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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.306 by root, Mon Oct 18 07:36:05 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.352 by root, Mon Jan 10 14:30:15 2011 UTC

26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
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
288 } 299 }
289 300
290 ... 301 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
293=back 317=back
294 318
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 320
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 321An 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> 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
299I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 324
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303not. 327do not.
304 328
305=over 4 329=over 4
306 330
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 332
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally 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 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
312flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
313 343
314If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
315function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 346
317Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note 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, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
320 351
321The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The 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 353and 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 354a 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 355C<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 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
327 376
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The 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>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
330 379
331The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
366environment variable. 415environment variable.
367 416
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 418
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 419When 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 420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 423
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 425
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When 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 427I<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 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 432
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
385there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
387 448
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 450
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 489
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(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 4960.1ms) 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 497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
437 500
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll 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 502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
445not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
446perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
447 510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
512
448While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While 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 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
450incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (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 516I<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 517file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
517=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
518 583
519This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 584This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
520it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 585it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
521 586
522Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
523notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
524blocking when no data (or space) is available.
525
526While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
527file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
528descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
529might perform better. 590might perform better.
530 591
531On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
532notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
533in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 593specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
534OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 594among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
595hacks).
596
597On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
598even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
599function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
600occured, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
601even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where
602you absolutely have to know whether an event occured or not because you
603have to re-arm the watcher.
604
605Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
535 606
536This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 607This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
537C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 608C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
538 609
539=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 610=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
540 611
541Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 612Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
542with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 613with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
543C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 614C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
544 615
545It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 616It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
617C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
618at all.
619
620=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
621
622Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
623C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
624value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
546 625
547=back 626=back
548 627
549If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 628If 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 629then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
551here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 630here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
552()> will be tried. 631()> will be tried.
553 632
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. 633Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 634
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 635 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 636 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 637 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 638
639Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
640used if available.
641
642 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
643
586=item ev_default_destroy () 644=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 645
588Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 646Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 647etc.). 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 648sense, 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, 649responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 650calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 651the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
652for example).
594 653
595Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 654Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
596handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 655handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
597as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 656as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
598 657
599In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 658This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
600rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 659C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
660C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
661
662Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
663except 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 664If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
602C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 665and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
603 666
604=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 667=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605 668
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 669This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
612to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 670reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
613name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 671name, 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 672the 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 673child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
616functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
617 674
618Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 675Again, 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 676a 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 677because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
621during fork. 678during fork.
622 679
623On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 680On 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 681process 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 682you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
626it at all. 683call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
684difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
685costly reset of the backend).
627 686
628The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 687The 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 688it just in case after a fork.
630quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
631 689
690Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
691using pthreads.
692
693 static void
694 post_fork_child (void)
695 {
696 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
697 }
698
699 ...
632 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 700 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.
640 701
641=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 702=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
642 703
643Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 704Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
644otherwise. 705otherwise.
645 706
646=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 707=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
647 708
648Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 709Returns 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 710to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
650happily wraps around with enough iterations. 711and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
651 712
652This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 713This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
653"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 714"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
654C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 715C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
655prepare and check phases. 716prepare and check phases.
656 717
657=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 718=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
658 719
659Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 720Returns 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. 721times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
661 722
662Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 723Outside 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), 724C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
664in which case it is higher. 725in which case it is higher.
665 726
666Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 727Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
667etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 728throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
668ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 729as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
730convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
669 731
670=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 732=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
671 733
672Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 734Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
673use. 735use.
682 744
683=item ev_now_update (loop) 745=item ev_now_update (loop)
684 746
685Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 747Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
686returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 748returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
687is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 749is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
688 750
689This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 751This 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 752very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
691the current time is a good idea. 753the current time is a good idea.
692 754
694 756
695=item ev_suspend (loop) 757=item ev_suspend (loop)
696 758
697=item ev_resume (loop) 759=item ev_resume (loop)
698 760
699These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 761These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
700not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 762loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
701 763
702A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 764A 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 765the 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 766would 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> 767the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
716without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 778without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
717 779
718Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 780Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
719event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 781event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
720 782
721=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 783=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
722 784
723Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 785Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
724after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 786after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
725handling events. 787handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
788the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
789is why event loops are called I<loops>.
