers.
4708
4709=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4710
4711The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4712only sockets, many support pipes.
4713
4714Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4715rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4716loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4717probably going to work well.
4718
4719=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4720
4721Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4722implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4723release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4724
4725Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4726this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4727a loop.
4728
4729=head3 C<select> is buggy
4730
4731All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4732one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4733descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4734you use more.
4735
4736There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4737C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4738work on OS/X.
4739
4740=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4741
4742=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4743
4744The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4745thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4746without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4747defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4748
4749If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4750it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4751
4752=head3 Event port backend
4753
4754The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4755ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4756releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4757a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4758and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4759are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4760great.
4761
4762If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4763the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4764C<select> backends.
4765
4766=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4767
4768AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4769this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4770compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4771with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4772
4404=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4773=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4774
4775=head3 General issues
4405 4776
4406Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4777Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4407requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4778requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4408model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4779model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4409the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4780the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4410descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4781descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4411e.g. cygwin. 4782e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4783as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4784environment.
4412 4785
4413Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4786Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4414re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4787re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4415things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4788then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4416way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4789also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4417 4790
4418There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4791There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4419embedding it into other applications. 4792embedding it into other applications.
4420 4793
4421Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4794Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4449you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4822you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4450 4823
4451 #include "evwrap.h" 4824 #include "evwrap.h"
4452 #include "ev.c" 4825 #include "ev.c"
4453 4826
4454=over 4
4455
4456=item The winsocket select function 4827=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4457 4828
4458The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4829The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4459requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4830requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4460also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4831also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4461requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4832requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4470 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4841 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4471 4842
4472Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4843Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4473complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4844complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4474 4845
4475=item Limited number of file descriptors 4846=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4476 4847
4477Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4848Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4478 4849
4479Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4850Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4480of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4851of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4495runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4866runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4496(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4867(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4497you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4868you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4498the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4869the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4499 4870
4500=back
4501
4502=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4871=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4503 4872
4504In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4873In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4505backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4874backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4506 4875
4512Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4881Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4513structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4882structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4514assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4883assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4515callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4884callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4516calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4885calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4886
4887=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4888
4889Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4890writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4517 4891
4518=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4892=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4519 4893
4520The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4894The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4521C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4895C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4544watchers. 4918watchers.
4545 4919
4546=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4920=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4547 4921
4548The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4922The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4549have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4923have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4550enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4924good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4925(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4551implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4926implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4552ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4927IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
45532200.
4554 4928
4555=back 4929=back
4556 4930
4557If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4931If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4558 4932
4628=back 5002=back
4629 5003
4630 5004
4631=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5005=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4632 5006
4633The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5007The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4634 5008
4635At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5009At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4636compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5010for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4637removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5011layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5012new API early than late.
4638 5013
4639=over 4 5014=over 4
4640 5015
4641=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 5016=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4642 5017
4643=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 5018The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5019C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5020section.
4644 5021
4645=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 5022=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5023
5024These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5025
5026 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5027 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5028
5029=item function/symbol renames
5030
5031A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5032
5033 ev_loop => ev_run
5034 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5035 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5036
5037 ev_unloop => ev_break
5038 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5039 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5040 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5041
5042 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5043
5044 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5045 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5046 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4646 5047
4647Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 5048Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4648C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is 5049C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5050associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5051ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5052as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4649still called C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the 5053C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4650C<ev_fork> typedef. 5054typedef.
4651
4652=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents>
4653
4654This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name
4655as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too.
4656
4657Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4658and continue to be present for the forseeable future, so this is mostly a
4659documentation change.
4660 5055
4661=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5056=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4662 5057
4663The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5058The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4664mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5059mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4671 5066
4672=over 4 5067=over 4
4673 5068
4674=item active 5069=item active
4675 5070
4676A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5071A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4677an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 5072See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4678 5073
4679=item application 5074=item application
4680 5075
4681In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5076In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5077
5078=item backend
5079
5080The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4682 5081
4683=item callback 5082=item callback
4684 5083
4685The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5084The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4686detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5085detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4687received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5086received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4688 5087
4689=item callback invocation 5088=item callback/watcher invocation
4690 5089
4691The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5090The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4692 5091
4693=item event 5092=item event
4694 5093
4713The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5112The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4714watchers and events. 5113watchers and events.
4715 5114
4716=item pending 5115=item pending
4717 5116
4718A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5117A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4719and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5118detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4720pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4721
4722A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4723its pending status.
4724 5119
4725=item real time 5120=item real time
4726 5121
4727The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5122The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4728 5123
4735=item watcher 5130=item watcher
4736 5131
4737A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5132A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4738to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5133to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4739 5134
4740=item watcher invocation
4741
4742The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4743
4744=back 5135=back
4745 5136
4746=head1 AUTHOR 5137=head1 AUTHOR
4747 5138
4748Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5139Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5140Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4749 5141

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