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8 8
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 9=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 10
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program events. 13these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 14
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 17communicate events via a callback mechanism.
18 18
25 25
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). 30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing
32it to libevent for example).
31 33
32=head1 CONVENTIONS 34=head1 CONVENTIONS
33 35
34Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration
35will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info
36about various configuraiton options please have a look at the file 38about various configuration options please have a look at the file
37F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without
38support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial
39argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>)
40will not have this argument. 42will not have this argument.
41 43
42=head1 TIME AND OTHER GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
43 45
44Libev represents time as a single floating point number. This type is 46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
45called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
46to the double type in C. 50to the double type in C.
47 51
52=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
53
54These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
55library in any way.
56
48=over 4 57=over 4
49 58
50=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 59=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
51 60
52Returns the current time as libev would use it. 61Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
62C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
63you actually want to know.
53 64
54=item int ev_version_major () 65=item int ev_version_major ()
55 66
56=item int ev_version_minor () 67=item int ev_version_minor ()
57 68
59you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 70you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
60C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 71C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
61symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 72symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
62version of the library your program was compiled against. 73version of the library your program was compiled against.
63 74
64Usually, its a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 75Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
65as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 76as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
66compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 77compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
67not a problem. 78not a problem.
68 79
69=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 80=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
70 81
71Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 82Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the
72realloc function). It is used to allocate and free memory (no surprises 83realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate
73here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be allocated, the library 84and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory
74might abort or take some potentially destructive action. The default is 85needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially
75your system realloc function. 86destructive action. The default is your system realloc function.
76 87
77You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 88You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
78free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 89free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
79or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 90or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
80 91
82 93
83Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 94Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such
84as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 95as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
85indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 96indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
86callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 97callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
87matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will geenrally retry the 98matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
88requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 99requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
89(such as abort). 100(such as abort).
90 101
91=back 102=back
92 103
95An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 106An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
96types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 107types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
97events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 108events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
98 109
99If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 110If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
100in your main thread (or in a separate thrad) and for each thread you 111in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
101create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no lockign 112create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
102whatsoever, so if you mix calls to different event loops, make sure you 113whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
103lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if done right). 114threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
115done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
104 116
105=over 4 117=over 4
106 118
107=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 119=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
108 120
113 125
114If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 126If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
115function. 127function.
116 128
117The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 129The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
118backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO) 130backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO).
119 131
120It supports the following flags: 132It supports the following flags:
121 133
122=over 4 134=over 4
123 135
124=item EVFLAG_AUTO 136=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
125 137
126The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (its the right 138The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
127thing, believe me). 139thing, believe me).
128 140
129=item EVFLAG_NOENV 141=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
130 142
131If this flag bit is ored into the flag value then libev will I<not> look 143If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
132at the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this 144or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
133environment variable will override the flags completely. This is useful 145C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
146override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
134to try out specific backends to tets their performance, or to work around 147useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
135bugs. 148around bugs.
136 149
137=item EVMETHOD_SELECT portable select backend 150=item C<EVMETHOD_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
138 151
152This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
153libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
154but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
155using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually
156the fastest backend for a low number of fds.
157
139=item EVMETHOD_POLL poll backend (everywhere except windows) 158=item C<EVMETHOD_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
140 159
141=item EVMETHOD_EPOLL linux only 160And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than
161select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the
162number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a
163lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
142 164
143=item EVMETHOD_KQUEUE some bsds only 165=item C<EVMETHOD_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
144 166
145=item EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL solaris 8 only 167For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
168but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
169O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales
170either O(1) or O(active_fds).
146 171
147=item EVMETHOD_PORT solaris 10 only 172While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will
173result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
174(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
175best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very
176well if you register events for both fds.
177
178=item C<EVMETHOD_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
179
180Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
181was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with
182anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its
183completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" unless
184you explicitly specify the flags (i.e. you don't use EVFLAG_AUTO).
185
186It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
187kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
188course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an
189extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per
190incident, so its best to avoid that.
191
192=item C<EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
193
194This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
195
196=item C<EVMETHOD_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
197
198This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
199it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
200
201=item C<EVMETHOD_ALL>
202
203Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
204with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
205C<EVMETHOD_ALL & ~EVMETHOD_KQUEUE>.
206
207=back
148 208
149If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 209If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
150backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If one are 210backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
151specified, any backend will do. 211specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse
152 212order of their flag values :)
153=back
154 213
155=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 214=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
156 215
157Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 216Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
158always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 217always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
161 220
162=item ev_default_destroy () 221=item ev_default_destroy ()
163 222
164Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 223Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
165etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 224etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in
166any way whatsoever, although you cnanot rely on this :). 225any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :).
167 226
168=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 227=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
169 228
170Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 229Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
171earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 230earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
175This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 234This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have
176one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 235one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense
177after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 236after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that
178again makes little sense). 237again makes little sense).
179 238
180You I<must> call this function after forking if and only if you want to 239You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and
181use the event library in both processes. If you just fork+exec, you don't 240only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just
182have to call it. 241fork+exec, you don't have to call it.
183 242
184The function itself is quite fast and its usually not a problem to call 243The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
185it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 244it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
186quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 245quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
187 246
188 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 247 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
189 248
196=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 255=item unsigned int ev_method (loop)
197 256
198Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 257Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in
199use. 258use.
200 259
201=item ev_tstamp = ev_now (loop) 260=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
202 261
203Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 262Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
204got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 263got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change
205as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time 264as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time
206used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event 265used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event
215If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either 274If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either
216no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 275no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
217 276
218A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 277A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
219those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 278those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
220case there are no events. 279case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
221 280
222A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 281A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
223neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 282neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
224your process until at least one new event arrives. 283your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
284one iteration of the loop.
225 285
226This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping 286This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping
227constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and 287constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and
228more generic mechanism. 288more generic mechanism.
229 289
290Here are the gory details of what ev_loop does:
291
292 1. If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
293 2. Queue and immediately call all prepare watchers.
294 3. If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
295 4. Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
296 5. Update the "event loop time".
297 6. Calculate for how long to block.
298 7. Block the process, waiting for events.
299 8. Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
300 9. Queue all outstanding timers.
301 10. Queue all outstanding periodics.
302 11. If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
303 12. Queue all check watchers.
304 13. Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
305 14. If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
306 was used, return, otherwise continue with step #1.
307
230=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 308=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
231 309
232Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early. The C<how> argument 310Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
311has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
233must be either C<EVUNLOOP_ONCE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> 312C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
234call return, or C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> 313C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
235calls return.
236 314
237=item ev_ref (loop) 315=item ev_ref (loop)
238 316
239=item ev_unref (loop) 317=item ev_unref (loop)
240 318
241Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a refcount on the event loop: Every 319Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
242watcher keeps one reference. If you have a long-runing watcher you never 320loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
243unregister that should not keep ev_loop from running, ev_unref() after 321count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have
244starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. Libev itself uses this for 322a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from
245example for its internal signal pipe: It is not visible to you as a user 323returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
246and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if the work is done. It is 324example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
247also an excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from 325visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
248within third-party libraries. Just remember to unref after start and ref 326no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
249before stop. 327way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
328libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
250 329
251=back 330=back
252 331
253=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 332=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
254 333
255A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 334A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
256interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 335interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
257become readable, you would create an ev_io watcher for that: 336become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
258 337
259 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 338 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
260 { 339 {
261 ev_io_stop (w); 340 ev_io_stop (w);
262 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 341 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
291 370
292As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 371As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
293must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 372must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
294reinitialise it or call its set method. 373reinitialise it or call its set method.
295 374
296You cna check wether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active 375You can check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
297(watcher *)> macro. To see wether an event is outstanding (but the 376(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the
298callback for it has not been called yet) you cna use the C<ev_is_pending 377callback for it has not been called yet) you can use the C<ev_is_pending
299(watcher *)> macro. 378(watcher *)> macro.
300 379
301Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 380Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
302registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 381registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
303third argument. 382third argument.
304 383
305The rceeived events usually include a single bit per event type received 384The received events usually include a single bit per event type received
306(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks 385(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks
307are: 386are:
308 387
309=over 4 388=over 4
310 389
311=item EV_READ 390=item C<EV_READ>
312 391
313=item EV_WRITE 392=item C<EV_WRITE>
314 393
315The file descriptor in the ev_io watcher has become readable and/or 394The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
316writable. 395writable.
317 396
318=item EV_TIMEOUT 397=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>
319 398
320The ev_timer watcher has timed out. 399The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
321 400
322=item EV_PERIODIC 401=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
323 402
324The ev_periodic watcher has timed out. 403The C<ev_periodic> watcher has timed out.
325 404
326=item EV_SIGNAL 405=item C<EV_SIGNAL>
327 406
328The signal specified in the ev_signal watcher has been received by a thread. 407The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
329 408
330=item EV_CHILD 409=item C<EV_CHILD>
331 410
332The pid specified in the ev_child watcher has received a status change. 411The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
333 412
334=item EV_IDLE 413=item C<EV_IDLE>
335 414
336The ev_idle watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 415The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
337 416
338=item EV_PREPARE 417=item C<EV_PREPARE>
339 418
340=item EV_CHECK 419=item C<EV_CHECK>
341 420
342All ev_prepare watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 421All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts
343to gather new events, and all ev_check watchers are invoked just after 422to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
344C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 423C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
345received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 424received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
346many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 425many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
347(for example, a ev_prepare watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 426(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
348C<ev_loop> from blocking). 427C<ev_loop> from blocking).
