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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
10 56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev 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 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the double type in C. 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as such.
51 104
52=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
53 106
54These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
55library in any way. 108library in any way.
75Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
76as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
77compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
78not a problem. 131not a problem.
79 132
133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
134version.
135
136 assert (("libev version mismatch",
137 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
138 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
139
140=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
141
142Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
143value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
144availability on the system you are running on). See C<ev_default_loop> for
145a description of the set values.
146
147Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
148a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
149
150 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
151 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
152
153=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
154
155Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
156recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
157returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
158most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it
159(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
160libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
161
162=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
163
164Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
165is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends
166might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at
167C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
168recommended ones.
169
170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
171
80=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
81 173
82Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
83realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
84and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
85needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
86destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
87 180
88You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
89free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 182free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
90or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 183or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
184
185Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
186retries).
187
188 static void *
189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
190 {
191 for (;;)
192 {
193 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
194
195 if (newptr)
196 return newptr;
197
198 sleep (60);
199 }
200 }
201
202 ...
203 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
91 204
92=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 205=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
93 206
94Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 207Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such
95as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 208as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
97callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 210callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
98matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 211matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
99requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 212requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
100(such as abort). 213(such as abort).
101 214
215Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
216
217 static void
218 fatal_error (const char *msg)
219 {
220 perror (msg);
221 abort ();
222 }
223
224 ...
225 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
226
102=back 227=back
103 228
104=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 229=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
105 230
106An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 231An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
119=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 244=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
120 245
121This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 246This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
122yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 247yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns
123false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 248false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
124flags). 249flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
125 250
126If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 251If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
127function. 252function.
128 253
129The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 254The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
130backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO). 255backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
131 256
132It supports the following flags: 257The following flags are supported:
133 258
134=over 4 259=over 4
135 260
136=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO> 261=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
137 262
145C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
146override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 271override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
147useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 272useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
148around bugs. 273around bugs.
149 274
275=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
276
277Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
278a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
279enabling this flag.
280
281This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
282and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
283iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
284Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
285without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
286C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
287
288The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
289forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
290flag.
291
292This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
293environment variable.
294
150=item C<EVMETHOD_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
151 296
152This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This 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, 298libev 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 299but 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 300using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually
156the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 301the fastest backend for a low number of fds.
157 302
158=item C<EVMETHOD_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 303=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
159 304
160And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 305And 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 306select, 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 307number 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). 308lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
164 309
165=item C<EVMETHOD_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 310=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
166 311
167For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 312For 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 313but 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 314O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales
170either O(1) or O(active_fds). 315either O(1) or O(active_fds).
173result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 318result 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 319(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 320best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very
176well if you register events for both fds. 321well if you register events for both fds.
177 322
323Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
324need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
325(or space) is available.
326
178=item C<EVMETHOD_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 327=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
179 328
180Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 329Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
181was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 330was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with
182anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 331anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its
183completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" unless 332completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected"
184you explicitly specify the flags (i.e. you don't use EVFLAG_AUTO). 333unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
334C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>).
185 335
186It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 336It 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 337kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
188course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 338course). 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 339extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per
190incident, so its best to avoid that. 340incident, so its best to avoid that.
191 341
192=item C<EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 342=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
193 343
194This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 344This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
195 345
196=item C<EVMETHOD_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 346=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
197 347
198This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 348This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
199it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 349it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
200 350
351Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious
352notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
353blocking when no data (or space) is available.
354
201=item C<EVMETHOD_ALL> 355=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
202 356
203Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 357Try 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 358with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
205C<EVMETHOD_ALL & ~EVMETHOD_KQUEUE>. 359C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
206 360
207=back 361=back
208 362
209If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 363If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
210backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 364backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
211specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 365specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse
212order of their flag values :) 366order of their flag values :)
213 367
368The most typical usage is like this:
369
370 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
371 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
372
373Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
374environment settings to be taken into account:
375
376 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
377
378Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
379available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
380event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
381
382 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
383
214=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 384=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
215 385
216Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 386Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
217always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 387always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
218handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
219undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
220 390
391Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
392
393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
394 if (!epoller)
395 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
396
221=item ev_default_destroy () 397=item ev_default_destroy ()
222 398
223Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 399Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
224etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 400etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
225any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :). 401sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
402responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
403calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
404the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
405for example).
