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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 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 68
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
447It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
448C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
449
450This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
387 451
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 453
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 454This 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, 455libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
419=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 483=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
420 484
421Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 485Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
422kernels). 486kernels).
423 487
424For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 488For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
425but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 489it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
426like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 490O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 491fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 492
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 493The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 494of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 495dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 496descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
497returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
498(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 4990.1ms) 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 500forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 501set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 502and is of course hard to detect.
437 503
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 504Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 505but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 506totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 507one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 508(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 509notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 510that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
511when required. Epoll also errornously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
512no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
513because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
514not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
515perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
516
517Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
518cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
519others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
445 520
446While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 521While 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 522will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
448incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 523incident (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 524I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
515=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 590=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
516 591
517This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 592This 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)). 593it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
519 594
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 595While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
525file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 596file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
526descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 597descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
527might perform better. 598might perform better.
528 599
529On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 600On 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 601specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
532OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 602among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
603hacks).
604
605On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
606even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
607function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
608occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
609even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where
610you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you
611have to re-arm the watcher.
612
613Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
533 614
534This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 615This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
535C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 616C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
536 617
537=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 618=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
538 619
539Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 620Try 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 621with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
541C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 622C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
542 623
543It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 624It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
625C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
626at all.
627
628=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
629
630Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
631C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
632value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
544 633
545=back 634=back
546 635
547If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 636If 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 637then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
549here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 638here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
550()> will be tried. 639()> will be tried.
551 640
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. 641Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
579 642
580 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 643 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
581 if (!epoller) 644 if (!epoller)
582 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 645 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
583 646
647Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
648used if available.
649
650 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
651
584=item ev_default_destroy () 652=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
585 653
586Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 654Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
587of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 655etc.). 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 656sense, 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, 657responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
590or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 658calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
591can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 659the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
660for example).
592 661
593Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 662Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
594handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 663handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
595as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 664as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
596 665
597In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 666This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
598rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 667C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
668C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
669
670Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
671except 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 672If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
600C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 673and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
601 674
602=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 675=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
603 676
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 677This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
610to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 678reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
611name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 679name, 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 680the 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 681child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
614functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
615 682
616Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 683Again, 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 684a 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 685because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
619during fork. 686during fork.
620 687
621On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 688On 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 689process 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 690you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
624it at all. 691call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
692difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
693costly reset of the backend).
625 694
626The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 695The 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 696it just in case after a fork.
628quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
629 697
698Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
699using pthreads.
700
701 static void
702 post_fork_child (void)
703 {
704 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
705 }
706
707 ...
630 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 708 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.
638 709
639=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 710=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
640 711
641Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 712Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
642otherwise. 713otherwise.
643 714
644=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 715=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
645 716
646Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 717Returns 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 718to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
648happily wraps around with enough iterations. 719and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
649 720
650This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 721This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
651"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 722"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
652C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 723C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
653prepare and check phases. 724prepare and check phases.
654 725
655=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 726=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
656 727
657Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 728Returns 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. 729times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
659 730
660Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 731Outside 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), 732C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
662in which case it is higher. 733in which case it is higher.
663 734
664Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 735Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
665etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 736throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
666ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 737as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
738convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
667 739
668=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 740=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
669 741
670Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 742Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
671use. 743use.
680 752
681=item ev_now_update (loop) 753=item ev_now_update (loop)
682 754
683Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 755Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
684returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 756returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
685is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 757is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
686 758
687This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 759This 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 760very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
689the current time is a good idea. 761the current time is a good idea.
690 762
692 764
693=item ev_suspend (loop) 765=item ev_suspend (loop)
694 766
695=item ev_resume (loop) 767=item ev_resume (loop)
696 768
697These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 769These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
698not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 770loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
699 771
700A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 772A 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 773the 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 774would 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> 775the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
705C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 777C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
706 778
707Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 779Effectively, 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 780between 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 781will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
710occured while suspended). 782occurred while suspended).
711 783
712After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 784After 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> 785given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
714without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 786without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
715 787
716Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 788Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
717event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 789event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
718 790
719=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 791=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
720 792
721Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 793Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
722after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 794after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
723handling events. 795handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
796the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
797is why event loops are called I<loops>.
724 798
725If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 799If 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. 800until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
801called.
727 802
728Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 803Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
729relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 804relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
730finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 805finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
731that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 806that 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 807of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
733beauty. 808beauty.
734 809
810This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
811a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
812exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
813will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
814
735A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 815A 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 816those 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 817block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
738the loop. 818iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
819events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
739 820
740A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 821A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
741necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 822necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
742will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 823will 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 824be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
744user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 825user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
745iteration of the loop. 826iteration of the loop.