349 428
350=item EV_ERROR 429=item C<EV_ERROR>
351 430
352An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 431An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
353happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 432happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
354ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 433ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
355problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 434problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
364=back 443=back
365 444
366=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 445=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
367 446
368Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 447Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
369and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This cna be used 448and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
370to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 449to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
371don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 450don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
372member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 451member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
373data: 452data:
374 453
396=head1 WATCHER TYPES 475=head1 WATCHER TYPES
397 476
398This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 477This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
399information given in the last section. 478information given in the last section.
400 479
401=head2 struct ev_io - is my file descriptor readable or writable 480=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable
402 481
403I/O watchers check wether a file descriptor is readable or writable 482I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
404in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 483in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called
405level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 484level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the
406condition persists. Remember you cna stop the watcher if you don't want to 485condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to
407act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 486act on the event and neither want to receive future events).
408 487
488In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
489fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
490descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
491required if you know what you are doing).
492
493You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
494(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
495descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
496to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share
497the same underlying "file open").
498
499If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
500(at the time of this writing, this includes only EVMETHOD_SELECT and
501EVMETHOD_POLL).
502
409=over 4 503=over 4
410 504
411=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 505=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
412 506
413=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 507=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
414 508
415Configures an ev_io watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 509Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive
416events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 510events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ |
417EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 511EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
418 512
419=back 513=back
420 514
421=head2 struct ev_timer - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 515=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts
422 516
423Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 517Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
424given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 518given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
425 519
426The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 520The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
427times out after an hour and youreset your system clock to last years 521times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years
428time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 522time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
429detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 523detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
430monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 524monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
525
526The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
527time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
528of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
529you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
530on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
531
532 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
533
534The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
535but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
536order of execution is undefined.
431 537
432=over 4 538=over 4
433 539
434=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 540=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
435 541
441later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 547later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
442 548
443The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 549The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you
444configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 550configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
445exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 551exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
446the timer (ecause it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 552the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
447timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 553timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
448 554
449=item ev_timer_again (loop) 555=item ev_timer_again (loop)
450 556
451This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 557This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
458 564
459This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 565This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
460example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 566example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
461timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 567timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
462seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 568seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
463configure an ev_timer with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 569configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each
464time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 570time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle
465state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 571state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop
466the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 572the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be.
467 573
468=back 574=back
469 575
470=head2 ev_periodic 576=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron
471 577
472Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 578Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
473(and unfortunately a bit complex). 579(and unfortunately a bit complex).
474 580
475Unlike ev_timer's, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 581Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
476but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 582but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
477to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 583to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
478periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 584periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now ()
479+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 585+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
480take a year to trigger the event (unlike an ev_timer, which would trigger 586take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
481roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 587roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time
482again). 588again).
483 589
484They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 590They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
485triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 591triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time.
486 592
593As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
594time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
595during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
596
487=over 4 597=over 4
488 598
489=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 599=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
490 600
491=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 601=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
492 602
493Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 603Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
494operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 604operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
495
496 605
497=over 4 606=over 4
498 607
499=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 608=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
500 609
514 623
515 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 624 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
516 625
517This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 626This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
518but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 627but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a
519full hour (UTC), or more correct, when the system time is evenly divisible 628full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
520by 3600. 629by 3600.
521 630
522Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 631Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
523ev_periodic will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 632C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
524time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 633time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
525 634
526=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 635=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback)
527 636
528In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 637In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
529ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 638ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
530reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 639reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
531current time as second argument. 640current time as second argument.
532 641
533NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy the periodic or any other 642NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
534periodic watcher, ever, or make any event loop modificstions>. If you need 643ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
535to stop it, return 1e30 (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards. 644return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
645starting a prepare watcher).
536 646
537Its prototype is c<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 647Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
538ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 648ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
539 649
540 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 650 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
541 { 651 {
542 return now + 60.; 652 return now + 60.;
545It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 655It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
546(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 656(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
547will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 657will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
548might be called at other times, too. 658might be called at other times, too.
549 659
660NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the
661passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.
662
550This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 663This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
551triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 664triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the
552next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How you do this 665next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
553is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial). 666you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
667reason I omitted it as an example).
554 668
555=back 669=back
556 670
557=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 671=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
558 672
561a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 675a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
562program when the crontabs have changed). 676program when the crontabs have changed).