226 406
227=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 407=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
228 408
229Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 409Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
230earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 410earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
244it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 424it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
245quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 425quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
246 426
247 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 427 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
248 428
429At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
430without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
431do not need to care.
432
249=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 433=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
250 434
251Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 435Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
252C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 436C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
253after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
254 438
439=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
440
441Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
442the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
443happily wraps around with enough iterations.
444
445This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
446"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
447C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
448
255=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
256 450
257Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
258use. 452use.
259 453
260=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop) 454=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
261 455
262Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 456Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
263got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 457received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
264as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time 458change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
265used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event 459time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
266occuring (or more correctly, the mainloop finding out about it). 460event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
267 461
268=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 462=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
269 463
270Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 464Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
271after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 465after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
272events. 466events.
273 467
274If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either 468If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
275no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 469either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
470
471Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
472relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
473finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that
474automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of
475relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty.
276 476
277A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 477A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
278those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 478those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
279case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 479case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
280 480
281A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 481A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
282neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 482neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
283your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 483your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
284one iteration of the loop. 484one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
485external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
486libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
487usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
285 488
286This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping
287constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and
288more generic mechanism.
289
290Here are the gory details of what ev_loop does: 489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
291 490
292 1. If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 491 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
293 2. Queue and immediately call all prepare watchers. 492 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
294 3. If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 493 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
295 4. Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 494 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
296 5. Update the "event loop time". 495 - Update the "event loop time".
297 6. Calculate for how long to block. 496 - Calculate for how long to block.
298 7. Block the process, waiting for events. 497 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
498 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
299 8. Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 499 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
300 9. Queue all outstanding timers. 500 - Queue all outstanding timers.
301 10. Queue all outstanding periodics. 501 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
302 11. If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 502 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
303 12. Queue all check watchers. 503 - Queue all check watchers.
304 13. Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 504 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
505 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
506 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
305 14. If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 507 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
306 was used, return, otherwise continue with step #1. 508 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
509
510Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
511anymore.
512
513 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
514 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
515 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
516 ... jobs done. yeah!
307 517
308=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 518=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
309 519
310Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 520Can 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 521has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
325visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 535visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
326no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 536no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
327way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 537way 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>. 538libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
329 539
540Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
541running when nothing else is active.
542
543 struct ev_signal exitsig;
544 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
545 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
546 evf_unref (loop);
547
548Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
549
550 ev_ref (loop);
551 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
552
330=back 553=back
554
331 555
332=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 556=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
333 557
334A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 558A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
335interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 559interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
368*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 592*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
369corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 593corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
370 594
371As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 595As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
372must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 596must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
373reinitialise it or call its set method. 597reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.
374
375You can check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
376(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the
377callback for it has not been called yet) you can use the C<ev_is_pending
378(watcher *)> macro.
379 598
380Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 599Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
381registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 600registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
382third argument. 601third argument.
383 602
407The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 626The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
408 627
409=item C<EV_CHILD> 628=item C<EV_CHILD>
410 629
411The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 630The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
631
632=item C<EV_STAT>
633
634The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
412 635
413=item C<EV_IDLE> 636=item C<EV_IDLE>
414 637
415The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 638The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
416 639
424received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 647received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
425many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 648many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
426(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 649(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
427C<ev_loop> from blocking). 650C<ev_loop> from blocking).
428 651
652=item C<EV_EMBED>
653
654The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
655
656=item C<EV_FORK>
657
658The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
659C<ev_fork>).
