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Revision 1.305 by root, Thu Oct 14 05:07:04 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.319 by root, Fri Oct 22 10:09:12 2010 UTC

26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
124this argument. 124this argument.
125 125
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 127
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practise 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do 132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. 133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 134
165 165
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 166=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 167
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 170you actually want to know. Also interetsing is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
171 172
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 174
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 214 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 215 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 216
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 217=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 218
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 219Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 220also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
221descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 222C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
221most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 223and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
222(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 224you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 225probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 226
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 227=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 228
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 229Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 230value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 231current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 232the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 233& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 234
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 235See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 236
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 237=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
236 238
292 294
293=back 295=back
294 296
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 297=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
296 298
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 299An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
298is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 300I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
299I<function>). 301libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 302
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 303The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 304supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops
303not. 305which do not.
304 306
305=over 4 307=over 4
306 308
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 309=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 310
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 441of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 442I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 443even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 444on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 445employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 446events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
447not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
448perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
445 449
446While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 450While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
447will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 451will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
448incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 452incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
449I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 453I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
604Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 608Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
605earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 609earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
606 610
607=item ev_default_fork () 611=item ev_default_fork ()
608 612
609This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 613This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
610to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 614to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
611name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 615name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
612the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 616the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
613sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 617sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
614functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 618functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
615 619
616Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 620Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
617a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 621a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
618because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 622because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
619during fork. 623during fork.
620 624
621On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 625On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
622process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If you 626process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
623just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to call 627you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
624it at all. 628call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
629difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
630costly reset of the backend).
625 631
626The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 632The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
627it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 633it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
628quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 634quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
629 635
641Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 647Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
642otherwise. 648otherwise.
643 649
644=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 650=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
645 651
646Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 652Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
647the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 653to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
648happily wraps around with enough iterations. 654and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
649 655
650This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 656This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
651"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 657"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
652C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 658C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
653prepare and check phases. 659prepare and check phases.
654 660
655=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 661=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
656 662
657Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 663Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
658times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 664times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
659 665
660Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 666Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
661C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 667C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
662in which case it is higher. 668in which case it is higher.
663 669
664Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 670Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
665etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 671etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
666ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 672ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
667 673
668=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 674=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
669 675
670Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 676Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
671use. 677use.
680 686
681=item ev_now_update (loop) 687=item ev_now_update (loop)
682 688
683Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 689Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
684returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 690returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
685is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 691is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
686 692
687This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 693This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
688very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 694very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
689the current time is a good idea. 695the current time is a good idea.
690 696
692 698
693=item ev_suspend (loop) 699=item ev_suspend (loop)
694 700
695=item ev_resume (loop) 701=item ev_resume (loop)
696 702
697These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 703These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
698not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 704loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
699 705
700A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 706A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
701the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 707the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
702would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 708would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
703the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 709the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
714without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 720without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
715 721
716Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 722Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
717event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 723event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
718 724
719=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 725=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
720 726
721Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 727Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
722after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 728after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
723handling events. 729handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
730the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
731is why event loops are called I<loops>.
724 732
725If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 733If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
726either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 734until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
735called.
727 736
728Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 737Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
729relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 738relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
730finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 739finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
731that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 740that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
732of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 741of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
733beauty. 742beauty.
734 743
735A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 744A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
736those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 745those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
737process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 746block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
738the loop. 747iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
748events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
739 749
740A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 750A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
741necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 751necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
742will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 752will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
743be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 753be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
744user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 754user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
745iteration of the loop. 755iteration of the loop.
746 756
747This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 757This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
748with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 758with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
749own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 759own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
750usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 760usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
751 761
752Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 762Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
753 763
764 - Increment loop depth.
765 - Reset the ev_break status.
754 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 766 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
767 LOOP:
755 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 768 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
756 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 769 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
757 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 770 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
771 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
758 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 772 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
759 as to not disturb the other process. 773 as to not disturb the other process.