563 677
564=back 678=back
565 679
566=head2 ev_signal - signal me when a signal gets signalled 680=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled
567 681
568Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 682Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
569signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 683signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
570will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 684will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
571normal event processing, like any other event. 685normal event processing, like any other event.
572 686
573You cna configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 687You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
574first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 688first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
575with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 689with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
576as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 690as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
577watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 691watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
578SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 692SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
586Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 700Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
587of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 701of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
588 702
589=back 703=back
590 704
591=head2 ev_child - wait for pid status changes 705=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes
592 706
593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 707Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
594some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 708some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
595 709
596=over 4 710=over 4
600=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 714=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)
601 715
602Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 716Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
603I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 717I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
604at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 718at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
605the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h>). The C<rpid> member 719the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
606contains the pid of the process causing the status change. 720C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
721process causing the status change.
607 722
608=back 723=back
609 724
610=head2 ev_idle - when you've got nothing better to do 725=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do
611 726
612Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other I/O or timer (or 727Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
613periodic) events pending. That is, as long as your process is busy 728(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
614handling sockets or timeouts it will not be called. But when your process 729as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
615is idle all idle watchers are being called again and again - until 730imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
731watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration -
616stopped, that is, or your process receives more events. 732until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes
733busy.
617 734
618The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 735The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
619active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 736active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
620 737
621Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 738Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
631kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 748kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
632believe me. 749believe me.
633 750
634=back 751=back
635 752
636=head2 prepare and check - your hooks into the event loop 753=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop
637 754
638Prepare and check watchers usually (but not always) are used in 755Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
639tandom. Prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check 756prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
640watchers afterwards. 757afterwards.
641 758
642Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 759Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This
643could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 760could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own
644watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 761watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more.
645 762
646This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 763This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
647to be watched by the other library, registering ev_io watchers for them 764to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
648and starting an ev_timer watcher for any timeouts (many libraries provide 765them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
649just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for any 766provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
650events that occured (by making your callbacks set soem flags for example) 767any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
651and call back into the library. 768and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
769callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
770because you never know, you know?).
652 771
653As another example, the perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 772As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
654coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 773coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
655during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 774during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
656are ready to run. 775are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
776with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
777of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
778loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
779low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
657 780
658=over 4 781=over 4
659 782
660=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 783=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
661 784
662=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 785=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
663 786
664Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 787Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
665parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 788parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
666macros, but using them is utterly, utterly pointless. 789macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
667 790
668=back 791=back
669 792
670=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 793=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
671 794
672There are some other fucntions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 795There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
673 796
674=over 4 797=over 4
675 798
676=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 799=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
677 800
678This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 801This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
679callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 802callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both
680watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 803watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
681or timeout without havign to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 804or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
682more watchers yourself. 805more watchers yourself.
683 806
684If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events is 807If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
685ignored. Otherwise, an ev_io watcher for the given C<fd> and C<events> set 808is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
686will be craeted and started. 809C<events> set will be craeted and started.
687 810
688If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 811If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
689started. Otherwise an ev_timer watcher with after = C<timeout> (and repeat 812started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
690= 0) will be started. 813repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
814dubious value.
691 815
692The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and 816The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
693gets passed an events set (normally a combination of EV_ERROR, EV_READ, 817passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
694EV_WRITE or EV_TIMEOUT) and the C<arg> value passed to C<ev_once>: 818C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
819value passed to C<ev_once>:
695 820
696 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 821 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
697 { 822 {
698 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 823 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
699 /* doh, nothing entered */ 824 /* doh, nothing entered */;
700 else if (revents & EV_READ) 825 else if (revents & EV_READ)
701 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */ 826 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
702 } 827 }
703 828
704 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READm 10., stdin_ready, 0); 829 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
705 830
706=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 831=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events)
707 832
708Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 833Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
709has happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 834had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
710initialised but not necessarily active event watcher). 835initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
711 836
712=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 837=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
713 838
714Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected it. 839Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
840the given events it.
715 841
716=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 842=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
717 843
718Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 844Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!).
719 845
720=back 846=back
721 847
848=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
849
850Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
851emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
852
853=over 4
854
855=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
856
857=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
858ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
859
860=item * Avoid using ev_flags and the EVLIST_*-macros, while it is
861maintained by libev, it does not work exactly the same way as in libevent (consider
862it a private API).
863
864=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
865will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
866is an ev_pri field.
867
868=item * Other members are not supported.
869
870=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
871to use the libev header file and library.
872
873=back
874
875=head1 C++ SUPPORT
876
877TBD.
878
722=head1 AUTHOR 879=head1 AUTHOR
723 880
724Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 881Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
725 882

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