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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 132this argument.
125 133
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 135
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practise 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 142
165 173
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 175
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
171 180
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 182
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 203not a problem.
195 204
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
198 208
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 212
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 225
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 227
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
221most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
222(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 235
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 237
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 243
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 245
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
236 247
237Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
238semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
239used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
240when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
266 } 277 }
267 278
268 ... 279 ...
269 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
270 281
271=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
272 283
273Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
274as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
275indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
276callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
290 ... 301 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 303
293=back 304=back
294 305
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 307
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 308An 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> 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
299I<function>). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 311
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303not. 314do not.
304 315
305=over 4 316=over 4
306 317
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 319
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
311false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
312flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
313 330
314If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
315function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 333
317Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
318from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
320 338
321The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
322C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
323for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
324create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
325can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
361threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
362loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
327 363
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
329backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
330 366
331The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
366environment variable. 402environment variable.
367 403
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 405
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 407I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 410
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 412
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 414I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 418threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 419
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 464
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
470(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
433so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4710.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
434I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 472forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 473set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 474and is of course hard to detect.
437 475
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 476Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 477of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 478I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 479even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 481employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 482events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
445not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 483not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
446perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 484perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
447 485
486Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
487
448While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 488While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
449will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 489will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
450incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 490incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
451I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 491I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
452file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both 492file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
549If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 589If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
550then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 590then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
551here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 591here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
552()> will be tried. 592()> will be tried.
553 593
554Example: This is the most typical usage.
555
556 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
557 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
558
559Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
560environment settings to be taken into account:
561
562 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
563
564Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
565used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
566private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
567fds):
568
569 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
570
571=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
572
573Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
574always distinct from the default loop.
575
576Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
577libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
578default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
579
580Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 594Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 595
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 596 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 597 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 598 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 599
600Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
601used if available.
602
603 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
604
586=item ev_default_destroy () 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 606
588Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 607Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 608etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
590e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 609sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
591either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 610responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 611calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 612the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
613for example).
594 614
595Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 615Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
596handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 616handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
597as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 617as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
598 618
599In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 619This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
600rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 620C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
621C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
622
623Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
624except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
601pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 625If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
602C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 626and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
603 627
604=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 628=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605 629
606Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
607earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
608
609=item ev_default_fork ()
610
611This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 630This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
612to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 631reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
613name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 632name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
614the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 633the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
615sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 634child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
616functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
617 635
618Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 636Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
619a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 637a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
620because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 638because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
621during fork. 639during fork.
622 640
623On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 641On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
624process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If you 642process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
625just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to call 643you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
626it at all. 644call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
645difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
646costly reset of the backend).
627 647
628The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 648The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
629it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 649it just in case after a fork.
630quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
631 650
651Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
652using pthreads.
653
654 static void
655 post_fork_child (void)
656 {
657 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
658 }
659
660 ...
632 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 661 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
633
634=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
635
636Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
637C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
638after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
639them is entirely your own problem.
640 662
641=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 663=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
642 664
643Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 665Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
644otherwise. 666otherwise.
645 667
646=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 668=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
647 669
648Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 670Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
649the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 671to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
650happily wraps around with enough iterations. 672and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
651 673
652This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 674This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
653"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 675"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
654C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 676C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
655prepare and check phases. 677prepare and check phases.
656 678
657=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 679=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
658 680
659Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 681Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
660times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 682times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
661 683
662Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 684Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
663C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 685C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
664in which case it is higher. 686in which case it is higher.
665 687
666Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 688Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
667etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 689throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
668ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 690as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
691convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
669 692
670=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 693=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
671 694
672Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 695Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
673use. 696use.
682 705
683=item ev_now_update (loop) 706=item ev_now_update (loop)
684 707
685Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 708Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
686returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 709returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
687is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 710is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
688 711
689This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 712This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
690very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 713very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
691the current time is a good idea. 714the current time is a good idea.
692 715
694 717
695=item ev_suspend (loop) 718=item ev_suspend (loop)
696 719
697=item ev_resume (loop) 720=item ev_resume (loop)
698 721
699These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 722These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
700not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 723loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
701 724
702A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 725A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
703the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 726the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
704would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 727would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
705the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 728the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
716without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 739without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
717 740
718Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 741Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
719event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 742event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
720 743
721=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 744=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
722 745
723Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 746Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
724after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 747after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
725handling events. 748handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
749the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
750is why event loops are called I<loops>.
726 751
727If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 752If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
728either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 753until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
754called.
729 755
730Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 756Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
731relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 757relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
732finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 758finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
733that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 759that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
734of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 760of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
735beauty. 761beauty.
736 762
763This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
764a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
765exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
766will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
767
737A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 768A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
738those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 769those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
739process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 770block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
740the loop. 771iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
772events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
741 773
742A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 774A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
743necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 775necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
744will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 776will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
745be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 777be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
746user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 778user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
747iteration of the loop. 779iteration of the loop.
748 780
749This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 781This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
750with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 782with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
751own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 783own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
752usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 784usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
753 785
754Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 786Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
755 787
788 - Increment loop depth.
789 - Reset the ev_break status.
756 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 790 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
791 LOOP:
757 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 792 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
758 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 793 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
759 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 794 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
795 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
760 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 796 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
761 as to not disturb the other process. 797 as to not disturb the other process.
762 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 798 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
763 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 799 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
764 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 800 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
765 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 801 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
766 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 802 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
767 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 803 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
804 - Increment loop iteration counter.
768 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 805 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
769 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 806 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
770 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 807 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
771 - Queue all expired timers. 808 - Queue all expired timers.
772 - Queue all expired periodics. 809 - Queue all expired periodics.
773 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 810 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
774 - Queue all check watchers. 811 - Queue all check watchers.
775 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 812 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
776 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 813 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
777 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 814 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
778 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 815 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
779 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 816 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
780 continue with step *. 817 continue with step LOOP.
818 FINISH:
819 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
820 - Decrement the loop depth.
821 - Return.
781 822
782Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 823Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
783anymore. 824anymore.
784 825
785 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 826 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
786 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 827 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
787 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 828 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
788 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 829 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
789 830
790=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 831=item ev_break (loop, how)
791 832
792Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 833Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
793has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 834has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
794C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 835C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
795C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 836C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
796 837
797This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 838This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
798 839
799It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from outside any C<ev_loop> calls. 840It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
841which case it will have no effect.
800 842
801=item ev_ref (loop) 843=item ev_ref (loop)
802 844
803=item ev_unref (loop) 845=item ev_unref (loop)
804 846
805Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 847Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
806loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 848loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
807count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 849count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
808 850
809This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 851This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
810unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 852unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
811returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 853returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
812before stopping it. 854before stopping it.
813 855
814As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 856As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
815is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 857is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
816exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 858exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
817excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 859excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
818third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 860third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
819before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 861before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
820before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 862before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
821(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 863(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
822in the callback). 864in the callback).
823 865
824Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 866Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
825running when nothing else is active. 867running when nothing else is active.
826 868
827 ev_signal exitsig; 869 ev_signal exitsig;
828 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 870 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
829 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 871 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
892 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 934 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
893 935
894=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 936=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
895 937
896This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 938This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
897pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 939pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
898but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 940but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
941function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
942when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
943event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
944thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
899 945
900=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 946=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
901 947
902Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 948Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
903are pending. 949are pending.
904 950
905=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 951=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
906 952
907This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 953This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
908invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 954invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
909this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 955this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
910invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 956invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
911 957
912If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 958If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
913callback. 959callback.
916 962
917Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 963Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
918can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 964can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
919each call to a libev function. 965each call to a libev function.
920 966
921However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 967However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
922wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 968to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
923C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 969loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
924and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 970I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
925 971
926When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 972When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
927suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 973suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
928afterwards. 974afterwards.
929 975
932 978
933While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 979While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
934C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 980C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
935modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 981modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
936have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 982have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
937waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 983waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
938to take note of any changes you made. 984to take note of any changes you made.
939 985
940In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 986In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
941invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 987invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
942 988
943See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 989See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
944document. 990document.
945 991
946=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 992=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
947 993
948=item ev_userdata (loop) 994=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
949 995
950Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 996Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
951C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 997C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
952C<0.> 998C<0>.
953 999
954These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1000These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
955and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1001and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
956C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1002C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
957any other purpose as well. 1003any other purpose as well.
958 1004
959=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1005=item ev_verify (loop)
960 1006
961This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1007This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
962compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1008compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
963through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1009through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
964is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1010is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
975 1021
976In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1022In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
977watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1023watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
978watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1024watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
979 1025
980A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1026A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
981interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1027your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
982become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1028to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1029for that:
983 1030
984 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1031 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
985 { 1032 {
986 ev_io_stop (w); 1033 ev_io_stop (w);
987 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1034 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
988 } 1035 }
989 1036
990 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1037 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
991 1038
992 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1039 ev_io stdin_watcher;
993 1040
994 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1041 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
995 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1042 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
996 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1043 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
997 1044
998 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1045 ev_run (loop, 0);
999 1046
1000As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1047As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
1001watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1048watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1002stack). 1049stack).
1003 1050
1004Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1051Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1005or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1052or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1006 1053
1007Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1054Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1008(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1055*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1009callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1056invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1010watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1057time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1011is readable and/or writable). 1058and/or writable).
1012 1059
1013Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1060Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1014macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1061macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1015is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1062is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1016ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1063ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1067 1114
1068=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1115=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1069 1116
1070=item C<EV_CHECK> 1117=item C<EV_CHECK>
1071 1118
1072All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1119All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1073to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1120to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1074C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1121C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1075received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1122received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1076many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1123many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1077(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1124(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1078C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1125C<ev_run> from blocking).
1079 1126
1080=item C<EV_EMBED> 1127=item C<EV_EMBED>
1081 1128
1082The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1129The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1083 1130
1084=item C<EV_FORK> 1131=item C<EV_FORK>
1085 1132
1086The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1133The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1087C<ev_fork>). 1134C<ev_fork>).
1135
1136=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1137
1138The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1088 1139
1089=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1140=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1090 1141
1091The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1142The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1092 1143
1264 1315
1265See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1316See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1266functions that do not need a watcher. 1317functions that do not need a watcher.
1267 1318
1268=back 1319=back
1269
1270 1320
1271=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1321=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1272 1322
1273Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1323Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1274and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1324and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1330 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1380 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1331 { 1381 {
1332 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1382 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1333 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1383 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1334 } 1384 }
1385
1386=head2 WATCHER STATES
1387
1388There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1389active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1390transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1391rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1392
1393=over 4
1394
1395=item initialiased
1396
1397Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1398initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1399C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1400
1401In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1402in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1403
1404=item started/running/active
1405
1406Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1407property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1408this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1409freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1410and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1411
1412=item pending
1413
1414If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1415in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1416stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1417about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1418callback.
1419
1420The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1421an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1422is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1423but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1424moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1425previous item still apply.
1426
1427It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1428via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1429active.
1430
1431=item stopped
1432
1433A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1434be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1435latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1436of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1437freeing it is often a good idea.
1438
1439While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1440initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1441you wish.
1442
1443=back
1335 1444
1336=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1445=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1337 1446
1338Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1447Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1339integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1448integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1624 ... 1733 ...
1625 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1734 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1626 ev_io stdin_readable; 1735 ev_io stdin_readable;
1627 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1736 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1628 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1737 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1629 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1738 ev_run (loop, 0);
1630 1739
1631 1740
1632=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1741=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1633 1742
1634Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1743Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1643The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1752The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1644passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1753passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1645might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1754might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1646same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1755same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1647before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1756before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1648no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1757no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1649 1758
1650=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1759=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1651 1760
1652Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1761Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1653recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1762recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1824 1933
1825=head3 The special problem of time updates 1934=head3 The special problem of time updates
1826 1935
1827Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1936Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1828least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1937least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1829time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1938time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1830growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1939growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1831lots of events in one iteration. 1940lots of events in one iteration.
1832 1941
1833The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1942The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1834time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1943time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1951 } 2060 }
1952 2061
1953 ev_timer mytimer; 2062 ev_timer mytimer;
1954 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2063 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1955 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2064 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1956 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2065 ev_run (loop, 0);
1957 2066
1958 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2067 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1959 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2068 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1960 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2069 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1961 2070
1987 2096
1988As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2097As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1989point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2098point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1990timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2099timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1991earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2100earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1992(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2101(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1993 2102
1994=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1995 2104
1996=over 4 2105=over 4
1997 2106
2158 2267
2159=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2268=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2160 2269
2161Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2270Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2162signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2271signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2163will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2272will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2164normal event processing, like any other event. 2273normal event processing, like any other event.
2165 2274
2166If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2275If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2167C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2276C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2168the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2277the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2235Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2344Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2236 2345
2237 static void 2346 static void
2238 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2347 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2239 { 2348 {
2240 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2349 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2241 } 2350 }
2242 2351
2243 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2352 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2244 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2353 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2245 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2354 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2631 2740
2632Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2741Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2633prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2742prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2634afterwards. 2743afterwards.
2635 2744
2636You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2745You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2637the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2746the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2638watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2747watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2639rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2748rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2640those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2749those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2641C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2750C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2809 2918
2810 if (timeout >= 0) 2919 if (timeout >= 0)
2811 // create/start timer 2920 // create/start timer
2812 2921
2813 // poll 2922 // poll
2814 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2923 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2815 2924
2816 // stop timer again 2925 // stop timer again
2817 if (timeout >= 0) 2926 if (timeout >= 0)
2818 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2927 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2819 2928
2897if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3006if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2898 3007
2899=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3008=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2900 3009
2901Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3010Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2902similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3011similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2903appropriate way for embedded loops. 3012appropriate way for embedded loops.
2904 3013
2905=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3014=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2906 3015
2907The embedded event loop. 3016The embedded event loop.
2993disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3102disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2994signal watchers). 3103signal watchers).
2995 3104
2996When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3105When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2997other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3106other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2998C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3107C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2999the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3108Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3000have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3109watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3001also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3110those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3111signal watchers.
3002 3112
3003=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3113=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3004 3114
3005=over 4 3115=over 4
3006 3116
3007=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3117=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3008 3118
3009Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3119Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3010kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3120kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3011believe me. 3121really.
3012 3122
3013=back 3123=back
3014 3124
3015 3125
3126=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3127
3128Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3129by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3130
3131While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3132watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3133program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3134loop when you want them to be invoked.
3135
3136Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3137all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3138makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3139can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3140
3141=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3142
3143=over 4
3144
3145=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3146
3147Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3148any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3149pointless, I assure you.
3150
3151=back
3152
3153Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3154cleanup functions are called.
3155
3156 static void
3157 program_exits (void)
3158 {
3159 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3160 }
3161
3162 ...
3163 atexit (program_exits);
3164
3165
3016=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3166=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3017 3167
3018In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3168In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3019asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3169asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3020loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3170loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3021 3171
3022Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3172Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3023for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3173for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3217loop!). 3367loop!).
3218 3368
3219=back 3369=back
3220 3370
3221 3371
3372=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3373
3374This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3375obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3376section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3377
3378=over 4
3379
3380=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3381
3382Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3383I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3384invoking C<ev_run>.
3385
3386This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3387main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3388a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3389and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3390other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3391
3392The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3393invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3394triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3395
3396 // main loop
3397 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3398
3399 while (!exit_main_loop)
3400 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3401
3402 // in a model watcher
3403 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3404
3405 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3406 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3407
3408To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3409
3410 // exit modal loop
3411 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3412
3413 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3414 exit_main_loop = 1;
3415
3416 // exit both
3417 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3418
3419=back
3420
3421
3222=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3422=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3223 3423
3224Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3424Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3225emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3425emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3226 3426
3227=over 4 3427=over 4
3428
3429=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3430
3431This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3432and is still mostly uncanged in 2010.
3228 3433
3229=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3434=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3230 3435
3231=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3436=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3232ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3437ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3238=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3443=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3239will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3444will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3240is an ev_pri field. 3445is an ev_pri field.
3241 3446
3242=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3447=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3243first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3448base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3244 3449
3245=item * Other members are not supported. 3450=item * Other members are not supported.
3246 3451
3247=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3452=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3248to use the libev header file and library. 3453to use the libev header file and library.
3267Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3472Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3268classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3473classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3269that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3474that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3270you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3475you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3271 3476
3272Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3477Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3273used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3478with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3274need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3479to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3275types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3480you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3276it). 3481(preferably after implementing it).
3277 3482
3278Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3483Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3279 3484
3280=over 4 3485=over 4
3281 3486
3391Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3596Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3392do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3597do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3393 3598
3394=item w->set ([arguments]) 3599=item w->set ([arguments])
3395 3600
3396Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3601Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3397called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3602method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3398automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3603C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3399method. 3604when reconfiguring it with this method.
3400 3605
3401=item w->start () 3606=item w->start ()
3402 3607
3403Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3608Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3404constructor already stores the event loop. 3609constructor already stores the event loop.
3405 3610
3611=item w->start ([arguments])
3612
3613Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3614convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3615the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3616
3406=item w->stop () 3617=item w->stop ()
3407 3618
3408Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3619Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3409 3620
3410=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3621=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3422 3633
3423=back 3634=back
3424 3635
3425=back 3636=back
3426 3637
3427Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3638Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3428the constructor. 3639watchers in the constructor.
3429 3640
3430 class myclass 3641 class myclass
3431 { 3642 {
3432 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3643 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3644 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3433 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3645 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3434 3646
3435 myclass (int fd) 3647 myclass (int fd)
3436 { 3648 {
3437 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3649 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3650 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3438 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3651 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3439 3652
3440 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3653 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3654 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3655
3656 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3441 } 3657 }
3442 }; 3658 };
3443 3659
3444 3660
3445=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3661=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3519loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3735loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3520C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3736C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3521 3737
3522 ev_unref (EV_A); 3738 ev_unref (EV_A);
3523 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3739 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3524 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3740 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3525 3741
3526It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3742It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3527which is often provided by the following macro. 3743which is often provided by the following macro.
3528 3744
3529=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3745=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3569 } 3785 }
3570 3786
3571 ev_check check; 3787 ev_check check;
3572 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3788 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3573 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3789 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3574 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3790 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3575 3791
3576=head1 EMBEDDING 3792=head1 EMBEDDING
3577 3793
3578Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3794Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3579applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3795applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3670to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3886to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3671users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible 3887users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3672settings. 3888settings.
3673 3889
3674=over 4 3890=over 4
3891
3892=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3893
3894Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3895release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3896have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3897
3898You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3899versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3900sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3901from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3902typedef in that case.
3903
3904In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3905and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3906removed completely.
3675 3907
3676=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3908=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3677 3909
3678Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3910Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3679keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3911keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
4029The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 4261The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4030will be C<0>. 4262will be C<0>.
4031 4263
4032=item EV_VERIFY 4264=item EV_VERIFY
4033 4265
4034Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4266Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4035be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4267be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
4036in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4268in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4037called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4269called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4038called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4270called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4039verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4271verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4254 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4486 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4255 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4487 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4256 } 4488 }
4257 4489
4258The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4490The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4259into C<ev_loop>: 4491into C<ev_run>:
4260 4492
4261 void * 4493 void *
4262 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4494 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4263 { 4495 {
4264 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4496 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4265 4497
4266 l_acquire (EV_A); 4498 l_acquire (EV_A);
4267 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4499 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4268 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4500 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4269 l_release (EV_A); 4501 l_release (EV_A);
4270 4502
4271 return 0; 4503 return 0;
4272 } 4504 }
4273 4505
4325 4557
4326=head3 COROUTINES 4558=head3 COROUTINES
4327 4559
4328Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4560Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4329libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4561libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4330coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4562coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4331different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4563different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4332the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4564the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4333that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4565that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4334 4566
4335Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4567Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4336C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4568C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4337they do not call any callbacks. 4569they do not call any callbacks.
4338 4570
4339=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4571=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4340 4572
4341Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4573Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4425=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy 4657=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4426 4658
4427The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support 4659The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4428only sockets, many support pipes. 4660only sockets, many support pipes.
4429 4661
4430Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on 4662Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4431this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating 4663rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4432a loop. 4664loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4665probably going to work well.
4433 4666
4434=head3 C<poll> is buggy 4667=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4435 4668
4436Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll> 4669Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4437implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6 4670implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4456 4689
4457=head3 C<errno> reentrancy 4690=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4458 4691
4459The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so 4692The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4460thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled 4693thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4461without C<-D_REENTRANT> (as long as they use C<errno>), which, of course, 4694without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4462isn't defined by default. 4695defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4463 4696
4464If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure 4697If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4465it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined. 4698it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4466 4699
4467=head3 Event port backend 4700=head3 Event port backend
4468 4701
4469The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event ports". Unfortunately, 4702The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4470this mechanism is very buggy. If you run into high CPU usage, your program 4703ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4704releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4471freezes or you get a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have 4705a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4472all the relevant and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which 4706and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4473ones, but there are multiple ones. 4707are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4708great.
4474 4709
4475If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting 4710If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4476the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and 4711the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4477C<select> backends. 4712C<select> backends.
4478 4713
4479=head2 AIX POLL BUG 4714=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4480 4715
4481AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around 4716AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4482this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even 4717this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4483compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine 4718compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4484with large bitsets, and AIX is dead anyway. 4719with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4485 4720
4486=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4721=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4487 4722
4488=head3 General issues 4723=head3 General issues
4489 4724
4595structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4830structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4596assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4831assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4597callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4832callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4598calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4833calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4599 4834
4835=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4836
4837Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4838writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4839
4600=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4840=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4601 4841
4602The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4842The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4603C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4843C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4604threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4844threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4626watchers. 4866watchers.
4627 4867
4628=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4868=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4629 4869
4630The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4870The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4631have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4871have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4632enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4872good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4873(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4633implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4874implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4634ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4875IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
46352200.
4636 4876
4637=back 4877=back
4638 4878
4639If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4879If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4640 4880
4710=back 4950=back
4711 4951
4712 4952
4713=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 4953=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4714 4954
4715The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 4955The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4716 4956
4717At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 4957At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4718compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4958for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4719removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4959layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4960new API early than late.
4720 4961
4721=over 4 4962=over 4
4722 4963
4723=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 4964=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4724 4965
4725=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 4966The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4967C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4968section.
4726 4969
4727=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 4970=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4971
4972These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4973
4974 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4975 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4976
4977=item function/symbol renames
4978
4979A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4980
4981 ev_loop => ev_run
4982 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4983 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4984
4985 ev_unloop => ev_break
4986 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4987 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4988 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4989
4990 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4991
4992 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4993 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4994 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4728 4995
4729Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 4996Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4730C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is 4997C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4998associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4999ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5000as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4731still called C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the 5001C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4732C<ev_fork> typedef. 5002typedef.
4733
4734=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents>
4735
4736This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name
4737as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too.
4738
4739Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4740and continue to be present for the foreseeable future, so this is mostly a
4741documentation change.
4742 5003
4743=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5004=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4744 5005
4745The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5006The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4746mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5007mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4753 5014
4754=over 4 5015=over 4
4755 5016
4756=item active 5017=item active
4757 5018
4758A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5019A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4759an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 5020See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4760 5021
4761=item application 5022=item application
4762 5023
4763In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5024In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5025
5026=item backend
5027
5028The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4764 5029
4765=item callback 5030=item callback
4766 5031
4767The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5032The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4768detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5033detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4769received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5034received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4770 5035
4771=item callback invocation 5036=item callback/watcher invocation
4772 5037
4773The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5038The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4774 5039
4775=item event 5040=item event
4776 5041
4795The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5060The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4796watchers and events. 5061watchers and events.
4797 5062
4798=item pending 5063=item pending
4799 5064
4800A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5065A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4801and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5066detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4802pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4803
4804A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4805its pending status.
4806 5067
4807=item real time 5068=item real time
4808 5069
4809The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5070The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4810 5071
4817=item watcher 5078=item watcher
4818 5079
4819A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5080A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4820to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5081to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4821 5082
4822=item watcher invocation
4823
4824The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4825
4826=back 5083=back
4827 5084
4828=head1 AUTHOR 5085=head1 AUTHOR
4829 5086
4830Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5087Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5088Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4831 5089

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