746 827
747This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 828This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
748with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 829with 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 830own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
750usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 831usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
751 832
752Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 833Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
834understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
835future versions):
753 836
837 - Increment loop depth.
838 - Reset the ev_break status.
754 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 839 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
840 LOOP:
755 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 841 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
756 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 842 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
757 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 843 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
844 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
758 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 845 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
759 as to not disturb the other process. 846 as to not disturb the other process.
760 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 847 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
761 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 848 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
762 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 849 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
763 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 850 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
764 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 851 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
765 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 852 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
853 - Increment loop iteration counter.
766 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 854 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
767 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 855 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
768 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 856 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
769 - Queue all expired timers. 857 - Queue all expired timers.
770 - Queue all expired periodics. 858 - Queue all expired periodics.
771 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 859 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
772 - Queue all check watchers. 860 - Queue all check watchers.
773 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 861 - 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 862 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
775 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 863 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
776 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 864 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
777 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 865 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
778 continue with step *. 866 continue with step LOOP.
867 FINISH:
868 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
869 - Decrement the loop depth.
870 - Return.
779 871
780Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 872Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
781anymore. 873anymore.
782 874
783 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 875 ... 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..) 876 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
785 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 877 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
786 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 878 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
787 879
788=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 880=item ev_break (loop, how)
789 881
790Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 882Can 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 883has 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 884C<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. 885C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
794 886
795This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 887This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
796 888
797It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 889It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
890which case it will have no effect.
798 891
799=item ev_ref (loop) 892=item ev_ref (loop)
800 893
801=item ev_unref (loop) 894=item ev_unref (loop)
802 895
803Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 896Ref/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 897loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
805count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 898count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
806 899
807This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 900This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
808unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 901unregister, 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> 902returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
810before stopping it. 903before stopping it.
811 904
812As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 905As 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 906is 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 907exiting 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 908excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
816third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 909third-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 910before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
818before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 911before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
819(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 912(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
820in the callback). 913in the callback).
821 914
822Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 915Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
823running when nothing else is active. 916running when nothing else is active.
824 917
825 ev_signal exitsig; 918 ev_signal exitsig;
826 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 919 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
827 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 920 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
828 evf_unref (loop); 921 ev_unref (loop);
829 922
830Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 923Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
831 924
832 ev_ref (loop); 925 ev_ref (loop);
833 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 926 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
872usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 965usually 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 966as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
874you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 967you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
875parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 968parallelity, 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, 969need 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). 970then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
878 971
879Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 972Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
880saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 973saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
881are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 974are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
882times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 975times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
890 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 983 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
891 984
892=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 985=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
893 986
894This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 987This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
895pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 988pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
896but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 989but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
990function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
991when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
992event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
993thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
897 994
898=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 995=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
899 996
900Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 997Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
901are pending. 998are pending.
902 999
903=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 1000=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
904 1001
905This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 1002This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
906invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 1003invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
907this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 1004this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
908invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1005invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
909 1006
910If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1007If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
911callback. 1008callback.
914 1011
915Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1012Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
916can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1013can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
917each call to a libev function. 1014each call to a libev function.
918 1015
919However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1016However, 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 1017to 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> 1018loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
922and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1019I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
923 1020
924When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1021When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
925suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1022suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
926afterwards. 1023afterwards.
927 1024
930 1027
931While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1028While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
932C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1029C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
933modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1030modifications 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 1031have 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 1032waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
936to take note of any changes you made. 1033to take note of any changes you made.
937 1034
938In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1035In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
939invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1036invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
940 1037
941See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1038See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
942document. 1039document.
943 1040
944=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1041=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
945 1042
946=item ev_userdata (loop) 1043=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
947 1044
948Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1045Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
949C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1046C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
950C<0.> 1047C<0>.
951 1048
952These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1049These 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 1050and 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 1051C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
955any other purpose as well. 1052any other purpose as well.
956 1053
957=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1054=item ev_verify (loop)
958 1055
959This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1056This 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 1057compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
961through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1058through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
962is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1059is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
973 1070
974In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1071In 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 1072watcher 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. 1073watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
977 1074
978A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1075A 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 1076your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
980become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1077to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1078for that:
981 1079
982 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1080 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
983 { 1081 {
984 ev_io_stop (w); 1082 ev_io_stop (w);
985 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1083 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
986 } 1084 }
987 1085
988 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1086 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
989 1087
990 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1088 ev_io stdin_watcher;
991 1089
992 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1090 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
993 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1091 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
994 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1092 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
995 1093
996 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1094 ev_run (loop, 0);
997 1095
998As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1096As 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 1097watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1000stack). 1098stack).
1001 1099
1002Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1100Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1003or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1101or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1004 1102
1005Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1103Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1006(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1104*, 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 1105invoked 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 1106time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1009is readable and/or writable). 1107and/or writable).
1010 1108
1011Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1109Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1012macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1110macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1013is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1111is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1014ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1112ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1065 1163
1066=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1164=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1067 1165
1068=item C<EV_CHECK> 1166=item C<EV_CHECK>
1069 1167
1070All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1168All 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 1169to 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 1170C<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 1171received 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 1172many 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 1173(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1076C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1174C<ev_run> from blocking).
1077 1175
1078=item C<EV_EMBED> 1176=item C<EV_EMBED>
1079 1177
1080The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1178The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1081 1179
1082=item C<EV_FORK> 1180=item C<EV_FORK>
1083 1181
1084The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1182The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1085C<ev_fork>). 1183C<ev_fork>).
1184
1185=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1186
1187The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1086 1188
1087=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1189=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1088 1190
1089The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1191The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1090 1192
1263See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1365See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1264functions that do not need a watcher. 1366functions that do not need a watcher.
1265 1367
1266=back 1368=back
1267 1369
1370See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR
1371OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1268 1372
1269=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1373=head2 WATCHER STATES
1270 1374
1271Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1375There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1272and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1376active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1273to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1377transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1274don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1378rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1275member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1276data:
1277 1379
1278 struct my_io 1380=over 4
1279 {
1280 ev_io io;
1281 int otherfd;
1282 void *somedata;
1283 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1284 };
1285 1381
1286 ... 1382=item initialiased
1287 struct my_io w;
1288 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1289 1383
1290And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1384Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1291can cast it back to your own type: 1385initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1386C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1292 1387
1293 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents) 1388In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1294 { 1389use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1295 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1390will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1296 ... 1391C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1297 }
1298 1392
1299More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1393=item started/running/active
1300instead have been omitted.
1301 1394
1302Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple 1395Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1303embedded watchers: 1396property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1397this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1398freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1399and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1304 1400
1305 struct my_biggy 1401=item pending
1306 {
1307 int some_data;
1308 ev_timer t1;
1309 ev_timer t2;
1310 }
1311 1402
1312In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more 1403If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1313complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct 1404in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1314in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use 1405stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1315some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real 1406about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1316programmers): 1407callback.
1317 1408
1318 #include <stddef.h> 1409The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1410an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1411is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1412but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1413moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1414previous item still apply.
1319 1415
1320 static void 1416It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1321 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1417via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1322 { 1418active.
1323 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1324 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1325 }
1326 1419
1327 static void 1420=item stopped
1328 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1421
1329 { 1422A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1330 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1423be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1331 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1424latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1332 } 1425of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1426freeing it is often a good idea.
1427
1428While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1429initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1430you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1431it again).
1432
1433=back
1333 1434
1334=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1435=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1335 1436
1336Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1437Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1337integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1438integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1380 1481
1381For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1482For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1382you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1483you 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 1484the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1384processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1485processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1385continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1486continuously 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 1487the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1387workable. 1488workable.
1388 1489
1389Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1490Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1390miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1491miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1464In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1565In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1465fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1566fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1466descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1567descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1467required if you know what you are doing). 1568required if you know what you are doing).
1468 1569
1469If 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
1471C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1472descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1473files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1474
1475Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1570Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1476receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1571receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1477be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1572be 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 1573because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1479lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1574with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1480this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1575use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1481it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1482C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1576preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1483 1577
1484If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1578If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1485not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1579not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1486re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1580re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1487interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1581interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1488does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1582this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1489use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1583use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1490indefinitely. 1584indefinitely.
1491 1585
1492But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1586But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1493 1587
1521 1615
1522There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1616There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1523for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1617for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1524C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1618C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1525 1619
1620=head3 The special problem of files
1621
1622Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1623representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1624doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1625
1626However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1627notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1628there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1629always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1630write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1631
1632Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1633devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1634on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1635will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1636wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1637
1638Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1639mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1640to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1641convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1642usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1643(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1644F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1645asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1646it "just works" instead of freezing.
1647
1648So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1649libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1650when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1651reuse the same code path.
1652
1526=head3 The special problem of fork 1653=head3 The special problem of fork
1527 1654
1528Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1655Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1529useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1656useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1530it in the child. 1657it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1531 1658
1532To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1659To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1533C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1660()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1534enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1661C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1535C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1536 1662
1537=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1663=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1538 1664
1539While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1665While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1540when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1666when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1622 ... 1748 ...