660
429=item C<EV_ERROR> 661=item C<EV_ERROR>
430 662
431An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 663An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
432happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 664happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
433ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 665ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
439your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 671your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
440with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 672with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
441programs, though, so beware. 673programs, though, so beware.
442 674
443=back 675=back
676
677=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
678
679In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
680e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
681
682=over 4
683
684=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
685
686This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
687of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
688the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
689the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
690type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
691which rolls both calls into one.
692
693You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
694(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
695
696The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
697int revents)>.
698
699=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
700
701This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
702call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
703call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
704macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
705difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
706
707Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
708(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
709
710=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
711
712This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
713calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise
714a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
715
716=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
717
718Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
719events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
720
721=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
722
723Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
724status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
725non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but
726C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If
727you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a
728good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
729
730=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
731
732Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
733and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
734it.
735
736=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
737
738Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
739events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
740is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
741C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
742make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
743it).
744
745=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
746
747Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
748
749=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
750
751Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
752(modulo threads).
753
754=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
755
756=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
757
758Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
759integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
760(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
761before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
762from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
763
764This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
765invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
766example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
767watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
768
769If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
770you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
771
772You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
773pending.
774
775The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
776always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
777
778Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
779fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
780or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
781
782=back
783
444 784
445=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 785=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
446 786
447Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 787Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
448and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 788and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
466 { 806 {
467 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 807 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
468 ... 808 ...
469 } 809 }
470 810
471More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 811More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
472have been omitted.... 812instead have been omitted.
813
814Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
815watchers:
816
817 struct my_biggy
818 {
819 int some_data;
820 ev_timer t1;
821 ev_timer t2;
822 }
823
824In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
825you need to use C<offsetof>:
826
827 #include <stddef.h>
828
829 static void
830 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
831 {
832 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
833 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
834 }
835
836 static void
837 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
838 {
839 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
840 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
841 }
473 842
474 843
475=head1 WATCHER TYPES 844=head1 WATCHER TYPES
476 845
477This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 846This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
478information given in the last section. 847information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
848functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
479 849
850Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
851while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
852sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
853watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
854means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
855is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
856sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
857not crash or malfunction in any way.
858
859
480=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable 860=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
481 861
482I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 862I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
483in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 863in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
484level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 864would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
485condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to 865some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
486act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 866receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
867the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
868receive future events.
487 869
488In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 870In 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 871fd 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 872descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
491required if you know what you are doing). 873required if you know what you are doing).
492 874
493You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 875You 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 876(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 877descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
496to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 878to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
497the same underlying "file open"). 879the same underlying "file open").
498 880
499If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 881If 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 882(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
501EVMETHOD_POLL). 883C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
884
885Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
886receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
887be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
888because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
889lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
890this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
891it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
892C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
893
894If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
895play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
896whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
897such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
898its own, so its quite safe to use).
502 899
503=over 4 900=over 4
504 901
505=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 902=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
506 903
507=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 904=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
508 905
509Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 906Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
510events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 907rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
511EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 908C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
909
910=item int fd [read-only]
911
912The file descriptor being watched.
913
914=item int events [read-only]
915
916The events being watched.
512 917
513=back 918=back
514 919
920Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
921readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
922attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
923
924 static void
925 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
926 {
927 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
928 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
929 }
930
931 ...
932 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
933 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
934 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
935 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
936 ev_loop (loop, 0);
937
938
515=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 939=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
516 940
517Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 941Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
518given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 942given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
519 943
520The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 944The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
555=item ev_timer_again (loop) 979=item ev_timer_again (loop)
556 980
557This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 981This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
558repeating. The exact semantics are: 982repeating. The exact semantics are:
559 983
984If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
985
560If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 986If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
561 987
562If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 988If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
563value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 989C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
564 990
565This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 991This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
566example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 992example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
567timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 993timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
568seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 994seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
569configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 995configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
570time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 996C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
571state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 997you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
572the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 998socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
999automatically restart it if need be.