726 790
727If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 791If 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. 792until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
793called.
729 794
730Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 795Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
731relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 796relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
732finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 797finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
733that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 798that 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 799of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
735beauty. 800beauty.
736 801
802This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
803a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
804exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
805will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
806
737A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 807A 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 808those 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 809block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
740the loop. 810iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
811events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
741 812
742A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 813A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
743necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 814necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
744will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 815will 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 816be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
746user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 817user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
747iteration of the loop. 818iteration of the loop.
748 819
749This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 820This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
750with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 821with 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 822own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
752usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 823usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
753 824
754Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 825Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
755 826
827 - Increment loop depth.
828 - Reset the ev_break status.
756 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 829 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
830 LOOP:
757 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 831 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
758 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 832 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
759 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 833 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
834 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
760 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 835 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
761 as to not disturb the other process. 836 as to not disturb the other process.
762 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 837 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
763 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 838 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
764 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 839 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
765 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 840 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
766 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 841 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
767 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 842 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
843 - Increment loop iteration counter.
768 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 844 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
769 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 845 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
770 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 846 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
771 - Queue all expired timers. 847 - Queue all expired timers.
772 - Queue all expired periodics. 848 - Queue all expired periodics.
773 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 849 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
774 - Queue all check watchers. 850 - Queue all check watchers.
775 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 851 - 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 852 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
777 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 853 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
778 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 854 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
779 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 855 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
780 continue with step *. 856 continue with step LOOP.
857 FINISH:
858 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
859 - Decrement the loop depth.
860 - Return.
781 861
782Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 862Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
783anymore. 863anymore.
784 864
785 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 865 ... 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..) 866 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
787 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 867 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
788 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 868 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
789 869
790=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 870=item ev_break (loop, how)
791 871
792Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 872Can 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 873has 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 874C<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. 875C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
796 876
797This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 877This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
798 878
799It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from outside any C<ev_loop> calls. 879It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
880which case it will have no effect.
800 881
801=item ev_ref (loop) 882=item ev_ref (loop)
802 883
803=item ev_unref (loop) 884=item ev_unref (loop)
804 885
805Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 886Ref/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 887loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
807count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 888count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
808 889
809This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 890This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
810unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 891unregister, 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> 892returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
812before stopping it. 893before stopping it.
813 894
814As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 895As 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 896is 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 897exiting 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 898excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
818third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 899third-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 900before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
820before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 901before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
821(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 902(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
822in the callback). 903in the callback).
823 904
824Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 905Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
825running when nothing else is active. 906running when nothing else is active.
826 907
827 ev_signal exitsig; 908 ev_signal exitsig;
828 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 909 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
829 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
830 evf_unref (loop); 911 ev_unref (loop);
831 912
832Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 913Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
833 914
834 ev_ref (loop); 915 ev_ref (loop);
835 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 916 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
892 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 973 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
893 974
894=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 975=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
895 976
896This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 977This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
897pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 978pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
898but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 979but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
980function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
981when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
982event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
983thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
899 984
900=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 985=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
901 986
902Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 987Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
903are pending. 988are pending.
904 989
905=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 990=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
906 991
907This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 992This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
908invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 993invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
909this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 994this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
910invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 995invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
911 996
912If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 997If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
913callback. 998callback.
916 1001
917Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1002Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
918can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1003can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
919each call to a libev function. 1004each call to a libev function.
920 1005
921However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1006However, 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 1007to 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> 1008loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
924and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1009I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
925 1010
926When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1011When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
927suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1012suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
928afterwards. 1013afterwards.
929 1014
932 1017
933While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1018While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
934C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1019C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
935modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1020modifications 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 1021have 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 1022waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
938to take note of any changes you made. 1023to take note of any changes you made.
939 1024
940In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1025In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
941invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1026invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
942 1027
943See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1028See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
944document. 1029document.
945 1030
946=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1031=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
947 1032
948=item ev_userdata (loop) 1033=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
949 1034
950Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1035Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
951C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1036C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
952C<0.> 1037C<0>.
953 1038
954These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1039These 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 1040and 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 1041C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
957any other purpose as well. 1042any other purpose as well.
958 1043
959=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1044=item ev_verify (loop)
960 1045
961This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1046This 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 1047compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
963through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1048through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
964is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1049is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
975 1060
976In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1061In 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 1062watcher 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. 1063watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
979 1064
980A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1065A 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 1066your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
982become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1067to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1068for that:
983 1069
984 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1070 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
985 { 1071 {
986 ev_io_stop (w); 1072 ev_io_stop (w);
987 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1073 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
988 } 1074 }
989 1075
990 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1076 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
991 1077
992 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1078 ev_io stdin_watcher;
993 1079
994 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1080 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
995 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1081 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
996 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1082 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
997 1083
998 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1084 ev_run (loop, 0);
999 1085
1000As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1086As 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 1087watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1002stack). 1088stack).
1003 1089
1004Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1090Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1005or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1091or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1006 1092
1007Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1093Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1008(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1094*, 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 1095invoked 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 1096time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1011is readable and/or writable). 1097and/or writable).
1012 1098
1013Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1099Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1014macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1100macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1015is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1101is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1016ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1102ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1067 1153
1068=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1154=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1069 1155
1070=item C<EV_CHECK> 1156=item C<EV_CHECK>
1071 1157
1072All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1158All 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 1159to 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 1160C<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 1161received 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 1162many 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 1163(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1078C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1164C<ev_run> from blocking).
1079 1165
1080=item C<EV_EMBED> 1166=item C<EV_EMBED>
1081 1167
1082The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1168The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1083 1169
1084=item C<EV_FORK> 1170=item C<EV_FORK>
1085 1171
1086The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1172The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1087C<ev_fork>). 1173C<ev_fork>).
1174
1175=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1176
1177The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1088 1178
1089=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1179=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1090 1180
1091The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1181The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1092 1182
1264 1354
1265See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1355See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1266functions that do not need a watcher. 1356functions that do not need a watcher.
1267 1357
1268=back 1358=back
1269
1270 1359
1271=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1272 1361
1273Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1362Each 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 1363and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1330 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1419 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1331 { 1420 {
1332 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1421 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1333 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1422 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1334 } 1423 }
1424
1425=head2 WATCHER STATES
1426
1427There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1428active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1429transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1430rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1431
1432=over 4
1433
1434=item initialiased
1435
1436Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1437initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1438C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1439
1440In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1441in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1442
1443=item started/running/active
1444
1445Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1446property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1447this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1448freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1449and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1450
1451=item pending
1452
1453If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1454in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1455stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1456about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1457callback.
1458
1459The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1460an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1461is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1462but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1463moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1464previous item still apply.
1465
1466It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1467via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1468active.
1469
1470=item stopped
1471
1472A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1473be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1474latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1475of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1476freeing it is often a good idea.
1477
1478While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1479initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1480you wish.
1481
1482=back
1335 1483
1336=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1484=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1337 1485
1338Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1486Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1339integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1487integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1624 ... 1772 ...
1625 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1773 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1626 ev_io stdin_readable; 1774 ev_io stdin_readable;
1627 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1775 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1628 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1776 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1629 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1777 ev_run (loop, 0);
1630 1778
1631 1779
1632=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1780=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1633 1781
1634Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1782Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1643The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1791The 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 1792passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1645might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1793might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1646same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1794same 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 1795before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1648no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1796no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1649 1797
1650=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1798=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1651 1799
1652Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1800Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1653recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1801recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1824 1972
1825=head3 The special problem of time updates 1973=head3 The special problem of time updates
1826 1974
1827Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1975Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1828least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1976least 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 1977time 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 1978growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1831lots of events in one iteration. 1979lots of events in one iteration.
1832 1980
1833The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1981The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1834time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1982time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1951 } 2099 }
1952 2100
1953 ev_timer mytimer; 2101 ev_timer mytimer;
1954 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2102 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1955 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2103 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1956 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2104 ev_run (loop, 0);
1957 2105
1958 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2106 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1959 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2107 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1960 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2108 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1961 2109
1987 2135
1988As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2136As 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 2137point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1990timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2138timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1991earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2139earlier 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). 2140(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1993 2141
1994=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1995 2143
1996=over 4 2144=over 4
1997 2145
2158 2306
2159=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2307=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2160 2308
2161Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2309Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2162signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2310signal 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 2311will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2164normal event processing, like any other event. 2312normal event processing, like any other event.