1623 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1749 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1624 ev_io stdin_readable; 1750 ev_io stdin_readable;
1625 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1751 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1626 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1752 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1627 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1753 ev_run (loop, 0);
1628 1754
1629 1755
1630=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1756=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1631 1757
1632Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1758Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1641The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1767The 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 1768passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1643might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1769might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1644same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1770same 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 1771before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1646no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1772no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1647 1773
1648=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1774=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1649 1775
1650Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1776Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1651recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1777recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1737 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1863 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1738 1864
1739 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1865 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1740 if (timeout < now) 1866 if (timeout < now)
1741 { 1867 {
1742 // timeout occured, take action 1868 // timeout occurred, take action
1743 } 1869 }
1744 else 1870 else
1745 { 1871 {
1746 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1872 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1747 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1873 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1822 1948
1823=head3 The special problem of time updates 1949=head3 The special problem of time updates
1824 1950
1825Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1951Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1826least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1952least 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 1953time 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 1954growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1829lots of events in one iteration. 1955lots of events in one iteration.
1830 1956
1831The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1957The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1832time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1958time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1949 } 2075 }
1950 2076
1951 ev_timer mytimer; 2077 ev_timer mytimer;
1952 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2078 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1953 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2079 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1954 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2080 ev_run (loop, 0);
1955 2081
1956 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2082 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1957 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2083 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1958 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2084 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1959 2085
1985 2111
1986As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2112As 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 2113point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1988timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2114timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1989earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2115earlier 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). 2116(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1991 2117
1992=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2118=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1993 2119
1994=over 4 2120=over 4
1995 2121
2030 2156
2031Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2157Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2032C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2158C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2033time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2159time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2034 2160
2035For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2161The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2036C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2162interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2037this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2163microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2164at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2165ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2166C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2038 2167
2039Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2168Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2040speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2169speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2041will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2170will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2042millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2171millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2123Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2252Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2124system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2253system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2125potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2254potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2126 2255
2127 static void 2256 static void
2128 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2257 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2129 { 2258 {
2130 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2259 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2131 } 2260 }
2132 2261
2133 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2262 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2156 2285
2157=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2286=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2158 2287
2159Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2288Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2160signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2289signal 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 2290will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2162normal event processing, like any other event. 2291normal event processing, like any other event.
2163 2292
2164If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2293If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2165C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2294C<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 2295the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2185=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2314=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2186 2315
2187Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2316Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2188(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2317(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2189stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2318stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2190and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2319and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2320see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2191 2321
2192While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2322While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2193sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2323sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2194C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2324C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2195certain signals to be blocked. 2325certain signals to be blocked.
2209 2339
2210So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2340So 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 2341you 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. 2342is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2213 2343
2344=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2345
2346POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2347a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2348threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2349
2350When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2351for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2352all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2353sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2354loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2355these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2356in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2357
2214=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2358=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2215 2359
2216=over 4 2360=over 4
2217 2361
2218=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2362=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2233Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2377Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2234 2378
2235 static void 2379 static void
2236 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2380 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2237 { 2381 {
2238 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2382 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2239 } 2383 }
2240 2384
2241 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2385 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2242 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2386 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2243 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2387 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2629 2773
2630Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2774Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2631prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2775prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2632afterwards. 2776afterwards.
2633 2777
2634You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2778You 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> 2779the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2636watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2780watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2637rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2781rationale 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, 2782those 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 2783C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2807 2951
2808 if (timeout >= 0) 2952 if (timeout >= 0)
2809 // create/start timer 2953 // create/start timer
2810 2954
2811 // poll 2955 // poll
2812 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2956 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2813 2957
2814 // stop timer again 2958 // stop timer again
2815 if (timeout >= 0) 2959 if (timeout >= 0)
2816 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2960 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2817 2961
2895if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3039if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2896 3040
2897=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3041=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2898 3042
2899Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3043Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2900similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3044similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2901appropriate way for embedded loops. 3045appropriate way for embedded loops.
2902 3046
2903=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3047=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2904 3048
2905The embedded event loop. 3049The embedded event loop.
2965C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3109C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2966handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3110handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2967 3111
2968=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3112=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2969 3113
2970Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3114Most 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 3115up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2972sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3116sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2973 3117
2974This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3118This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2975in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3119in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2991disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3135disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2992signal watchers). 3136signal watchers).
2993 3137
2994When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3138When 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 3139other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2996C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3140C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2997the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3141Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2998have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3142watchers, 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. 3143those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3144signal watchers.
3000 3145
3001=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3146=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3002 3147
3003=over 4 3148=over 4
3004 3149
3005=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3150=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3006 3151
3007Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3152Initialises 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, 3153kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3009believe me. 3154really.
3010 3155
3011=back 3156=back
3012 3157
3013 3158
3159=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3160
3161Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3162by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3163
3164While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3165watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3166program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3167loop when you want them to be invoked.
3168
3169Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3170all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3171makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3172can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3173
3174=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3175
3176=over 4
3177
3178=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3179
3180Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3181any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3182pointless, I assure you.
3183
3184=back
3185
3186Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3187cleanup functions are called.