760 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 774 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
761 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 775 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
762 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 776 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
763 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 777 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
764 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 778 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
765 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 779 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
780 - Increment loop iteration counter.
766 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 781 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
767 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 782 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
768 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 783 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
769 - Queue all expired timers. 784 - Queue all expired timers.
770 - Queue all expired periodics. 785 - Queue all expired periodics.
771 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 786 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
772 - Queue all check watchers. 787 - Queue all check watchers.
773 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 788 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
774 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 789 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
775 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 790 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
776 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 791 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
777 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 792 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
778 continue with step *. 793 continue with step LOOP.
794 FINISH:
795 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
796 - Decrement the loop depth.
797 - Return.
779 798
780Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 799Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
781anymore. 800anymore.
782 801
783 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 802 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
784 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 803 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
785 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 804 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
786 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 805 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
787 806
788=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 807=item ev_break (loop, how)
789 808
790Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 809Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
791has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 810has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
792C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 811C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
793C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 812C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
794 813
795This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 814This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
796 815
797It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from outside any C<ev_loop> calls. 816It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO##
798 817
799=item ev_ref (loop) 818=item ev_ref (loop)
800 819
801=item ev_unref (loop) 820=item ev_unref (loop)
802 821
803Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 822Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
804loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 823loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
805count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 824count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
806 825
807This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 826This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
808unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 827unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
809returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 828returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
810before stopping it. 829before stopping it.
811 830
812As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 831As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
813is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 832is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
814exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 833exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
815excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 834excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
816third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 835third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
817before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 836before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
818before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 837before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
819(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 838(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
820in the callback). 839in the callback).
821 840
822Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 841Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
823running when nothing else is active. 842running when nothing else is active.
824 843
825 ev_signal exitsig; 844 ev_signal exitsig;
826 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 845 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
827 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 846 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
890 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 909 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
891 910
892=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 911=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
893 912
894This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 913This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
895pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 914pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
896but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 915but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
916function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
917when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
918event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
919thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
897 920
898=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 921=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
899 922
900Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 923Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
901are pending. 924are pending.
902 925
903=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 926=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
904 927
905This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 928This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
906invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 929invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
907this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 930this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
908invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 931invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
909 932
910If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 933If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
911callback. 934callback.
914 937
915Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 938Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
916can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 939can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
917each call to a libev function. 940each call to a libev function.
918 941
919However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 942However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
920wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 943to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
921C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 944loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
922and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 945I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
923 946
924When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 947When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
925suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 948suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
926afterwards. 949afterwards.
927 950
930 953
931While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 954While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
932C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 955C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
933modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 956modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
934have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 957have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
935waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 958waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
936to take note of any changes you made. 959to take note of any changes you made.
937 960
938In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 961In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
939invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 962invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
940 963
941See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 964See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
942document. 965document.
943 966
952These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 975These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
953and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 976and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
954C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 977C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
955any other purpose as well. 978any other purpose as well.
956 979
957=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 980=item ev_verify (loop)
958 981
959This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 982This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
960compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 983compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
961through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 984through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
962is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 985is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
973 996
974In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 997In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
975watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 998watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
976watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 999watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
977 1000
978A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1001A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
979interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1002your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
980become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1003to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1004for that:
981 1005
982 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1006 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
983 { 1007 {
984 ev_io_stop (w); 1008 ev_io_stop (w);
985 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1009 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
986 } 1010 }
987 1011
988 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1012 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
989 1013
990 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1014 ev_io stdin_watcher;
991 1015
992 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1016 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
993 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1017 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
994 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1018 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
995 1019
996 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1020 ev_run (loop, 0);
997 1021
998As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1022As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
999watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1023watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1000stack). 1024stack).
1001 1025
1002Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1026Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1003or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1027or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1004 1028
1005Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1029Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1006(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1030*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1007callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1031invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1008watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1032time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1009is readable and/or writable). 1033and/or writable).