1000
1001That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1002altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1003
1004 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1005 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1006 ...
1007 timer->again = 17.;
1008 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1009 ...
1010 timer->again = 10.;
1011 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1012
1013This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1014you want to modify its timeout value.
1015
1016=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1017
1018The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1019or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1020which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
573 1021
574=back 1022=back
575 1023
1024Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1025
1026 static void
1027 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1028 {
1029 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1030 }
1031
1032 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1033 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1034 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1035
1036Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1037inactivity.
1038
1039 static void
1040 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1041 {
1042 .. ten seconds without any activity
1043 }
1044
1045 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1046 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1047 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1048 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1049
1050 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1051 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1052 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1053
1054
576=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron 1055=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
577 1056
578Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1057Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
579(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1058(and unfortunately a bit complex).
580 1059
581Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1060Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
582but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1061but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
583to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1062to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
584periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 1063periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
585+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1064+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
586take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1065take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
587roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1066roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time
588again). 1067again).
589 1068
673Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1152Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
674when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1153when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
675a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1154a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
676program when the crontabs have changed). 1155program when the crontabs have changed).
677 1156
1157=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1158
1159The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1160take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1161called.
1162
1163=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1164
1165The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1166switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1167the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1168
678=back 1169=back
679 1170
1171Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1172system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1173potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1174
1175 static void
1176 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1177 {
1178 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1179 }
1180
1181 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1182 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1183 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1184
1185Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1186
1187 #include <math.h>
1188
1189 static ev_tstamp
1190 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1191 {
1192 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1193 }
1194
1195 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1196
1197Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1198
1199 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1200 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1201 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1202 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1203
1204
680=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1205=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
681 1206
682Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1207Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
683signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1208signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
684will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1209will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
685normal event processing, like any other event. 1210normal event processing, like any other event.
698=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1223=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
699 1224
700Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1225Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
701of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1226of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
702 1227
1228=item int signum [read-only]
1229
1230The signal the watcher watches out for.
1231
703=back 1232=back
704 1233
1234
705=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes 1235=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
706 1236
707Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1237Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
708some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1238some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
709 1239
710=over 4 1240=over 4
718at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1248at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
719the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1249the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
720C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1250C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
721process causing the status change. 1251process causing the status change.
722 1252
1253=item int pid [read-only]
1254
1255The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1256
1257=item int rpid [read-write]
1258
1259The process id that detected a status change.
1260
1261=item int rstatus [read-write]
1262
1263The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1264C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1265
723=back 1266=back
724 1267
1268Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1269
1270 static void
1271 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1272 {
1273 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1274 }
1275
1276 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1277 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1278 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1279
1280
1281=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1282
1283This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1284C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1285compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1286
1287The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1288not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1289not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1290otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1291the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1292
1293The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1294relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1295
1296Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1297calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1298can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1299a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1300unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1301five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1302impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1303usually overkill.
1304
1305This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1306as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1307resource-intensive.
1308
1309At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1310implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1311reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1312semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1313to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1314usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1315polling.
1316
1317=over 4
1318
1319=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1320
1321=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1322
1323Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1324C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1325be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1326a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1327path for as long as the watcher is active.
1328
1329The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1330relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1331last change was detected).
1332
1333=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1334
1335Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1336watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1337detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1338useful simply to find out the new values.
1339
1340=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1341
1342The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1343C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1344suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1345was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1346
1347=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1348
1349The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1350C<prev> != C<attr>.
1351
1352=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1353
1354The specified interval.
1355
1356=item const char *path [read-only]
1357
1358The filesystem path that is being watched.
1359
1360=back
1361
1362Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1363
1364 static void
1365 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1366 {
1367 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1368 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1369 {
1370 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1371 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1372 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1373 }
1374 else
1375 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1376 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1377 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1378 }
1379
1380 ...
1381 ev_stat passwd;
1382
1383 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1384 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1385
1386
725=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do 1387=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
726 1388
727Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1389Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
728(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1390priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
729as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1391count).
730imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1392
731watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1393That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1394(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1395triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1396are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
732until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1397iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
733busy. 1398and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
734 1399
735The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1400The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
736active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1401active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
737 1402
738Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1403Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
748kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1413kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
749believe me. 1414believe me.
750 1415
751=back 1416=back
752 1417
1418Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1419callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1420
1421 static void
1422 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1423 {
1424 free (w);
1425 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1426 // no longer asnything immediate to do.
1427 }
1428
1429 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1430 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1431 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1432
1433
753=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop 1434=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
754 1435
755Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1436Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
756prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1437prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
757afterwards. 1438afterwards.
758 1439
1440You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1441the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1442watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1443rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1444those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1445C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1446called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1447
759Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 1448Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
760could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 1449their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
761watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 1450variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1451coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1452you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1453in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1454watcher).
762 1455
763This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1456This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
764to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1457to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
765them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1458them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
766provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1459provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
788parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1481parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
789macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1482macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
790 1483
791=back 1484=back
792 1485
1486Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers
1487and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and
1488in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is
1489pseudo-code only of course:
1490
1491 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1492 static ev_timer tw;
1493
1494 static void
1495 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1496 {
1497 // set the relevant poll flags
1498 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1499 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1500 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1501 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1502 }
1503
1504 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1505 static void
1506 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1507 {
1508 int timeout = 3600000;
1509 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1510 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1511 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1512
1513 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1514 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1515 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1516
1517 // create on ev_io per pollfd
1518 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1519 {
1520 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1521 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1522 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1523
1524 fds [i].revents = 0;
1525 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1526 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1527 }
1528 }
1529
1530 // stop all watchers after blocking
1531 static void
1532 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1533 {
1534 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1535
1536 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1537 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1538
1539 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1540 }
1541
1542
1543=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1544
1545This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1546into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1547loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1548fashion and must not be used).
1549
1550There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1551prioritise I/O.
1552
1553As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1554sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1555still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1556so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it
1557into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will
1558be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but
1559at least you can use both at what they are best.
1560
1561As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have
1562to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even
1563priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case
1564you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in
1565a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1566
1567As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1568there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1569call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1570their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1571loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback
1572to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the
1573embedded loop sweep.
1574
1575As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The
1576callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can
1577set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1578interested in that.
1579
1580Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1581when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1582but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1583yourself.
1584
1585Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by
1586C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1587portable one.
1588
1589So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1590that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1591this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1592create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything:
1593
1594 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1595 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1596 struct ev_embed embed;
1597
1598 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1599 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1600 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1601 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1602 : 0;
1603
1604 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1605 if (loop_lo)
1606 {
1607 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1608 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1609 }
1610 else
1611 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1612
1613=over 4
1614
1615=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1616
1617=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1618
1619Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1620embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1621invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1622to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1623if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1624
1625=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1626
1627Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1628similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1629apropriate way for embedded loops.
1630
1631=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1632
1633The embedded event loop.
1634
1635=back
1636
1637
1638=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1639
1640Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1641whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1642C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1643event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1644and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1645C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1646handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1647
1648=over 4
1649
1650=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1651
1652Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1653kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1654believe me.
1655
1656=back
1657
1658
793=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1659=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
794 1660
795There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 1661There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
796 1662
797=over 4 1663=over 4
826 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 1692 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
827 } 1693 }
828 1694
829 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 1695 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
830 1696
831=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 1697=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
832 1698
833Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1699Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
834had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 1700had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
835initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 1701initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
836 1702
837=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 1703=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
838 1704
839Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 1705Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
840the given events it. 1706the given events it.
841 1707
842=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 1708=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
843 1709
844Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 1710Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default
1711loop!).
845 1712
846=back 1713=back
1714
847 1715
848=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 1716=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
849 1717
850Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 1718Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
851emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 1719emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
872 1740
873=back 1741=back
874 1742
875=head1 C++ SUPPORT 1743=head1 C++ SUPPORT
876 1744
877TBD. 1745Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1746you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1747the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1748
1749To use it,
1750
1751 #include <ev++.h>
1752
1753This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1754of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1755put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1756options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1757
1758Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1759classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1760that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1761you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1762
1763Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1764used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1765need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1766types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1767it).
1768
1769Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1770
1771=over 4
1772
1773=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
1774
1775These are just enum values with the same values as the C<EV_READ> etc.
1776macros from F<ev.h>.
1777
1778=item C<ev::tstamp>, C<ev::now>
1779
1780Aliases to the same types/functions as with the C<ev_> prefix.
1781
1782=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
1783
1784For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
1785the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
1786which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
1787defines by many implementations.
1788
1789All of those classes have these methods:
1790
1791=over 4
1792
1793=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1794
1795=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1796
1797=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1798
1799The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1800with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1801
1802The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1803C<set> method before starting it.
1804
1805It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1806method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1807
1808(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1809not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1810
1811The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1812
1813=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1814
1815This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1816signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1817first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1818parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1819
1820This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1821the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1822callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1823your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1824thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1825
1826Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1827
1828 struct myclass
1829 {
1830 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1831 }
1832
1833 myclass obj;
1834 ev::io iow;
1835 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1836
1837=item w->set (void (*function)(watcher &w, int), void *data = 0)
1838
1839Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1840callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1841C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1842
1843See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1844
1845=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1846
1847Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1848do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1849
1850=item w->set ([args])
1851
1852Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1853called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1854automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1855method.
1856
1857=item w->start ()
1858
1859Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1860constructor already stores the event loop.
1861
1862=item w->stop ()
1863
1864Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1865
1866=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only
1867
1868For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1869C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1870
1871=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1872
1873Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1874
1875=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1876
1877Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1878
1879=back
1880
1881=back
1882
1883Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1884the constructor.
1885
1886 class myclass
1887 {
1888 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1889 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1890
1891 myclass ();
1892 }
1893
1894 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1895 {
1896 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1897 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1898
1899 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1900 }
1901
1902
1903=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1904
1905Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1906C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1907callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1908
1909To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1910following macros are defined:
1911
1912=over 4
1913
1914=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1915
1916This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1917loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1918C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1919
1920 ev_unref (EV_A);
1921 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1922 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1923
1924It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1925which is often provided by the following macro.
1926
1927=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1928
1929This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1930loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1931C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1932
1933 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1934 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1935
1936 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1937 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1938
1939It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1940suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1941
1942=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1943
1944Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1945loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1946
1947=back
1948
1949Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1950macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1951or not.
1952
1953 static void
1954 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1955 {
1956 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1957 }
1958
1959 ev_check check;
1960 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1961 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1962 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1963
1964=head1 EMBEDDING
1965
1966Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1967applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1968Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1969and rxvt-unicode.
1970
1971The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your
1972source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1973you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1974libev somewhere in your source tree).
1975
1976=head2 FILESETS
1977
1978Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1979in your app.
1980
1981=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1982
1983To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1984configuration (no autoconf):
1985
1986 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1987 #include "ev.c"
1988
1989This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1990single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1991it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1992done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1993where you can put other configuration options):
1994
1995 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1996 #include "ev.h"
1997
1998Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1999compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2000as a bug).
2001
2002You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2003in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2004
2005 ev.h
2006 ev.c
2007 ev_vars.h
2008 ev_wrap.h
2009
2010 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2011
2012 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2013 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2014 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2015 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2016 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2017
2018F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2019to compile this single file.
2020
2021=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2022
2023To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2024
2025 #include "event.c"
2026
2027in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2028
2029 #include "event.h"
2030
2031in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2032
2033You need the following additional files for this:
2034
2035 event.h
2036 event.c
2037
2038=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2039
2040Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
2041whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2042F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2043include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2044
2045For this of course you need the m4 file:
2046
2047 libev.m4
2048
2049=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2050
2051Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define
2052before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity
2053and only include the select backend.
2054
2055=over 4
2056
2057=item EV_STANDALONE
2058
2059Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2060keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2061implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2062supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2063F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2064
2065=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2066
2067If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2068monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2069of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2070usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2071the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have
2072to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2073function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2074
2075=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2076
2077If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2078realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2079runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2080be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2081(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries
2082in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2083
2084=item EV_USE_SELECT
2085
2086If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2087C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2088other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2089will not be compiled in.
2090
2091=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2092
2093If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2094structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2095C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on
2096exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2097low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2098allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2099influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2100
2101=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2102
2103When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2104select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2105wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
2106be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2107C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2108it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2109on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2110
2111=item EV_USE_POLL
2112
2113If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2114backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2115takes precedence over select.
2116
2117=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2118
2119If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2120C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2121otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the
2122preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.
2123
2124=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2125
2126If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2127C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2128otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2129backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
2130supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
2131supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
2132not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
2133out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
2134kqueue loop.
2135
2136=item EV_USE_PORT
2137
2138If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
213910 port style backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2140otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2141backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2142
2143=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2144
2145reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2146
2147=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2148
2149If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2150interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2151be detected at runtime.
2152
2153=item EV_H
2154
2155The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2156undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
2157can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2158
2159=item EV_CONFIG_H
2160
2161If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2162F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2163C<EV_H>, above.
2164
2165=item EV_EVENT_H
2166
2167Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2168of how the F<event.h> header can be found.
2169
2170=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2171
2172If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2173prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2174occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2175around libev functions.
2176
2177=item EV_MULTIPLICITY
2178
2179If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions
2180will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2181additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2182for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2183argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2184
2185=item EV_MINPRI
2186
2187=item EV_MAXPRI
2188
2189The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2190C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2191provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2192to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2193
2194When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2195all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2196and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2197fine.
2198
2199If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2200C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2201
2202=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2203
2204If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2205defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2206code.
2207
2208=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2209
2210If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2211defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2212code.
2213
2214=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2215
2216If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2217defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2218
2219=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2220
2221If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2222defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2223
2224=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2225
2226If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2227defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2228
2229=item EV_MINIMAL
2230
2231If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2232speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2233some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2234
2235=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2236
2237C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2238pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2239than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2240increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2241
2242=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2243
2244C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2245inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2246usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2247watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2248two).
2249
2250=item EV_COMMON
2251
2252By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2253this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2254members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2255though, and it must be identical each time.
2256
2257For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2258
2259 #define EV_COMMON \
2260 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2261 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2262
2263=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2264
2265=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2266
2267=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2268
2269Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2270and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2271definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
2272their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2273avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2274method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2275
2276=head2 EXAMPLES
2277
2278For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2279verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2280(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in
2281the F<libev/> subdirectory and includes them in the F<EV/EVAPI.h> (public
2282interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2283will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2284file.
2285
2286The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2287that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2288
2289 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2290 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2291 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2292 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2293 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2294 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2295 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2296 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2297 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2298
2299 #include "ev++.h"
2300
2301And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2302
2303 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2304 #include "ev.c"
2305
2306
2307=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2308
2309In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2310libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2311documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2312
2313All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2314extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2315happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2316mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2317it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2318
2319=over 4
2320
2321=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2322
2323This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2324there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2325have to skip those 100 watchers.
2326
2327=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2328
2329That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2330as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2331
2332=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2333
2334These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2335=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2336
2337=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2338
2339These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2340correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2341have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2342
2343=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2344
2345=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2346
2347A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2348libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2349
2350=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2351
2352=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2353
2354Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2355priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2356linearly search all the priorities.
2357
2358=back
2359
878 2360
879=head1 AUTHOR 2361=head1 AUTHOR
880 2362
881Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2363Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
882 2364

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