2165 2313
2166If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2314If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2167C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2315C<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 2316the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2211 2359
2212So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2360So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2213you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2361you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2214is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2362is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2215 2363
2364=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2365
2366POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2367a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2368threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2369
2370When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2371for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2372all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2373sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2374loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2375these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2376in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2377
2216=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2378=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2217 2379
2218=over 4 2380=over 4
2219 2381
2220=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2382=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2235Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2397Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2236 2398
2237 static void 2399 static void
2238 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2400 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2239 { 2401 {
2240 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2402 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2241 } 2403 }
2242 2404
2243 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2405 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2244 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2406 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2245 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2407 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2631 2793
2632Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2794Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2633prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2795prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2634afterwards. 2796afterwards.
2635 2797
2636You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2798You 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> 2799the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2638watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2800watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2639rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2801rationale 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, 2802those 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 2803C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2809 2971
2810 if (timeout >= 0) 2972 if (timeout >= 0)
2811 // create/start timer 2973 // create/start timer
2812 2974
2813 // poll 2975 // poll
2814 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2976 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2815 2977
2816 // stop timer again 2978 // stop timer again
2817 if (timeout >= 0) 2979 if (timeout >= 0)
2818 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2980 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2819 2981
2897if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3059if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2898 3060
2899=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3061=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2900 3062
2901Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3063Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2902similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3064similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2903appropriate way for embedded loops. 3065appropriate way for embedded loops.
2904 3066
2905=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3067=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2906 3068
2907The embedded event loop. 3069The embedded event loop.
2993disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3155disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2994signal watchers). 3156signal watchers).
2995 3157
2996When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3158When 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 3159other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2998C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3160C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2999the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3161Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3000have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3162watchers, 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. 3163those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3164signal watchers.
3002 3165
3003=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3166=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3004 3167
3005=over 4 3168=over 4
3006 3169
3007=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3170=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3008 3171
3009Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3172Initialises 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, 3173kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3011believe me. 3174really.
3012 3175
3013=back 3176=back
3014 3177
3015 3178
3179=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3180
3181Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3182by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3183
3184While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3185watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3186program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3187loop when you want them to be invoked.
3188
3189Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3190all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3191makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3192can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3193
3194=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3195
3196=over 4
3197
3198=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3199
3200Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3201any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3202pointless, I assure you.
3203
3204=back
3205
3206Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3207cleanup functions are called.
3208
3209 static void
3210 program_exits (void)
3211 {
3212 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3213 }
3214
3215 ...
3216 atexit (program_exits);
3217
3218
3016=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3219=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3017 3220
3018In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3221In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3019asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3222asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3020loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3223loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3021 3224
3022Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3225Sometimes, 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> 3226for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3025it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3228it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3026 3229
3027This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3230This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3028too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3231too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3029(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3232(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3030C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3233C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3234of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3235signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3236even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3031 3237
3032Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3238Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3033just the default loop. 3239just the default loop.
3034 3240
3035=head3 Queueing 3241=head3 Queueing
3211Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3417Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3212the given events it. 3418the given events it.
3213 3419
3214=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3420=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3215 3421
3216Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3422Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3217loop!). 3423which is async-safe.
3424
3425=back
3426
3427
3428=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3429
3430This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3431obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3432section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3433
3434=over 4
3435
3436=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3437
3438Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3439I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3440invoking C<ev_run>.
3441
3442This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3443main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3444a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3445and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3446other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3447
3448The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3449invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3450triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3451
3452 // main loop
3453 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3454
3455 while (!exit_main_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457
3458 // in a model watcher
3459 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3460
3461 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3462 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3463
3464To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3465
3466 // exit modal loop
3467 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3468
3469 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3470 exit_main_loop = 1;
3471
3472 // exit both
3473 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3218 3474
3219=back 3475=back
3220 3476
3221 3477
3222=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3478=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3223 3479
3224Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3480Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3225emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3481emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3226 3482
3227=over 4 3483=over 4
3484
3485=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3486
3487This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3488and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3228 3489
3229=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3490=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3230 3491
3231=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3492=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3232ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3493ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3238=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3499=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3239will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3500will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3240is an ev_pri field. 3501is an ev_pri field.
3241 3502
3242=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3503=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3243first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3504base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3244 3505
3245=item * Other members are not supported. 3506=item * Other members are not supported.
3246 3507
3247=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3508=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3248to use the libev header file and library. 3509to use the libev header file and library.
3267Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3528Care 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 3529classes 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 3530that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3270you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3531you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3271 3532
3272Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3533Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3273used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3534with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3274need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3535to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3275types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3536you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3276it). 3537(preferably after implementing it).
3277 3538
3278Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3539Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3279 3540
3280=over 4 3541=over 4
3281 3542
3391Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3652Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3392do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3653do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3393 3654
3394=item w->set ([arguments]) 3655=item w->set ([arguments])
3395 3656
3396Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3657Basically 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 3658method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3398automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3659C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3399method. 3660when reconfiguring it with this method.
3400 3661
3401=item w->start () 3662=item w->start ()
3402 3663
3403Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3664Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3404constructor already stores the event loop. 3665constructor already stores the event loop.
3405 3666
3667=item w->start ([arguments])
3668
3669Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3670convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3671the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3672
3406=item w->stop () 3673=item w->stop ()
3407 3674
3408Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3675Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3409 3676
3410=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3677=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3422 3689
3423=back 3690=back
3424 3691
3425=back 3692=back
3426 3693
3427Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3694Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3428the constructor. 3695watchers in the constructor.
3429 3696
3430 class myclass 3697 class myclass
3431 { 3698 {
3432 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3699 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3700 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3433 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3701 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3434 3702
3435 myclass (int fd) 3703 myclass (int fd)
3436 { 3704 {
3437 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3705 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3706 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3438 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3707 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3439 3708
3440 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3709 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3710 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3711
3712 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3441 } 3713 }
3442 }; 3714 };
3443 3715
3444 3716
3445=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3717=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3519loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3791loop 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: 3792C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3521 3793
3522 ev_unref (EV_A); 3794 ev_unref (EV_A);
3523 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3795 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3524 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3796 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3525 3797
3526It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3798It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3527which is often provided by the following macro. 3799which is often provided by the following macro.
3528 3800
3529=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3801=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3569 } 3841 }
3570 3842
3571 ev_check check; 3843 ev_check check;
3572 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3844 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3573 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3845 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3574 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3846 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3575 3847
3576=head1 EMBEDDING 3848=head1 EMBEDDING
3577 3849
3578Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3850Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3579applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3851applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3670to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3942to 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 3943users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3672settings. 3944settings.
3673 3945
3674=over 4 3946=over 4
3947
3948=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3949
3950Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3951release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3952have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3953
3954You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3955versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3956sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3957from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3958typedef in that case.
3959
3960In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3961and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3962removed completely.
3675 3963
3676=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3964=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3677 3965
3678Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3966Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3679keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3967keeps 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 4317The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4030will be C<0>. 4318will be C<0>.
4031 4319
4032=item EV_VERIFY 4320=item EV_VERIFY
4033 4321
4034Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4322Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4035be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4323be 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 4324in. 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 4325called. 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 4326called 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 4327verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4254 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4542 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4255 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4543 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4256 } 4544 }
4257 4545
4258The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4546The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4259into C<ev_loop>: 4547into C<ev_run>:
4260 4548
4261 void * 4549 void *
4262 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4550 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4263 { 4551 {
4264 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4552 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4265 4553
4266 l_acquire (EV_A); 4554 l_acquire (EV_A);
4267 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4555 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4268 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4556 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4269 l_release (EV_A); 4557 l_release (EV_A);
4270 4558
4271 return 0; 4559 return 0;
4272 } 4560 }
4273 4561
4325 4613
4326=head3 COROUTINES 4614=head3 COROUTINES
4327 4615
4328Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4616Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4329libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4617libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4330coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4618coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4331different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4619different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4332the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4620the 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. 4621that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4334 4622
4335Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4623Care 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 4624C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4337they do not call any callbacks. 4625they do not call any callbacks.
4338 4626
4339=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4627=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4340 4628
4341Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4629Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4425=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy 4713=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4426 4714
4427The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support 4715The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4428only sockets, many support pipes. 4716only sockets, many support pipes.
4429 4717
4430Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on 4718Libev 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 4719rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4432a loop. 4720loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4721probably going to work well.
4433 4722
4434=head3 C<poll> is buggy 4723=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4435 4724
4436Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll> 4725Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4437implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6 4726implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4456 4745
4457=head3 C<errno> reentrancy 4746=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4458 4747
4459The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so 4748The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4460thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled 4749thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4461without C<-D_REENTRANT> (as long as they use C<errno>), which, of course, 4750without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4462isn't defined by default. 4751defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4463 4752
4464If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure 4753If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4465it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined. 4754it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4466 4755
4467=head3 Event port backend 4756=head3 Event port backend
4468 4757
4469The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event ports". Unfortunately, 4758The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4470this mechanism is very buggy. If you run into high CPU usage, your program 4759ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4760releases. 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 4761a 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 4762and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4473ones, but there are multiple ones. 4763are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4764great.
4474 4765
4475If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting 4766If 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 4767the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4477C<select> backends. 4768C<select> backends.
4478 4769
4479=head2 AIX POLL BUG 4770=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4480 4771
4481AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around 4772AIX 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 4773this 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 4774compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4484with large bitsets, and AIX is dead anyway. 4775with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4485 4776
4486=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4777=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4487 4778
4488=head3 General issues 4779=head3 General issues
4489 4780
4595structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4886structure (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 4887assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4597callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4888callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4598calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4889calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4599 4890
4891=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4892
4893Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4894writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4895
4600=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4896=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4601 4897
4602The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4898The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4603C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4899C<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 4900threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4626watchers. 4922watchers.
4627 4923
4628=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4924=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4629 4925
4630The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4926The 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 4927have 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 4928good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4929(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4633implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4930implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4634ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4931IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
46352200.
4636 4932
4637=back 4933=back
4638 4934
4639If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4935If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4640 4936
4710=back 5006=back
4711 5007
4712 5008
4713=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5009=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4714 5010
4715The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5011The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4716 5012
4717At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5013At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4718compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5014for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4719removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5015layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5016new API early than late.
4720 5017
4721=over 4 5018=over 4
4722 5019
4723=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 5020=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4724 5021
4725=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 5022The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5023C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5024section.
4726 5025
4727=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 5026=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5027
5028These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5029
5030 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5031 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5032
5033=item function/symbol renames
5034
5035A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5036
5037 ev_loop => ev_run
5038 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5039 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5040
5041 ev_unloop => ev_break
5042 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5043 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5044 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5045
5046 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5047
5048 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5049 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5050 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4728 5051
4729Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 5052Most 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 5053C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5054associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5055ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5056as 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 5057C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4732C<ev_fork> typedef. 5058typedef.
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 5059
4743=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5060=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4744 5061
4745The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5062The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4746mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5063mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4753 5070
4754=over 4 5071=over 4
4755 5072
4756=item active 5073=item active
4757 5074
4758A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5075A 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). 5076See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4760 5077
4761=item application 5078=item application
4762 5079
4763In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5080In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5081
5082=item backend
5083
5084The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4764 5085
4765=item callback 5086=item callback
4766 5087
4767The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5088The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4768detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5089detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4769received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5090received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4770 5091
4771=item callback invocation 5092=item callback/watcher invocation
4772 5093
4773The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5094The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4774 5095
4775=item event 5096=item event
4776 5097
4795The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5116The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4796watchers and events. 5117watchers and events.
4797 5118
4798=item pending 5119=item pending
4799 5120
4800A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5121A 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 5122detected. 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 5123
4807=item real time 5124=item real time
4808 5125
4809The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5126The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4810 5127
4817=item watcher 5134=item watcher
4818 5135
4819A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5136A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4820to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5137to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4821 5138
4822=item watcher invocation
4823
4824The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4825
4826=back 5139=back
4827 5140
4828=head1 AUTHOR 5141=head1 AUTHOR
4829 5142
4830Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5143Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5144Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4831 5145

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines