ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.4 by root, Mon Nov 12 08:11:01 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.30 by root, Fri Nov 23 04:36:03 2007 UTC

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, representing the 46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
45(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
46the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
47called 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
48to the double type in C. 50to the double type in C.
49 51
52=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
53
54These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
55library in any way.
56
50=over 4 57=over 4
51 58
52=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 59=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
53 60
54Returns 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.
55 64
56=item int ev_version_major () 65=item int ev_version_major ()
57 66
58=item int ev_version_minor () 67=item int ev_version_minor ()
59 68
61you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 70you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
62C<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
63symbols 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
64version of the library your program was compiled against. 73version of the library your program was compiled against.
65 74
66Usually, its a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 75Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
67as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 76as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
68compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 77compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
69not a problem. 78not a problem.
70 79
71=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 80=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
72 81
73Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 82Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the
74realloc function). It is used to allocate and free memory (no surprises 83realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate
75here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be allocated, the library 84and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory
76might abort or take some potentially destructive action. The default is 85needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially
77your system realloc function. 86destructive action. The default is your system realloc function.
78 87
79You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 88You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
80free 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,
81or 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.
82 91
84 93
85Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 94Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such
86as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 95as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
87indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 96indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
88callback 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
89matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will geenrally retry the 98matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
90requested 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
91(such as abort). 100(such as abort).
92 101
93=back 102=back
94 103
97An 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
98types 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
99events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 108events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
100 109
101If 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
102in 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
103create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no lockign 112create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
104whatsoever, 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
105lock (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).
106 116
107=over 4 117=over 4
108 118
109=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 119=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
110 120
115 125
116If 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
117function. 127function.
118 128
119The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 129The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
120backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO) 130backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO).
121 131
122It supports the following flags: 132It supports the following flags:
123 133
124=over 4 134=over 4
125 135
126=item EVFLAG_AUTO 136=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
127 137
128The 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
129thing, believe me). 139thing, believe me).
130 140
131=item EVFLAG_NOENV 141=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
132 142
133If 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
134at the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this 144or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
135environment 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
136to 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
137bugs. 148around bugs.
138 149
139=item EVMETHOD_SELECT portable select backend 150=item C<EVMETHOD_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
140 151
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
141=item EVMETHOD_POLL poll backend (everywhere except windows) 158=item C<EVMETHOD_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
142 159
143=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).
144 164
145=item EVMETHOD_KQUEUE some bsds only 165=item C<EVMETHOD_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
146 166
147=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).
148 171
149=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
150 208
151If 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
152backends 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
153specified, any backend will do. 211specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse
154 212order of their flag values :)
155=back
156 213
157=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 214=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
158 215
159Similar 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
160always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 217always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
163 220
164=item ev_default_destroy () 221=item ev_default_destroy ()
165 222
166Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 223Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
167etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 224etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in
168any way whatsoever, although you cnanot rely on this :). 225any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :).
169 226
170=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 227=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
171 228
172Like 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
173earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 230earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
177This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 234This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have
178one. 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
179after 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
180again makes little sense). 237again makes little sense).
181 238
182You 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
183use 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
184have to call it. 241fork+exec, you don't have to call it.
185 242
186The 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
187it 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
188quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 245quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
189 246
190 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 247 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
191 248
198=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 255=item unsigned int ev_method (loop)
199 256
200Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 257Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in
201use. 258use.
202 259
203=item ev_tstamp = ev_now (loop) 260=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
204 261
205Returns 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
206got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 263got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change
207as 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
208used 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
217If 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
218no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 275no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
219 276
220A 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
221those 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
222case there are no events. 279case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
223 280
224A 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
225neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 282neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
226your 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.
227 285
228This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping 286This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping
229constructs, 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
230more generic mechanism. 288more generic mechanism.
231 289
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
232=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 308=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
233 309
234Can 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
235must 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
236call 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.
237calls return.
238 314
239=item ev_ref (loop) 315=item ev_ref (loop)
240 316
241=item ev_unref (loop) 317=item ev_unref (loop)
242 318
243Ref/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
244watcher keeps one reference. If you have a long-runing watcher you never 320loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
245unregister 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
246starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. Libev itself uses this for 322a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from
247example 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
248and 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
249also 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
250within third-party libraries. Just remember to unref after start and ref 326no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
251before 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>.
252 329
253=back 330=back
254 331
255=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 332=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
256 333
257A 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
258interest 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
259become readable, you would create an ev_io watcher for that: 336become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
260 337
261 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)
262 { 339 {
263 ev_io_stop (w); 340 ev_io_stop (w);
264 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 341 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
293 370
294As 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
295must 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
296reinitialise it or call its set method. 373reinitialise it or call its set method.
297 374
298You cna check whether 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
299(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the 376(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the
300callback 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
301(watcher *)> macro. 378(watcher *)> macro.
302 379
303Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 380Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
304registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 381registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
305third argument. 382third argument.
306 383
307The rceeived events usually include a single bit per event type received 384The received events usually include a single bit per event type received
308(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
309are: 386are:
310 387
311=over 4 388=over 4
312 389
313=item EV_READ 390=item C<EV_READ>
314 391
315=item EV_WRITE 392=item C<EV_WRITE>
316 393
317The 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
318writable. 395writable.
319 396
320=item EV_TIMEOUT 397=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>
321 398
322The ev_timer watcher has timed out. 399The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
323 400
324=item EV_PERIODIC 401=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
325 402
326The ev_periodic watcher has timed out. 403The C<ev_periodic> watcher has timed out.
327 404
328=item EV_SIGNAL 405=item C<EV_SIGNAL>
329 406
330The 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.
331 408
332=item EV_CHILD 409=item C<EV_CHILD>
333 410
334The 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.
335 412
336=item EV_IDLE 413=item C<EV_IDLE>
337 414
338The 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.
339 416
340=item EV_PREPARE 417=item C<EV_PREPARE>
341 418
342=item EV_CHECK 419=item C<EV_CHECK>
343 420
344All 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
345to 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
346C<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
347received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 424received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
348many 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
349(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
350C<ev_loop> from blocking). 427C<ev_loop> from blocking).
351 428
352=item EV_ERROR 429=item C<EV_ERROR>
353 430
354An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 431An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
355happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 432happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
356ran 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
357problem. 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
366=back 443=back
367 444
368=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 445=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
369 446
370Each 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
371and 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
372to 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
373don'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
374member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 451member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
375data: 452data:
376 453
398=head1 WATCHER TYPES 475=head1 WATCHER TYPES
399 476
400This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 477This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
401information given in the last section. 478information given in the last section.
402 479
403=head2 struct ev_io - is my file descriptor readable or writable 480=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable
404 481
405I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 482I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
406in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 483in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called
407level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 484level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the
408condition 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
409act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 486act on the event and neither want to receive future events).
410 487
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
411=over 4 503=over 4
412 504
413=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 505=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
414 506
415=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 507=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
416 508
417Configures 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
418events 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 |
419EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 511EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
420 512
421=back 513=back
422 514
423=head2 struct ev_timer - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 515=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts
424 516
425Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 517Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
426given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 518given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
427 519
428The 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
429times 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
430time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 522time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
431detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 523detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
432monotonic 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.
433 537
434=over 4 538=over 4
435 539
436=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)
437 541
443later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 547later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
444 548
445The 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
446configure 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
447exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 551exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
448the 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
449timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 553timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
450 554
451=item ev_timer_again (loop) 555=item ev_timer_again (loop)
452 556
453This 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
460 564
461This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 565This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
462example: 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
463timeout, 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
464seconds 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
465configure 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
466time 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
467state 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
468the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 572the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be.
469 573
470=back 574=back
471 575
472=head2 ev_periodic - to cron or not to cron it 576=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron
473 577
474Periodic 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
475(and unfortunately a bit complex). 579(and unfortunately a bit complex).
476 580
477Unlike 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)
478but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 582but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
479to 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
480periodic 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 ()
481+ 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
482take 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
483roughly 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
484again). 588again).
485 589
486They 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
487triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 591triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time.
488 592
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
489=over 4 597=over 4
490 598
491=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)
492 600
493=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)
494 602
495Lots 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
496operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 604operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
497
498 605
499=over 4 606=over 4
500 607
501=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 608=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
502 609
516 623
517 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 624 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
518 625
519This 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,
520but 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
521full 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
522by 3600. 629by 3600.