1010 1034
1011Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1035Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1012macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1036macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1013is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1037is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1014ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1038ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1065 1089
1066=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1090=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1067 1091
1068=item C<EV_CHECK> 1092=item C<EV_CHECK>
1069 1093
1070All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1094All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1071to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1095to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1072C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1096C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1073received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1097received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1074many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1098many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1075(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1099(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1076C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1100C<ev_run> from blocking).
1077 1101
1078=item C<EV_EMBED> 1102=item C<EV_EMBED>
1079 1103
1080The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1104The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1081 1105
1109example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 1133example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
1110callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 1134callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
1111the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 1135the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
1112programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1136programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1113thing, so beware. 1137thing, so beware.
1138
1139=back
1140
1141=head2 WATCHER STATES
1142
1143There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1144active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1145transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1146rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1147
1148=over 4
1149
1150=item initialiased
1151
1152Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1153initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1154C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1155
1156In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1157in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1158
1159=item started/running/active
1160
1161Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1162property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1163this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1164freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1165and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1166
1167=item pending
1168
1169If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1170in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1171stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1172about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1173callback.
1174
1175The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1176an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1177is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1178but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1179moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1180previous item still apply.
1181
1182It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1183via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1184active.
1185
1186=item stopped
1187
1188A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1189be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1190latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1191of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1192freeing it is often a good idea.
1193
1194While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1195initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1196you wish.
1114 1197
1115=back 1198=back
1116 1199
1117=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1200=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1118 1201
1622 ... 1705 ...
1623 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1706 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1624 ev_io stdin_readable; 1707 ev_io stdin_readable;
1625 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1708 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1626 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1709 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1627 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1710 ev_run (loop, 0);
1628 1711
1629 1712
1630=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1713=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1631 1714
1632Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1715Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1641The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1724The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1642passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1725passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1643might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1726might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1644same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1727same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1645before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1728before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1646no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1729no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1647 1730
1648=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1731=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1649 1732
1650Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1733Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1651recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1734recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1822 1905
1823=head3 The special problem of time updates 1906=head3 The special problem of time updates
1824 1907
1825Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1908Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1826least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1909least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1827time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1910time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1828growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1911growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1829lots of events in one iteration. 1912lots of events in one iteration.
1830 1913
1831The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1914The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1832time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1915time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1949 } 2032 }
1950 2033
1951 ev_timer mytimer; 2034 ev_timer mytimer;
1952 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2035 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1953 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2036 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1954 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2037 ev_run (loop, 0);
1955 2038
1956 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2039 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1957 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2040 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1958 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2041 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1959 2042
1985 2068
1986As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2069As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1987point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2070point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1988timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2071timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1989earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2072earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1990(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2073(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1991 2074
1992=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2075=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1993 2076
1994=over 4 2077=over 4
1995 2078
2233Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2316Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2234 2317
2235 static void 2318 static void
2236 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2319 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2237 { 2320 {
2238 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2321 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2239 } 2322 }
2240 2323
2241 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2324 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2242 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2325 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2243 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2326 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2629 2712
2630Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2713Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2631prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2714prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2632afterwards. 2715afterwards.
2633 2716
2634You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2717You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2635the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2718the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2636watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2719watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2637rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2720rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2638those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2721those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2639C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2722C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2807 2890
2808 if (timeout >= 0) 2891 if (timeout >= 0)
2809 // create/start timer 2892 // create/start timer
2810 2893
2811 // poll 2894 // poll
2812 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2895 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2813 2896
2814 // stop timer again 2897 // stop timer again
2815 if (timeout >= 0) 2898 if (timeout >= 0)
2816 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2899 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2817 2900
2895if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2978if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2896 2979
2897=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2980=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2898 2981
2899Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2982Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2900similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2983similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2901appropriate way for embedded loops. 2984appropriate way for embedded loops.
2902 2985
2903=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2986=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2904 2987
2905The embedded event loop. 2988The embedded event loop.
3011=back 3094=back
3012 3095
3013 3096
3014=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3097=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3015 3098
3016In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3099In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3017asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3100asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3018loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3101loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3019 3102
3020Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3103Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3021for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3104for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3389Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3472Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3390do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3473do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3391 3474
3392=item w->set ([arguments]) 3475=item w->set ([arguments])
3393 3476
3394Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3477Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3395called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3478method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3396automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3479C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3397method. 3480when reconfiguring it with this method.
3398 3481
3399=item w->start () 3482=item w->start ()
3400 3483
3401Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3484Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3402constructor already stores the event loop. 3485constructor already stores the event loop.
3403 3486
3487=item w->start ([arguments])
3488
3489Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3490convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3491the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3492
3404=item w->stop () 3493=item w->stop ()
3405 3494
3406Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3495Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3407 3496
3408=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3497=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3420 3509
3421=back 3510=back
3422 3511
3423=back 3512=back
3424 3513
3425Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3514Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3426the constructor. 3515watchers in the constructor.
3427 3516
3428 class myclass 3517 class myclass
3429 { 3518 {
3430 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3519 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3520 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3431 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3521 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3432 3522
3433 myclass (int fd) 3523 myclass (int fd)
3434 { 3524 {
3435 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3525 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3526 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3436 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3527 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3437 3528
3438 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3529 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3530 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3531
3532 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3439 } 3533 }
3440 }; 3534 };
3441 3535
3442 3536
3443=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3537=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3517loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3611loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3518C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3612C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3519 3613
3520 ev_unref (EV_A); 3614 ev_unref (EV_A);
3521 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3615 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3522 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3616 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3523 3617
3524It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3618It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3525which is often provided by the following macro. 3619which is often provided by the following macro.
3526 3620
3527=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3621=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3567 } 3661 }
3568 3662
3569 ev_check check; 3663 ev_check check;
3570 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3664 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3571 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3665 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3572 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3666 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3573 3667
3574=head1 EMBEDDING 3668=head1 EMBEDDING
3575 3669
3576Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3670Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3577applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3671applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3668to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3762to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3669users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible 3763users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3670settings. 3764settings.
3671 3765
3672=over 4 3766=over 4
3767
3768=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3769
3770Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3771release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3772have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3773
3774You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3775versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3776sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3777from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3778typedef in that case.
3779
3780In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3781and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3782removed completely.
3673 3783
3674=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3784=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3675 3785
3676Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3786Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3677keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3787keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
4027The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 4137The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4028will be C<0>. 4138will be C<0>.
4029 4139
4030=item EV_VERIFY 4140=item EV_VERIFY
4031 4141
4032Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4142Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4033be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4143be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
4034in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4144in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4035called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4145called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4036called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4146called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4037verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4147verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4252 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4362 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4253 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4363 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4254 } 4364 }
4255 4365
4256The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4366The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4257into C<ev_loop>: 4367into C<ev_run>:
4258 4368
4259 void * 4369 void *
4260 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4370 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4261 { 4371 {
4262 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4372 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4263 4373
4264 l_acquire (EV_A); 4374 l_acquire (EV_A);
4265 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4375 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4266 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4376 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4267 l_release (EV_A); 4377 l_release (EV_A);
4268 4378
4269 return 0; 4379 return 0;
4270 } 4380 }
4271 4381
4323 4433
4324=head3 COROUTINES 4434=head3 COROUTINES
4325 4435
4326Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4436Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4327libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4437libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4328coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4438coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4329different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4439different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4330the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4440the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4331that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4441that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4332 4442
4333Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4443Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4334C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4444C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4335they do not call any callbacks. 4445they do not call any callbacks.
4336 4446
4337=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4447=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4338 4448
4339Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4449Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4423=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy 4533=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4424 4534
4425The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support 4535The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4426only sockets, many support pipes. 4536only sockets, many support pipes.
4427 4537
4428Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on 4538Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4429this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating 4539rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4430a loop. 4540loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4541probably going to work well.
4431 4542
4432=head3 C<poll> is buggy 4543=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4433 4544
4434Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll> 4545Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4435implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6 4546implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4454 4565
4455=head3 C<errno> reentrancy 4566=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4456 4567
4457The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so 4568The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4458thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled 4569thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4459without C<-D_REENTRANT> (as long as they use C<errno>), which, of course, 4570without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4460isn't defined by default. 4571defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4461 4572
4462If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure 4573If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4463it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined. 4574it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4464 4575
4465=head3 Event port backend 4576=head3 Event port backend
4466 4577
4467The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event ports". Unfortunately, 4578The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4468this mechanism is very buggy. If you run into high CPU usage, your program 4579ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4580releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4469freezes or you get a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have 4581a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4470all the relevant and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which 4582and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4471ones, but there are multiple ones. 4583are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4584great.
4472 4585
4473If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting 4586If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4474the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and 4587the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4475C<select> backends. 4588C<select> backends.
4476 4589
4477=head2 AIX POLL BUG 4590=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4478 4591
4479AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around 4592AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4480this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even 4593this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4481compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine 4594compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4482with large bitsets, and AIX is dead anyway. 4595with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4483 4596
4484=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4597=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4485 4598
4486=head3 General issues 4599=head3 General issues
4487 4600
4624watchers. 4737watchers.
4625 4738
4626=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4739=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4627 4740
4628The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4741The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4629have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4742have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4630enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4743good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4744(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4631implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4745implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4632ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4746IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
46332200.
4634 4747
4635=back 4748=back
4636 4749
4637If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4750If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4638 4751
4716compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4829compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4717removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4830removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4718 4831
4719=over 4 4832=over 4
4720 4833
4721=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 4834=item function/symbol renames
4722 4835
4723=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 4836A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4724 4837
4725=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 4838 ev_loop => ev_run
4839 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4840 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4841
4842 ev_unloop => ev_break
4843 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4844 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4845 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4846
4847 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4848
4849 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4850 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4851 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4726 4852
4727Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 4853Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4728C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is 4854C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4855associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4856ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4857as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4729still called C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the 4858C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4730C<ev_fork> typedef. 4859typedef.
4731 4860
4732=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents> 4861=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4733 4862
4734This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name 4863The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4735as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too. 4864C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4736 4865section.
4737Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4738and continue to be present for the foreseeable future, so this is mostly a
4739documentation change.
4740 4866
4741=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 4867=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4742 4868
4743The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 4869The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4744mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 4870mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4751 4877
4752=over 4 4878=over 4
4753 4879
4754=item active 4880=item active
4755 4881
4756A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4882A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4757an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4883See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4758 4884
4759=item application 4885=item application
4760 4886
4761In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4887In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4888
4889=item backend
4890
4891The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4762 4892
4763=item callback 4893=item callback
4764 4894
4765The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4895The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4766detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4896detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4767received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4897received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4768 4898
4769=item callback invocation 4899=item callback/watcher invocation
4770 4900
4771The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4901The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4772 4902
4773=item event 4903=item event
4774 4904
4793The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4923The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4794watchers and events. 4924watchers and events.
4795 4925
4796=item pending 4926=item pending
4797 4927
4798A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4928A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4799and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 4929detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4800pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4801
4802A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4803its pending status.
4804 4930
4805=item real time 4931=item real time
4806 4932
4807The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 4933The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4808 4934
4815=item watcher 4941=item watcher
4816 4942
4817A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 4943A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4818to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 4944to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4819 4945
4820=item watcher invocation
4821
4822The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4823
4824=back 4946=back
4825 4947
4826=head1 AUTHOR 4948=head1 AUTHOR
4827 4949
4828Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 4950Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.

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