3188
3189 static void
3190 program_exits (void)
3191 {
3192 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3193 }
3194
3195 ...
3196 atexit (program_exits);
3197
3198
3014=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3199=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3015 3200
3016In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3201In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3017asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3202asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3018loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3203loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3019 3204
3020Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3205Sometimes, 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 3206for 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 3207watchers 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 3208it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3024safe.
3025 3209
3026This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3210This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3027too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3211too, 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 3212(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3029C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3213C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3214of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3215signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3216even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3030 3217
3031Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3218Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3032just the default loop. 3219just the default loop.
3033 3220
3034=head3 Queueing 3221=head3 Queueing
3129trust me. 3316trust me.
3130 3317
3131=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3318=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3132 3319
3133Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3320Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3134an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3321an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3322returns.
3323
3135C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3324Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3136similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3325signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3137section below on what exactly this means). 3326embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3138 3327
3139Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3328Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3140compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3329compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3141is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3330is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3142reset when the event loop detects that). 3331reset when the event loop detects that).
3210Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3399Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3211the given events it. 3400the given events it.
3212 3401
3213=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3402=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3214 3403
3215Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3404Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3216loop!). 3405which is async-safe.
3217 3406
3218=back 3407=back
3408
3409
3410=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3411
3412This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3413obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3414section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3415
3416=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3417
3418Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3419or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3420to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3421don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3422data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3423data:
3424
3425 struct my_io
3426 {
3427 ev_io io;
3428 int otherfd;
3429 void *somedata;
3430 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3431 };
3432
3433 ...
3434 struct my_io w;
3435 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3436
3437And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3438can cast it back to your own type:
3439
3440 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3441 {
3442 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3443 ...
3444 }
3445
3446More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3447function type instead have been omitted.
3448
3449=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3450
3451Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3452embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3453multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3454
3455 struct my_biggy
3456 {
3457 int some_data;
3458 ev_timer t1;
3459 ev_timer t2;
3460 }
3461
3462In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3463complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3464the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3465to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3466real programmers):
3467
3468 #include <stddef.h>
3469
3470 static void
3471 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3472 {
3473 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3474 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3475 }
3476
3477 static void
3478 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3479 {
3480 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3481 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3482 }
3483
3484=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3485
3486Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3487I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3488invoking C<ev_run>.
3489
3490This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3491main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3492a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3493and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3494other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3495
3496The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3497invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3498triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3499
3500 // main loop
3501 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3502
3503 while (!exit_main_loop)
3504 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3505
3506 // in a model watcher
3507 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3508
3509 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3510 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3511
3512To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3513
3514 // exit modal loop
3515 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3516
3517 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3518 exit_main_loop = 1;
3519
3520 // exit both
3521 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3522
3523=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3524
3525Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3526thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3527created/added/removed.
3528
3529For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3530which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3531languages).
3532
3533The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3534variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3535event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3536
3537First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3538
3539 typedef struct {
3540 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3541 ev_async async_w;
3542 thread_t tid;
3543 cond_t invoke_cv;
3544 } userdata;
3545
3546 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3547 {
3548 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3549 static userdata u;
3550
3551 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3552 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3553
3554 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3555 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3556
3557 // now associate this with the loop
3558 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3559 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3560 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3561
3562 // then create the thread running ev_run
3563 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3564 }
3565
3566The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3567solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3568that might have been added:
3569
3570 static void
3571 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3572 {
3573 // just used for the side effects
3574 }
3575
3576The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3577protecting the loop data, respectively.
3578
3579 static void
3580 l_release (EV_P)
3581 {
3582 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3583 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3584 }
3585
3586 static void
3587 l_acquire (EV_P)
3588 {
3589 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3590 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3591 }
3592
3593The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3594into C<ev_run>:
3595
3596 void *
3597 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3598 {
3599 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3600
3601 l_acquire (EV_A);
3602 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3603 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3604 l_release (EV_A);
3605
3606 return 0;
3607 }
3608
3609Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3610signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3611writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3612have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3613and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3614watchers is very beneficial):
3615
3616 static void
3617 l_invoke (EV_P)
3618 {
3619 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3620
3621 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3622 {
3623 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3624 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3625 }
3626 }
3627
3628Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3629will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3630thread to continue:
3631
3632 static void
3633 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3634 {
3635 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3636
3637 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3638 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3639 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3640 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3641 }
3642
3643Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3644event loop, you will now have to lock:
3645
3646 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3647 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3648
3649 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3650
3651 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3652 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3653 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3654 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3655
3656Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3657an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3658about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3659watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3660
3661=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3662
3663While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3664is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3665kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3666doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3667
3668Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3669C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3670and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3671global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3672event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3673the differing C<;> conventions):
3674
3675 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3676 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3677
3678That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3679coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3680your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3681
3682A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3683C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3684matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3685called):
3686
3687 void
3688 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3689 {
3690 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro;
3691 switch_to (libev_coro);
3692 }
3693
3694That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3695continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3696this or any other coroutine. I am sure if you sue this your own :)
3697
3698You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3699instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3700switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3701any waiters.
3702
3703To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3704files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3705
3706 // my_ev.h
3707 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3708 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3709 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3710
3711 // my_ev.c
3712 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3713 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3714
3715And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3716F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3717can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3219 3718
3220 3719
3221=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3720=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3222 3721
3223Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3722Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3224emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3723emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3225 3724
3226=over 4 3725=over 4
3726
3727=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3728
3729This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3730and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3227 3731
3228=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3732=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3229 3733
3230=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3734=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3231ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3735ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3237=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3741=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3238will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3742will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3239is an ev_pri field. 3743is an ev_pri field.
3240 3744
3241=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3745=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3242first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3746base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3243 3747
3244=item * Other members are not supported. 3748=item * Other members are not supported.
3245 3749
3246=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3750=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3247to use the libev header file and library. 3751to use the libev header file and library.
3266Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3770Care 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 3771classes 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 3772that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3269you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3773you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3270 3774
3271Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3775Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3272used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3776with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3273need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3777to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3274types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3778you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3275it). 3779(preferably after implementing it).
3276 3780
3277Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3781Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3278 3782
3279=over 4 3783=over 4
3280 3784
3341 myclass obj; 3845 myclass obj;
3342 ev::io iow; 3846 ev::io iow;
3343 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3847 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3344 3848
3345=item w->set (object *) 3849=item w->set (object *)
3346
3347This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3348 3850
3349This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3851This 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 3852will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3351functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3853functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3352the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3854the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3392Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3894Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3393do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3895do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3394 3896
3395=item w->set ([arguments]) 3897=item w->set ([arguments])
3396 3898
3397Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3899Basically 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 3900method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3399automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3901C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3400method. 3902when reconfiguring it with this method.
3401 3903
3402=item w->start () 3904=item w->start ()
3403 3905
3404Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3906Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3405constructor already stores the event loop. 3907constructor already stores the event loop.
3406 3908
3909=item w->start ([arguments])
3910
3911Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3912convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3913the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3914
3407=item w->stop () 3915=item w->stop ()
3408 3916
3409Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3917Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3410 3918
3411=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3919=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3423 3931
3424=back 3932=back
3425 3933
3426=back 3934=back
3427 3935
3428Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3936Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3429the constructor. 3937watchers in the constructor.
3430 3938
3431 class myclass 3939 class myclass
3432 { 3940 {
3433 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3941 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3942 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3434 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3943 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3435 3944
3436 myclass (int fd) 3945 myclass (int fd)
3437 { 3946 {
3438 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3947 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3948 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3439 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3949 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3440 3950
3441 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3951 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3952 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3953
3954 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3442 } 3955 }
3443 }; 3956 };
3444 3957
3445 3958
3446=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3959=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3520loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 4033loop 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: 4034C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3522 4035
3523 ev_unref (EV_A); 4036 ev_unref (EV_A);
3524 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 4037 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3525 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4038 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3526 4039
3527It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 4040It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3528which is often provided by the following macro. 4041which is often provided by the following macro.
3529 4042
3530=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 4043=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3570 } 4083 }
3571 4084
3572 ev_check check; 4085 ev_check check;
3573 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 4086 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3574 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 4087 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3575 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 4088 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3576 4089
3577=head1 EMBEDDING 4090=head1 EMBEDDING
3578 4091
3579Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 4092Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3580applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 4093applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3672users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible 4185users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3673settings. 4186settings.
3674 4187
3675=over 4 4188=over 4
3676 4189
4190=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
4191
4192Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
4193release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
4194have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
4195
4196You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
4197versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
4198sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
4199from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
4200typedef in that case.
4201
4202In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
4203and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
4204removed completely.
4205
3677=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 4206=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3678 4207
3679Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 4208Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3680keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 4209keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3681implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 4210implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3682supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4211supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3683F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4212F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3684 4213
3685In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4214In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3686configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4215configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4216
4217=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4218
4219If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4220periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4221portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4222link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4223function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4224this.
3687 4225
3688=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4226=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3689 4227
3690If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4228If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3691monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4229monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3887EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE, 4425EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3888EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE. 4426EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3889 4427
3890If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then 4428If 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 4429the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3892is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize. 4430is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3893 4431
3894=item EV_FEATURES 4432=item EV_FEATURES
3895 4433
3896If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4434If 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 4435speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3917 4455
3918=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4456=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3919 4457
3920Use larger code to speed up some operations. 4458Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3921 4459
3922Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly 4460Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
392330% code size on amd64. 4461code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
3924 4462
3925When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4463When 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 4464gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3927assertions. 4465assertions.
3928 4466
3929=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4467=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3930 4468
3931Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4469Replaces 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 4470hash 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 4471and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3934runtime. 4472runtime.
3935 4473
3936=item C<4> - full API configuration 4474=item C<4> - full API configuration
3937 4475
3974I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4512I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3975 4513
3976=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4514=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3977 4515
3978If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4516If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3979functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize 4517functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
3980somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your 4518somewhat, 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 4519libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3982big. 4520big.
3983 4521
3984Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is 4522Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3988 4526
3989The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4527The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3990signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4528signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3991automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4529automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3992specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4530specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3993good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4531good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3994statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4532statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3995 4533
3996=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4534=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3997 4535
3998C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4536C<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 4568The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4031will be C<0>. 4569will be C<0>.
4032 4570
4033=item EV_VERIFY 4571=item EV_VERIFY
4034 4572
4035Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4573Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4036be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4574be 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 4575in. 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 4576called. 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 4577called 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 4578verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4044will be C<0>. 4582will be C<0>.
4045 4583
4046=item EV_COMMON 4584=item EV_COMMON
4047 4585
4048By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4586By 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 4587this 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, 4588members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
4051though, and it must be identical each time. 4589though, and it must be identical each time.
4052 4590
4053For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4591For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
4054 4592
4123And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4661And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4124 4662
4125 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4663 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4126 #include "ev.c" 4664 #include "ev.c"
4127 4665
4128=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4666=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4129 4667
4130=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4668=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4131 4669
4132=head3 THREADS 4670=head3 THREADS
4133 4671
4184default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4722default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4185watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4723watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4186 4724
4187=back 4725=back
4188 4726
4189=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 4727See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4190
4191Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4192thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4193created/added/removed.
4194
4195For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4196which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4197languages).
4198
4199The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4200variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4201event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4202
4203First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4204
4205 typedef struct {
4206 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4207 ev_async async_w;
4208 thread_t tid;
4209 cond_t invoke_cv;
4210 } userdata;
4211
4212 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4213 {
4214 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4215 static userdata u;
4216
4217 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4218 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4219
4220 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4221 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4222
4223 // now associate this with the loop
4224 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4225 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4226 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4227
4228 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4229 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4230 }
4231
4232The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4233solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4234that might have been added:
4235
4236 static void
4237 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4238 {
4239 // just used for the side effects
4240 }
4241
4242The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4243protecting the loop data, respectively.
4244
4245 static void
4246 l_release (EV_P)
4247 {
4248 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4249 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4250 }
4251
4252 static void
4253 l_acquire (EV_P)
4254 {
4255 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4256 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4257 }
4258
4259The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4260into C<ev_loop>:
4261
4262 void *
4263 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4264 {
4265 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4266
4267 l_acquire (EV_A);
4268 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4269 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4270 l_release (EV_A);
4271
4272 return 0;
4273 }
4274
4275Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4276signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4277writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4278have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4279and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4280watchers is very beneficial):
4281
4282 static void
4283 l_invoke (EV_P)
4284 {
4285 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4286
4287 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4288 {
4289 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4290 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4291 }
4292 }
4293
4294Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4295will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4296thread to continue:
4297
4298 static void
4299 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4300 {
4301 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4302
4303 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4304 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4305 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4306 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4307 }
4308
4309Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4310event loop, you will now have to lock:
4311
4312 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4313 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4314
4315 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4316
4317 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4318 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4319 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4320 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4321
4322Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4323an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4324about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4325watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4326 4728
4327=head3 COROUTINES 4729=head3 COROUTINES
4328 4730
4329Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4731Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4330libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4732libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4331coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4733coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4332different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4734different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4333the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4735the 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. 4736that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4335 4737
4336Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4738Care 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 4739C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4338they do not call any callbacks. 4740they do not call any callbacks.
4339 4741
4340=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4742=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4341 4743
4342Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4744Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4353maintainable. 4755maintainable.
4354 4756
4355And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4757And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4356wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4758wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4357seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4759seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4358warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4760warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4359been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4761been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4360such buggy versions. 4762such buggy versions.
4361 4763
4362While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4764While 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 4765"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4399I suggest using suppression lists. 4801I suggest using suppression lists.
4400 4802
4401 4803
4402=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4804=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4403 4805
4806=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4807
4808GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4809interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4810
4811That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4812files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4813
4814Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4815by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4816standard libev compiled for their system.
4817
4818Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4819suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4820i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4821
4822=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4823
4824The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4825you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4826OpenGL drivers.
4827
4828=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4829
4830The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4831only sockets, many support pipes.
4832
4833Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4834rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4835loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4836probably going to work well.
4837
4838=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4839
4840Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4841implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4842release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4843
4844Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4845this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4846a loop.
4847
4848=head3 C<select> is buggy
4849
4850All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4851one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4852descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4853you use more.
4854
4855There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4856C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4857work on OS/X.
4858
4859=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4860
4861=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4862
4863The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4864thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4865without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4866defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4867
4868If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4869it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4870
4871=head3 Event port backend
4872
4873The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4874ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4875releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4876a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4877and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4878are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4879great.
4880
4881If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4882the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4883C<select> backends.
4884
4885=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4886
4887AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4888this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4889compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4890with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4891
4404=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4892=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4893
4894=head3 General issues
4405 4895
4406Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4896Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4407requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4897requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4408model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4898model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4409the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4899the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4410descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4900descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4411e.g. cygwin. 4901e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4902as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4903environment.
4412 4904
4413Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4905Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4414re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4906re-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 4907then 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). 4908also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4417 4909
4418There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4910There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4419embedding it into other applications. 4911embedding it into other applications.
4420 4912
4421Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4913Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4449you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4941you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4450 4942
4451 #include "evwrap.h" 4943 #include "evwrap.h"
4452 #include "ev.c" 4944 #include "ev.c"
4453 4945
4454=over 4
4455
4456=item The winsocket select function 4946=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4457 4947
4458The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4948The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4459requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4949requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4460also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4950also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4461requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4951requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4470 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4960 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4471 4961
4472Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4962Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4473complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4963complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4474 4964
4475=item Limited number of file descriptors 4965=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4476 4966
4477Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4967Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4478 4968
4479Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4969Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4480of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4970of 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 4985runtime 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, 4986(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 4987you 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. 4988the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4499 4989
4500=back
4501
4502=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4990=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4503 4991
4504In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4992In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4505backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4993backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4506 4994
4512Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 5000Libev 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 5001structure (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 5002assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4515callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5003callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4516calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5004calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5005
5006=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5007
5008Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5009writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4517 5010
4518=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5011=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4519 5012
4520The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5013The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4521C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5014C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4544watchers. 5037watchers.
4545 5038
4546=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 5039=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4547 5040
4548The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5041The 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 5042have 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 5043good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
5044(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4551implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 5045implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4552ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 5046IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
45532200.
4554 5047
4555=back 5048=back
4556 5049
4557If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5050If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4558 5051
4628=back 5121=back
4629 5122
4630 5123
4631=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5124=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4632 5125
4633The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5126The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4634 5127
4635At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5128At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4636compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5129for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4637removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5130layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5131new API early than late.
4638 5132
4639=over 4 5133=over 4
4640 5134
4641=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 5135=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4642 5136
4643=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 5137The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5138C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5139section.
4644 5140
4645=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 5141=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5142
5143These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5144
5145 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5146 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5147
5148=item function/symbol renames
5149
5150A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5151
5152 ev_loop => ev_run
5153 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5154 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5155
5156 ev_unloop => ev_break
5157 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5158 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5159 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5160
5161 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5162
5163 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5164 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5165 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4646 5166
4647Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 5167Most 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 5168C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5169associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5170ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5171as 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 5172C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4650C<ev_fork> typedef. 5173typedef.
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 5174
4661=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5175=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4662 5176
4663The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5177The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4664mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5178mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4671 5185
4672=over 4 5186=over 4
4673 5187
4674=item active 5188=item active
4675 5189
4676A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5190A 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). 5191See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4678 5192
4679=item application 5193=item application
4680 5194
4681In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5195In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5196
5197=item backend
5198
5199The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4682 5200
4683=item callback 5201=item callback
4684 5202
4685The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5203The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4686detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5204detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4687received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5205received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4688 5206
4689=item callback invocation 5207=item callback/watcher invocation
4690 5208
4691The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5209The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4692 5210
4693=item event 5211=item event
4694 5212
4713The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5231The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4714watchers and events. 5232watchers and events.
4715 5233
4716=item pending 5234=item pending
4717 5235
4718A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5236A 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 5237detected. 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 5238
4725=item real time 5239=item real time
4726 5240
4727The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5241The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4728 5242
4729=item wall-clock time 5243=item wall-clock time
4730 5244
4731The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5245The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4732be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5246be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4733clock. 5247clock.
4734 5248
4735=item watcher 5249=item watcher
4736 5250
4737A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5251A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4738to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5252to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4739 5253
4740=item watcher invocation
4741
4742The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4743
4744=back 5254=back
4745 5255
4746=head1 AUTHOR 5256=head1 AUTHOR
4747 5257
4748Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5258Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5259Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4749 5260

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