523 630
524Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 631Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
525ev_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
526time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 633time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
527 634
528=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 635=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback)
529 636
530In 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
531ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 638ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
532reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 639reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
533current time as second argument. 640current time as second argument.
534 641
535NOTE: 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,
536periodic watcher, ever, or make any event loop modificstions>. If you need 643ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
537to 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).
538 646
539Its prototype is c<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 647Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
540ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 648ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
541 649
542 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)
543 { 651 {
544 return now + 60.; 652 return now + 60.;
547It 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
548(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
549will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 657will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
550might be called at other times, too. 658might be called at other times, too.
551 659
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
552This 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
553triggers 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
554next 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
555is, 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).
556 668
557=back 669=back
558 670
559=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 671=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
560 672
563a 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
564program when the crontabs have changed). 676program when the crontabs have changed).
565 677
566=back 678=back
567 679
568=head2 ev_signal - signal me when a signal gets signalled 680=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled
569 681
570Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 682Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
571signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 683signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
572will 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
573normal event processing, like any other event. 685normal event processing, like any other event.
574 686
575You 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
576first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 688first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
577with 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
578as 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
579watcher 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
580SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 692SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
588Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 700Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
589of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 701of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
590 702
591=back 703=back
592 704
593=head2 ev_child - wait for pid status changes 705=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes
594 706
595Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 707Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
596some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 708some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
597 709
598=over 4 710=over 4
602=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 714=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)
603 715
604Configures 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
605I<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
606at 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
607the 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
608contains 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.
609 722
610=back 723=back
611 724
612=head2 ev_idle - when you've got nothing better to do 725=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do
613 726
614Idle 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
615periodic) 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
616handling sockets or timeouts it will not be called. But when your process 729as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
617is 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 -
618stopped, that is, or your process receives more events. 732until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes
733busy.
619 734
620The 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
621active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 736active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
622 737
623Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 738Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
633kind. 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,
634believe me. 749believe me.
635 750
636=back 751=back
637 752
638=head2 prepare and check - your hooks into the event loop 753=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop
639 754
640Prepare and check watchers usually (but not always) are used in 755Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
641tandom. Prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check 756prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
642watchers afterwards. 757afterwards.
643 758
644Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 759Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This
645could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 760could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own
646watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 761watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more.
647 762
648This 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
649to 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
650and starting an ev_timer watcher for any timeouts (many libraries provide 765them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
651just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for any 766provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
652events that occured (by making your callbacks set soem flags for example) 767any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
653and 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?).
654 771
655As another example, the perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 772As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
656coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 773coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
657during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 774during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
658are 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).
659 780
660=over 4 781=over 4
661 782
662=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 783=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
663 784
664=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 785=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
665 786
666Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 787Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
667parameters 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>
668macros, but using them is utterly, utterly pointless. 789macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
669 790
670=back 791=back
671 792
672=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 793=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
673 794
674There are some other fucntions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 795There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
675 796
676=over 4 797=over 4
677 798
678=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)
679 800
680This 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
681callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 802callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both
682watchers. 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
683or timeout without havign to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 804or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
684more watchers yourself. 805more watchers yourself.
685 806
686If 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
687ignored. 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
688will be craeted and started. 809C<events> set will be craeted and started.
689 810
690If 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
691started. Otherwise an ev_timer watcher with after = C<timeout> (and repeat 812started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
692= 0) will be started. 813repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
814dubious value.
693 815
694The 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
695gets passed an events set (normally a combination of EV_ERROR, EV_READ, 817passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
696EV_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>:
697 820
698 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 821 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
699 { 822 {
700 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 823 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
701 /* doh, nothing entered */ 824 /* doh, nothing entered */;
702 else if (revents & EV_READ) 825 else if (revents & EV_READ)
703 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */ 826 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
704 } 827 }
705 828
706 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READm 10., stdin_ready, 0); 829 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
707 830
708=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 831=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events)
709 832
710Feeds 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
711has 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
712initialised but not necessarily active event watcher). 835initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
713 836
714=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 837=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
715 838
716Feed 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.
717 841
718=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 842=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
719 843
720Feed 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!).
721 845
722=back 846=back
723 847
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
724=head1 AUTHOR 879=head1 AUTHOR
725 880
726Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 881Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
727 882

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines