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1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
26 puts ("stdin ready"); 28 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 29 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 30 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 31 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 32
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 33 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 34 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 35 }
34 36
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 37 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 38 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 39 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 40 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 41 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 42 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 43 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 44 }
43 45
44 int 46 int
45 main (void) 47 main (void)
46 { 48 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 49 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 50 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 51
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 52 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 53 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 54 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 55 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 58 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 59 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 60 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 61
60 // now wait for events to arrive 62 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 63 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 64
63 // unloop was called, so exit 65 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 66 return 0;
65 } 67 }
66 68
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 69=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 70
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 79on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 80with libev.
79 81
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 82Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 83throughout this document.
84
85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
86
87This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
88it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
89reading L</ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L</EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
82 92
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 94
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 95Libev 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 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 134this argument.
125 135
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 136=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 137
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 138Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practise 139the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 140somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 141ask). 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 142too. 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. 143any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 144
165 175
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 176=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 177
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 178Returns 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 179C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 180you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
181C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
171 182
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 183=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 184
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 185Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 186until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
187passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
188interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
189
176this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 190Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
191
192The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
193with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
177 194
178=item int ev_version_major () 195=item int ev_version_major ()
179 196
180=item int ev_version_minor () 197=item int ev_version_minor ()
181 198
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 209as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 210compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 211not a problem.
195 212
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 213Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 214version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
215such as LFS or reentrancy).
198 216
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 217 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 218 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 219 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 220
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 231 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 232 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 233
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 234=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 235
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 236Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 237also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
238descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 239C<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 240and 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 241you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 242probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 243
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 244=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 245
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 246Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 247value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 248current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 249the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 250& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 251
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 252See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 253
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 254=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
236 255
237Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 256Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
238semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 257semantics 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 258used 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 259when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
246 265
247You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 266You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
248free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 267free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
249or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 268or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
250 269
270Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
271which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
272is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
273
274 static void *
275 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
276 {
277 if (size)
278 return realloc (ptr, size);
279
280 free (ptr);
281 return 0;
282 }
283
251Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 284Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
252retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 285retries.
253 286
254 static void * 287 static void *
255 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 288 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
256 { 289 {
290 if (!size)
291 {
292 free (ptr);
293 return 0;
294 }
295
257 for (;;) 296 for (;;)
258 { 297 {
259 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 298 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
260 299
261 if (newptr) 300 if (newptr)
266 } 305 }
267 306
268 ... 307 ...
269 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 308 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
270 309
271=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 310=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
272 311
273Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 312Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
274as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 313as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
275indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 314indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
276callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 315callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
288 } 327 }
289 328
290 ... 329 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 330 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 331
332=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
333
334This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
335safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
336handlers or random threads.
337
338Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
339in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
340by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
341creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
342mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
343C<ev_feed_signal>.
344
293=back 345=back
294 346
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 347=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 348
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 349An 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> 350I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
299I<function>). 351libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 352
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 353The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 354supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303not. 355do not.
304 356
305=over 4 357=over 4
306 358
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 359=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 360
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 361This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 362normally 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 363the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
312flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 364C<ev_loop_new>.
365
366If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
367returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
368C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
369flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
370one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
313 371
314If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 372If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
315function. 373function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 374
317Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 375Note 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, 376from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 377that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
378threads anyway).
320 379
321The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 380The 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 381and 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 382a 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 383C<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 384C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<ev_default_init>. 385
386Example: This is the most typical usage.
387
388 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
389 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
390
391Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
392environment settings to be taken into account:
393
394 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
395
396=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
397
398This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
399could not be initialised, returns false.
400
401This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
402threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
403loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
327 404
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 405The 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>). 406backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
330 407
331The following flags are supported: 408The following flags are supported:
341 418
342If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 419If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
343or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 420or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
344C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 421C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
345override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 422override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
346useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 423useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
347around bugs. 424around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
425cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
426thread modifies them).
348 427
349=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 428=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
350 429
351Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 430Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
352make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 431make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
353 432
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 433This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
355and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 434and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
356iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 435iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
357GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 436GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
358without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 437sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
359C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 438system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
439versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
360 440
361The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 441The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
362forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 442forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
363flag. 443have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
364 444
365This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 445This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
366environment variable. 446environment variable.
367 447
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 448=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 449
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 450When 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 451I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 452testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 453otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 454
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 455=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 456
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 457When 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 458I<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 459delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 460it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 461handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 462threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 463
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 464Signalfd 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 465there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 466example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
467
468=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
469
470When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
471mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
472when you want to receive them.
473
474This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
475want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
476unblocking the signals.
477
478It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
479C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
480
481This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
387 482
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 483=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 484
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 485This 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, 486libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
419=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 514=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
420 515
421Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 516Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
422kernels). 517kernels).
423 518
424For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 519For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
425but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 520it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
426like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 521O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 522fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 523
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 524The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 525of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 526dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 527descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
528returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
529(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 5300.1ms) 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 531forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 532set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 533and is of course hard to detect.
437 534
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 535Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 536but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 537totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 538one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 539(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 540notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 541that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
542when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
543no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
544because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
445not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 545not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
446perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 546perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
547
548Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
549cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
550others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
447 551
448While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 552While 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 553will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
450incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 554incident (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 555I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
488 592
489It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 593It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
490kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 594kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
491course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 595course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
492cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 596cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
493two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 597two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
494sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 598might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
495cases 599drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
496 600
497This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 601This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
498 602
499While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 603While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
500everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 604everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
517=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 621=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
518 622
519This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 623This 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)). 624it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
521 625
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 626While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
527file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 627file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
528descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 628descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
529might perform better. 629might perform better.
530 630
531On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 631On 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 632specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
534OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 633among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
634hacks).
635
636On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
637even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
638function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
639occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
640even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
641absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
642to re-arm the watcher.
643
644Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
535 645
536This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 646This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
537C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 647C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
538 648
539=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 649=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
540 650
541Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 651Try 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 652with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
543C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 653C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
544 654
545It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 655It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
656C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
657at all.
658
659=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
660
661Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
662C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
663value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
546 664
547=back 665=back
548 666
549If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 667If 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 668then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
551here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 669here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
552()> will be tried. 670()> will be tried.
553 671
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. 672Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 673
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 674 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 675 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 676 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 677
678Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
679used if available.
680
681 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
682
586=item ev_default_destroy () 683=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 684
588Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 685Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 686etc.). 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 687sense, 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, 688responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 689calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 690the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
691for example).
594 692
595Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 693Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
596handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 694handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
597as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 695as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
598 696
599In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 697This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
600rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 698C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
699C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
700
701Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
702except 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 703If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
602C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 704and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
603 705
604=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 706=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605 707
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 708This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
612to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 709to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
613name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 710the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
614the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 711watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
615sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 712sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
616functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 713C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
617 714
715In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
716C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
717
618Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 718Again, 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 719a 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 720because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
621during fork. 721during fork.
622 722
623On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 723On 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 724process 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 725you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
626it at all. 726call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
727difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
728costly reset of the backend).
627 729
628The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 730The 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 731it just in case after a fork.
630quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
631 732
733Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
734using pthreads.
735
736 static void
737 post_fork_child (void)
738 {
739 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
740 }
741
742 ...
632 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 743 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.
640 744
641=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 745=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
642 746
643Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 747Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
644otherwise. 748otherwise.
645 749
646=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 750=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
647 751
648Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 752Returns 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 753to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
650happily wraps around with enough iterations. 754and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
651 755
652This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 756This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
653"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 757"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
654C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 758C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
655prepare and check phases. 759prepare and check phases.
656 760
657=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 761=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
658 762
659Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 763Returns 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. 764times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
661 765
662Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 766Outside 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), 767C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
664in which case it is higher. 768in which case it is higher.
665 769
666Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 770Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
667etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 771throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
668ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 772as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
773convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
669 774
670=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 775=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
671 776
672Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 777Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
673use. 778use.
682 787
683=item ev_now_update (loop) 788=item ev_now_update (loop)
684 789
685Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 790Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
686returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 791returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
687is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 792is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
688 793
689This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 794This 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 795very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
691the current time is a good idea. 796the current time is a good idea.
692 797
693See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 798See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
694 799
695=item ev_suspend (loop) 800=item ev_suspend (loop)
696 801
697=item ev_resume (loop) 802=item ev_resume (loop)
698 803
699These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 804These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
700not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 805loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
701 806
702A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 807A 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 808the 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 809would 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> 810the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
716without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 821without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
717 822
718Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 823Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
719event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 824event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
720 825
721=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 826=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
722 827
723Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 828Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
724after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 829after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
725handling events. 830handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
831the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
832is why event loops are called I<loops>.
726 833
727If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 834If 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. 835until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
836called.
729 837
838The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
839usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
840(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
841
730Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 842Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
731relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 843relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
732finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 844finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
733that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 845that 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 846of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
735beauty. 847beauty.
736 848
849This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
850C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
851exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
852will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
853
737A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 854A 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 855those 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 856block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
740the loop. 857iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
858events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
741 859
742A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 860A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
743necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 861necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
744will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 862will 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 863be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
746user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 864user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
747iteration of the loop. 865iteration of the loop.
748 866
749This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 867This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
750with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 868with 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 869own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
752usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 870usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
753 871
754Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 872Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
873understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
874future versions):
755 875
876 - Increment loop depth.
877 - Reset the ev_break status.
756 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 878 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
879 LOOP:
757 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 880 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
758 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 881 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
759 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 882 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
883 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
760 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 884 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
761 as to not disturb the other process. 885 as to not disturb the other process.
762 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 886 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
763 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 887 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
764 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 888 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
765 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 889 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
766 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 890 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
767 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 891 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
892 - Increment loop iteration counter.
768 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 893 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
769 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 894 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
770 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 895 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
771 - Queue all expired timers. 896 - Queue all expired timers.
772 - Queue all expired periodics. 897 - Queue all expired periodics.
773 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 898 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
774 - Queue all check watchers. 899 - Queue all check watchers.
775 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 900 - 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 901 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
777 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 902 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
778 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 903 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
779 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 904 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
780 continue with step *. 905 continue with step LOOP.
906 FINISH:
907 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
908 - Decrement the loop depth.
909 - Return.
781 910
782Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 911Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
783anymore. 912anymore.
784 913
785 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 914 ... 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..) 915 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
787 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 916 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
788 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 917 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
789 918
790=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 919=item ev_break (loop, how)
791 920
792Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 921Can 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 922has 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 923C<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. 924C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
796 925
797This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 926This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
798 927
799It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from outside any C<ev_loop> calls. 928It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
929which case it will have no effect.
800 930
801=item ev_ref (loop) 931=item ev_ref (loop)
802 932
803=item ev_unref (loop) 933=item ev_unref (loop)
804 934
805Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 935Ref/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 936loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
807count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 937count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
808 938
809This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 939This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
810unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 940unregister, 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> 941returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
812before stopping it. 942before stopping it.
813 943
814As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 944As 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 945is 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 946exiting 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 947excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
818third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 948third-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 949before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
820before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 950before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
821(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 951(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
822in the callback). 952in the callback).
823 953
824Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 954Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
825running when nothing else is active. 955running when nothing else is active.
826 956
827 ev_signal exitsig; 957 ev_signal exitsig;
828 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 958 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
829 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 959 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
830 evf_unref (loop); 960 ev_unref (loop);
831 961
832Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 962Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
833 963
834 ev_ref (loop); 964 ev_ref (loop);
835 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 965 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
855overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 985overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
856 986
857By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 987By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
858time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 988time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
859at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 989at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
860C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 990C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
861introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 991introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
862sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 992sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
863once per this interval, on average. 993once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
994good enough).
864 995
865Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 996Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
866to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 997to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
867latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 998latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
868later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 999later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
892 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 1023 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
893 1024
894=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 1025=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
895 1026
896This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 1027This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
897pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 1028pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
898but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 1029but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
1030function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
1031when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
1032event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
1033thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
899 1034
900=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 1035=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
901 1036
902Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 1037Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
903are pending. 1038are pending.
904 1039
905=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 1040=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
906 1041
907This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 1042This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
908invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 1043invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
909this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 1044this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
910invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1045invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
911 1046
912If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1047If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
913callback. 1048callback.
914 1049
915=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1050=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
916 1051
917Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1052Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
918can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1053can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
919each call to a libev function. 1054each call to a libev function.
920 1055
921However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1056However, 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 1057to 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> 1058loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
924and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1059I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
925 1060
926When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1061When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
927suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1062suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
928afterwards. 1063afterwards.
929 1064
932 1067
933While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1068While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
934C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1069C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
935modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1070modifications 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 1071have 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 1072waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
938to take note of any changes you made. 1073to take note of any changes you made.
939 1074
940In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1075In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
941invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1076invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
942 1077
943See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1078See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
944document. 1079document.
945 1080
946=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1081=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
947 1082
948=item ev_userdata (loop) 1083=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
949 1084
950Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1085Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
951C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1086C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
952C<0.> 1087C<0>.
953 1088
954These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1089These 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 1090and 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 1091C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
957any other purpose as well. 1092any other purpose as well.
958 1093
959=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1094=item ev_verify (loop)
960 1095
961This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1096This 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 1097compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
963through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1098through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
964is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1099is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
975 1110
976In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1111In 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 1112watcher 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. 1113watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
979 1114
980A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1115A 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 1116your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
982become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1117to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1118for that:
983 1119
984 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1120 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
985 { 1121 {
986 ev_io_stop (w); 1122 ev_io_stop (w);
987 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1123 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
988 } 1124 }
989 1125
990 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1126 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
991 1127
992 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1128 ev_io stdin_watcher;
993 1129
994 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1130 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
995 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1131 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
996 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1132 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
997 1133
998 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1134 ev_run (loop, 0);
999 1135
1000As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1136As 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 1137watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1002stack). 1138stack).
1003 1139
1004Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1140Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1005or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1141or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1006 1142
1007Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1143Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1008(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1144*, 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 1145invoked 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 1146time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1011is readable and/or writable). 1147and/or writable).
1012 1148
1013Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1149Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1014macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1150macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1015is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1151is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1016ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1152ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1067 1203
1068=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1204=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1069 1205
1070=item C<EV_CHECK> 1206=item C<EV_CHECK>
1071 1207
1072All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1208All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1073to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1209gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1074C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1210just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1211for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1212watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1213C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1214or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1215
1075received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1216Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1076many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1217they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1077(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1218C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1078C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1219blocking).
1079 1220
1080=item C<EV_EMBED> 1221=item C<EV_EMBED>
1081 1222
1082The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1223The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1083 1224
1084=item C<EV_FORK> 1225=item C<EV_FORK>
1085 1226
1086The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1227The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1087C<ev_fork>). 1228C<ev_fork>).
1229
1230=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1231
1232The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1088 1233
1089=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1234=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1090 1235
1091The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1236The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1092 1237
1202 1347
1203=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1348=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1204 1349
1205Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1350Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1206 1351
1207=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1352=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1208 1353
1209Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1354Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1210(modulo threads). 1355(modulo threads).
1211 1356
1212=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1357=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1230or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1375or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1231 1376
1232The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1377The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1233always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1378always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1234 1379
1235See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1380See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1236priorities. 1381priorities.
1237 1382
1238=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1383=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1239 1384
1240Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1385Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1265See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1410See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1266functions that do not need a watcher. 1411functions that do not need a watcher.
1267 1412
1268=back 1413=back
1269 1414
1415See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1416OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1270 1417
1271=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1418=head2 WATCHER STATES
1272 1419
1273Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1420There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1274and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1421active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1275to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1422transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1276don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1423rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1277member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1278data:
1279 1424
1280 struct my_io 1425=over 4
1281 {
1282 ev_io io;
1283 int otherfd;
1284 void *somedata;
1285 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1286 };
1287 1426
1288 ... 1427=item initialised
1289 struct my_io w;
1290 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1291 1428
1292And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1429Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1293can cast it back to your own type: 1430initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1431C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1294 1432
1295 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents) 1433In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1296 { 1434use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1297 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1435will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1298 ... 1436C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1299 }
1300 1437
1301More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1438=item started/running/active
1302instead have been omitted.
1303 1439
1304Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple 1440Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1305embedded watchers: 1441property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1442this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1443freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1444and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1306 1445
1307 struct my_biggy 1446=item pending
1308 {
1309 int some_data;
1310 ev_timer t1;
1311 ev_timer t2;
1312 }
1313 1447
1314In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more 1448If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1315complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct 1449in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1316in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use 1450stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1317some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real 1451about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1318programmers): 1452callback.
1319 1453
1320 #include <stddef.h> 1454The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1455an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1456is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1457but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1458moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1459previous item still apply.
1321 1460
1322 static void 1461It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1323 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1462via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1324 { 1463active.
1325 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1326 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1327 }
1328 1464
1329 static void 1465=item stopped
1330 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1466
1331 { 1467A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1332 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1468be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1333 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1469latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1334 } 1470of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1471freeing it is often a good idea.
1472
1473While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1474initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1475you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1476it again).
1477
1478=back
1335 1479
1336=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1480=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1337 1481
1338Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1482Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1339integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1483integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1466In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1610In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1467fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1611fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1468descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1612descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1469required if you know what you are doing). 1613required if you know what you are doing).
1470 1614
1471If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1472known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1473C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1474descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1475files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1476
1477Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1615Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1478receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1616receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1479be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1617be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1480because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1618because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1481lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1619with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1482this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1620use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1483it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1484C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1621preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1485 1622
1486If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1623If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1487not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1624not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1488re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1625re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1489interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1626interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1490does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1627this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1491use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1628use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1492indefinitely. 1629indefinitely.
1493 1630
1494But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1631But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1495 1632
1523 1660
1524There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1661There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1525for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1662for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1526C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1663C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1527 1664
1665=head3 The special problem of files
1666
1667Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1668representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1669doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1670
1671However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1672notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1673there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1674always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1675write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1676
1677Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1678devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1679on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1680will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1681wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1682
1683Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1684mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1685to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1686convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1687usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1688(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1689F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1690asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1691it "just works" instead of freezing.
1692
1693So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1694libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1695when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1696reuse the same code path.
1697
1528=head3 The special problem of fork 1698=head3 The special problem of fork
1529 1699
1530Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1700Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1531useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1701useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1532it in the child. 1702it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1533 1703
1534To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1704To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1535C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1705()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1536enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1706C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1537C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1538 1707
1539=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1708=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1540 1709
1541While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1710While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1542when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1711when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1624 ... 1793 ...
1625 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1794 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1626 ev_io stdin_readable; 1795 ev_io stdin_readable;
1627 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1796 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1628 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1797 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1629 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1798 ev_run (loop, 0);
1630 1799
1631 1800
1632=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1801=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1633 1802
1634Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1803Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1640detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1809detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1641monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1810monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1642 1811
1643The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1812The 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 1813passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1645might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1814might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1815early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1646same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1816iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1647before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1817ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1648no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1818longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1649 1819
1650=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1820=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1651 1821
1652Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1822Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1653recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1823recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1728 1898
1729In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1899In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1730but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1900but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1731within the callback: 1901within the callback:
1732 1902
1903 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1733 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1904 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1905 ev_timer timer;
1734 1906
1735 static void 1907 static void
1736 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1908 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1737 { 1909 {
1738 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1910 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1739 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1911 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1740 1912
1741 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1913 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1742 if (timeout < now) 1914 if (after < 0.)
1743 { 1915 {
1744 // timeout occurred, take action 1916 // timeout occurred, take action
1745 } 1917 }
1746 else 1918 else
1747 { 1919 {
1748 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1920 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1749 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1921 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1750 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1922 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1751 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1923 // the timeout can occur.
1924 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1752 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1925 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1753 } 1926 }
1754 } 1927 }
1755 1928
1756To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1929To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1757as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1930timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1758been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1931C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1759the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1932(EV_A)> from that).
1760re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1761a timeout then.
1762 1933
1763Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1934If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1764C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1935timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1936
1937Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1938and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1939
1940In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1941the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1942again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1765 1943
1766This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1944This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1767minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1945minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1768libev to change the timeout. 1946libev to change the timeout.
1769 1947
1770To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1948To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1771to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1949C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1772callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1950now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1951the timer:
1773 1952
1953 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1774 ev_init (timer, callback); 1954 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1775 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1955 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1776 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1777 1956
1778And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1957When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1779C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1958C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1780 1959
1960 if (activity detected)
1781 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1961 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1962
1963When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1964providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1965will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1966
1967 timeout = new_value;
1968 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1969 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1782 1970
1783This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1971This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1784time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1972time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1785
1786Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1787callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1788fix things for you.
1789 1973
1790=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1974=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1791 1975
1792If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1976If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1793employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1977employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1820Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 2004Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1821rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 2005rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1822off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 2006off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1823overkill :) 2007overkill :)
1824 2008
2009=head3 The special problem of being too early
2010
2011If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
2012you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
2013cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
2014guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
2015process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
2016
2017So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
2018delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
2019
2020A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2021loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2022this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2023expect.
2024
2025To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2026resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2027yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2028event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2029(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2030
2031If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2032501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2033one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2034intentions.
2035
2036This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2037delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2038larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2039the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2040
2041So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2042exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2043delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2044late" side of things.
2045
1825=head3 The special problem of time updates 2046=head3 The special problem of time updates
1826 2047
1827Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2048Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1828least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2049at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1829time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 2050time 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 2051growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1831lots of events in one iteration. 2052lots of events in one iteration.
1832 2053
1833The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2054The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1834time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2055time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1835of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2056of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1836you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2057you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1837timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2058timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2059for it:
1838 2060
1839 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2061 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
1840 2062
1841If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2063If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1842update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2064update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1843()>. 2065()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2066further into the future.
2067
2068=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2069
2070Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2071"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2072jumps).
2073
2074Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2075on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2076than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2077a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2078than a directly following call to C<time>.
2079
2080The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2081C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2082a second or so.
2083
2084One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2085the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2086or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2087invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2088
2089This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2090libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2091I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2092
2093If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2094connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2095exactly the right behaviour.
2096
2097If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2098you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2099time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1844 2100
1845=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2101=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1846 2102
1847When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2103When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1848can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2104can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1878 2134
1879=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2135=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1880 2136
1881=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2137=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1882 2138
1883Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2139Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
1884is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2140negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
1885reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2141automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
1886configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2142then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
1887until stopped manually. 2143seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
1888 2144
1889The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2145The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1890you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2146you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1891trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2147trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1892keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2148keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1893do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2149do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1894 2150
1895=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2151=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1896 2152
1897This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2153This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
1898repeating. The exact semantics are: 2154repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2155timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
1899 2156
2157The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2158applied to the watcher:
2159
2160=over 4
2161
1900If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2162=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
1901 2163
1902If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2164=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2165out, without invoking it).
1903 2166
1904If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2167=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
1905C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2168and start the timer, if necessary.
1906 2169
2170=back
2171
1907This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2172This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1908usage example. 2173usage example.
1909 2174
1910=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2175=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1911 2176
1912Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2177Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1951 } 2216 }
1952 2217
1953 ev_timer mytimer; 2218 ev_timer mytimer;
1954 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2219 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1955 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2220 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1956 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2221 ev_run (loop, 0);
1957 2222
1958 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2223 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1959 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2224 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1960 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2225 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1961 2226
1965Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2230Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1966(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2231(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1967 2232
1968Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2233Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1969relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2234relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1970(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2235(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
1971difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2236difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1972time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2237time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1973wrist-watch). 2238wrist-watch).
1974 2239
1975You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2240You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1980C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2245C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1981it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2246it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1982 2247
1983C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2248C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1984timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2249timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1985other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2250other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
1986those cannot react to time jumps. 2251watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
1987 2252
1988As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2253As 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 2254point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1990timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2255timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1991earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2256earlier 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). 2257(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1993 2258
1994=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2259=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1995 2260
1996=over 4 2261=over 4
1997 2262
2032 2297
2033Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2298Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2034C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2299C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2035time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2300time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2036 2301
2037For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2302The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2038C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2303interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2039this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2304microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2305at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2306ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2307C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2040 2308
2041Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2309Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2042speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2310speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2043will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2311will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2044millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2312millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2074 2342
2075NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2343NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2076equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2344equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2077 2345
2078This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2346This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2079triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2347triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2080next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2348the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2081you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2349this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2082reason I omitted it as an example). 2350do this:
2351
2352 #include <time.h>
2353
2354 static ev_tstamp
2355 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2356 {
2357 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2358 struct tm tm;
2359 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2360
2361 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2362 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2363
2364 return mktime (&tm);
2365 }
2366
2367Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2368midnights (beginning and end).
2083 2369
2084=back 2370=back
2085 2371
2086=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2372=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2087 2373
2152 2438
2153 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2439 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2154 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2440 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2155 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2441 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2156 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2442 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2157 2443
2158 2444
2159=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2445=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2160 2446
2161Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2447Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2162signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2448signal 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 2449will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2164normal event processing, like any other event. 2450normal event processing, like any other event.
2165 2451
2166If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2452If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2167C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2453C<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 2454the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2172only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2458only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2173default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2459default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2174C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2460C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2175the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2461the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2176 2462
2177When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2463Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2178with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2464register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2179you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2465handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2180 2466
2181If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2467If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2182C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2468C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2183not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2469not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2184interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2470interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2187=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2473=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2188 2474
2189Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2475Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2190(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2476(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2191stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2477stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2192and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2478and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2479see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2193 2480
2194While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2481While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2195sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2482sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2196C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2483C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2197certain signals to be blocked. 2484certain signals to be blocked.
2211 2498
2212So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2499So 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 2500you 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. 2501is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2215 2502
2503=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2504
2505POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2506a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2507threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2508
2509When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2510for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2511all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2512sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2513loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2514these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2515in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2516
2216=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2517=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2217 2518
2218=over 4 2519=over 4
2219 2520
2220=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2521=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2235Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2536Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2236 2537
2237 static void 2538 static void
2238 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2539 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2239 { 2540 {
2240 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2541 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2241 } 2542 }
2242 2543
2243 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2544 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2244 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2545 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2245 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2546 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2354 2655
2355=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2656=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2356 2657
2357This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2658This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2358C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2659C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2359and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2660and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2360it did. 2661if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2662happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2361 2663
2362The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2664The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2363not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2665not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2364exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2666exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2365C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2667C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2595Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2897Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2596effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2898effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2597"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2899"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2598event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2900event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2599 2901
2902=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2903
2904As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2905sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2906For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2907lowest priority will do.
2908
2909This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2910to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2911between different connections.
2912
2913See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2914example.
2915
2600=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2916=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2601 2917
2602=over 4 2918=over 4
2603 2919
2604=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2920=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2615callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2931callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2616 2932
2617 static void 2933 static void
2618 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2934 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2619 { 2935 {
2936 // stop the watcher
2937 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2938
2939 // now we can free it
2620 free (w); 2940 free (w);
2941
2621 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2942 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2622 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2943 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2623 } 2944 }
2624 2945
2625 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2946 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2627 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2948 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2628 2949
2629 2950
2630=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2951=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2631 2952
2632Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2953Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2633prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2954prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2634afterwards. 2955afterwards.
2635 2956
2636You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2957You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2637the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2958current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2638watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2959C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2639rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2960however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2640those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2961for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2641C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2962C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2642called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2963kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2643 2964
2644Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2965Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2645their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 2966their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2646variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2967variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2647coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2968coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2665with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2986with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2666of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2987of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2667loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2988loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2668low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2989low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2669 2990
2670It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2991When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2671priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2992highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2672after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2993any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2994watchers).
2673 2995
2674Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2996Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2675activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2997activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2676might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2998might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2677C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2999C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2678loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 3000loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2679C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 3001C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2680others). 3002others).
3003
3004=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
3005
3006C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
3007useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
3008example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
3009normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
3010is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
3011connections have a chance of making progress.
3012
3013Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
3014next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
3015without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
3016
3017This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
3018single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
3019C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3020will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3021invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2681 3022
2682=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3023=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2683 3024
2684=over 4 3025=over 4
2685 3026
2809 3150
2810 if (timeout >= 0) 3151 if (timeout >= 0)
2811 // create/start timer 3152 // create/start timer
2812 3153
2813 // poll 3154 // poll
2814 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3155 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2815 3156
2816 // stop timer again 3157 // stop timer again
2817 if (timeout >= 0) 3158 if (timeout >= 0)
2818 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 3159 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2819 3160
2886 3227
2887=over 4 3228=over 4
2888 3229
2889=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3230=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2890 3231
2891=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3232=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2892 3233
2893Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3234Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2894embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3235embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2895invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3236invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2896to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3237to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2897if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3238if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2898 3239
2899=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3240=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2900 3241
2901Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3242Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2902similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3243similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2903appropriate way for embedded loops. 3244appropriate way for embedded loops.
2904 3245
2905=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3246=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2906 3247
2907The embedded event loop. 3248The embedded event loop.
2917used). 3258used).
2918 3259
2919 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3260 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2920 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3261 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2921 ev_embed embed; 3262 ev_embed embed;
2922 3263
2923 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3264 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2924 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3265 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2925 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3266 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2926 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3267 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2927 : 0; 3268 : 0;
2941C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3282C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2942 3283
2943 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3284 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2944 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3285 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2945 ev_embed embed; 3286 ev_embed embed;
2946 3287
2947 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3288 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2948 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3289 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2949 { 3290 {
2950 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3291 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2951 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3292 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2959 3300
2960=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3301=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2961 3302
2962Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3303Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2963whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3304whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2964C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3305C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
2965event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3306and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
2966and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3307after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
2967C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3308and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
2968handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3309of course.
2969 3310
2970=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3311=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2971 3312
2972Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3313Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2973up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3314up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2974sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3315sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2975 3316
2976This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3317This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2977in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3318in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2993disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3334disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2994signal watchers). 3335signal watchers).
2995 3336
2996When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3337When 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 3338other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2998C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3339C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2999the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3340Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3000have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3341watchers, 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. 3342those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3343signal watchers.
3002 3344
3003=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3345=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3004 3346
3005=over 4 3347=over 4
3006 3348
3007=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3349=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3008 3350
3009Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3351Initialises 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, 3352kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3011believe me. 3353really.
3012 3354
3013=back 3355=back
3356
3357
3358=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3359
3360Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3361by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3362
3363While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3364watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3365program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3366loop when you want them to be invoked.
3367
3368Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3369all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3370makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3371can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3372
3373=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3374
3375=over 4
3376
3377=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3378
3379Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3380any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3381pointless, I assure you.
3382
3383=back
3384
3385Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3386cleanup functions are called.
3387
3388 static void
3389 program_exits (void)
3390 {
3391 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3392 }
3393
3394 ...
3395 atexit (program_exits);
3014 3396
3015 3397
3016=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3398=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3017 3399
3018In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3400In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3025it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3407it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3026 3408
3027This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3409This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3028too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3410too, 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 3411(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3030C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3412C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3031 3413of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3032Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3414signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3033just the default loop. 3415even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3034 3416
3035=head3 Queueing 3417=head3 Queueing
3036 3418
3037C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3419C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3038is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3420is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3130trust me. 3512trust me.
3131 3513
3132=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3514=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3133 3515
3134Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3516Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3135an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3517an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3518returns.
3519
3136C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3520Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3137similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3521signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3138section below on what exactly this means). 3522embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3139 3523
3140Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3524Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3141compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3525compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3142is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3526this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3143reset when the event loop detects that). 3527C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3144 3528
3145This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3529This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3146iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3530loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3147repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3531the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3532repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3533performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3534zero) under load.
3148 3535
3149=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3536=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3150 3537
3151Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3538Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3152watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3539watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3169 3556
3170There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3557There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3171 3558
3172=over 4 3559=over 4
3173 3560
3174=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3561=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3175 3562
3176This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3563This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3177callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3564callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3178watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3565watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3179or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3566or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3207 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3594 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3208 3595
3209=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3596=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3210 3597
3211Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3598Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3212the given events it. 3599the given events.
3213 3600
3214=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3601=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3215 3602
3216Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3603Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3217loop!). 3604which is async-safe.
3218 3605
3219=back 3606=back
3607
3608
3609=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3610
3611This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3612obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3613section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3614
3615=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3616
3617Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3618or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3619to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3620don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3621data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3622data:
3623
3624 struct my_io
3625 {
3626 ev_io io;
3627 int otherfd;
3628 void *somedata;
3629 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3630 };
3631
3632 ...
3633 struct my_io w;
3634 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3635
3636And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3637can cast it back to your own type:
3638
3639 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3640 {
3641 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3642 ...
3643 }
3644
3645More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3646function type instead have been omitted.
3647
3648=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3649
3650Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3651embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3652multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3653
3654 struct my_biggy
3655 {
3656 int some_data;
3657 ev_timer t1;
3658 ev_timer t2;
3659 }
3660
3661In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3662complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3663the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3664to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3665real programmers):
3666
3667 #include <stddef.h>
3668
3669 static void
3670 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3671 {
3672 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3673 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3674 }
3675
3676 static void
3677 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3678 {
3679 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3680 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3681 }
3682
3683=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3684
3685Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3686
3687 callback ()
3688 {
3689 free (request);
3690 }
3691
3692 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3693
3694The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3695used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3696
3697It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3698immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3699some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3700operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3701
3702The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3703has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3704
3705Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3706might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3707canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3708already been invoked.
3709
3710A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3711C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3712C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3713delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3714example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3715pushing it into the pending queue:
3716
3717 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3718 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3719
3720This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3721invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3722
3723=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3724
3725Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3726I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3727invoking C<ev_run>.
3728
3729This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3730main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3731a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3732and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3733other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3734
3735The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3736invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3737triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3738
3739 // main loop
3740 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3741
3742 while (!exit_main_loop)
3743 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3744
3745 // in a modal watcher
3746 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3747
3748 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3749 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3750
3751To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3752
3753 // exit modal loop
3754 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3755
3756 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3757 exit_main_loop = 1;
3758
3759 // exit both
3760 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3761
3762=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3763
3764Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3765thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3766created/added/removed.
3767
3768For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3769which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3770languages).
3771
3772The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3773variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3774event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3775
3776First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3777
3778 typedef struct {
3779 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3780 ev_async async_w;
3781 thread_t tid;
3782 cond_t invoke_cv;
3783 } userdata;
3784
3785 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3786 {
3787 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3788 static userdata u;
3789
3790 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3791 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3792
3793 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3794 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3795
3796 // now associate this with the loop
3797 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3798 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3799 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3800
3801 // then create the thread running ev_run
3802 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3803 }
3804
3805The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3806solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3807that might have been added:
3808
3809 static void
3810 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3811 {
3812 // just used for the side effects
3813 }
3814
3815The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3816protecting the loop data, respectively.
3817
3818 static void
3819 l_release (EV_P)
3820 {
3821 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3822 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3823 }
3824
3825 static void
3826 l_acquire (EV_P)
3827 {
3828 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3829 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3830 }
3831
3832The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3833into C<ev_run>:
3834
3835 void *
3836 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3837 {
3838 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3839
3840 l_acquire (EV_A);
3841 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3842 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3843 l_release (EV_A);
3844
3845 return 0;
3846 }
3847
3848Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3849signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3850writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3851have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3852and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3853watchers is very beneficial):
3854
3855 static void
3856 l_invoke (EV_P)
3857 {
3858 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3859
3860 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3861 {
3862 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3863 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3864 }
3865 }
3866
3867Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3868will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3869thread to continue:
3870
3871 static void
3872 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3873 {
3874 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3875
3876 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3877 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3878 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3879 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3880 }
3881
3882Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3883event loop, you will now have to lock:
3884
3885 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3886 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3887
3888 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3889
3890 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3891 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3892 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3893 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3894
3895Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3896an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3897about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3898watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3899
3900=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3901
3902While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3903is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3904kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3905doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3906
3907Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3908C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3909and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3910global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3911event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3912the differing C<;> conventions):
3913
3914 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3915 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3916
3917That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3918coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3919your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3920
3921A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3922C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3923matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3924called):
3925
3926 void
3927 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3928 {
3929 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3930 switch_to (libev_coro);
3931 }
3932
3933That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3934continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3935this or any other coroutine.
3936
3937You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3938instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3939switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3940any waiters.
3941
3942To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3943files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3944
3945 // my_ev.h
3946 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3947 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3948 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3949
3950 // my_ev.c
3951 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3952 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3953
3954And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3955F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3956can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3220 3957
3221 3958
3222=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3959=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3223 3960
3224Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3961Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3225emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3962emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3226 3963
3227=over 4 3964=over 4
3965
3966=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3967
3968This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3969and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3228 3970
3229=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3971=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3230 3972
3231=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3973=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3232ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3974ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3238=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3980=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3239will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3981will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3240is an ev_pri field. 3982is an ev_pri field.
3241 3983
3242=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3984=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3243first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3985base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3244 3986
3245=item * Other members are not supported. 3987=item * Other members are not supported.
3246 3988
3247=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3989=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3248to use the libev header file and library. 3990to use the libev header file and library.
3249 3991
3250=back 3992=back
3251 3993
3252=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3994=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3995
3996=head2 C API
3997
3998The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3999libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
4000will work fine.
4001
4002Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4003to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
4004callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
4005callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
4006specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
4007C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
4008
4009 static void
4010 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
4011 {
4012 perror (msg);
4013 abort ();
4014 }
4015
4016 ...
4017 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
4018
4019The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4020C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4021because it runs cleanup watchers).
4022
4023Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4024is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4025throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4026
4027=head2 C++ API
3253 4028
3254Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4029Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3255you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4030you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3256the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4031the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3257 4032
3258To use it, 4033To use it,
3259 4034
3260 #include <ev++.h> 4035 #include <ev++.h>
3261 4036
3262This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4037This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3263of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4038of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3264put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4039put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3267Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 4042Care 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 4043classes 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 4044that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3270you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 4045you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3271 4046
3272Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 4047Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3273used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 4048with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3274need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 4049to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3275types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 4050you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3276it). 4051(preferably after implementing it).
4052
4053For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4054conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4055to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3277 4056
3278Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4057Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3279 4058
3280=over 4 4059=over 4
3281 4060
3291=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4070=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3292 4071
3293For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4072For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3294the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4073the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3295which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4074which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3296defines by many implementations. 4075defined by many implementations.
3297 4076
3298All of those classes have these methods: 4077All of those classes have these methods:
3299 4078
3300=over 4 4079=over 4
3301 4080
3363 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4142 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3364 { 4143 {
3365 ... 4144 ...
3366 } 4145 }
3367 } 4146 }
3368 4147
3369 myfunctor f; 4148 myfunctor f;
3370 4149
3371 ev::io w; 4150 ev::io w;
3372 w.set (&f); 4151 w.set (&f);
3373 4152
3391Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4170Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3392do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4171do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3393 4172
3394=item w->set ([arguments]) 4173=item w->set ([arguments])
3395 4174
3396Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 4175Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
4176with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3397called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 4177must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3398automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 4178gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
3399method. 4179method.
4180
4181For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4182clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3400 4183
3401=item w->start () 4184=item w->start ()
3402 4185
3403Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4186Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3404constructor already stores the event loop. 4187constructor already stores the event loop.
3405 4188
4189=item w->start ([arguments])
4190
4191Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
4192convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
4193the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
4194
3406=item w->stop () 4195=item w->stop ()
3407 4196
3408Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 4197Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3409 4198
3410=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 4199=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3422 4211
3423=back 4212=back
3424 4213
3425=back 4214=back
3426 4215
3427Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 4216Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3428the constructor. 4217watchers in the constructor.
3429 4218
3430 class myclass 4219 class myclass
3431 { 4220 {
3432 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4221 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
4222 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3433 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4223 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3434 4224
3435 myclass (int fd) 4225 myclass (int fd)
3436 { 4226 {
3437 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4227 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
4228 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3438 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 4229 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3439 4230
3440 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 4231 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
4232 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
4233
4234 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3441 } 4235 }
3442 }; 4236 };
3443 4237
3444 4238
3445=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 4239=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3484L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4278L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3485 4279
3486=item D 4280=item D
3487 4281
3488Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4282Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3489be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4283be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3490 4284
3491=item Ocaml 4285=item Ocaml
3492 4286
3493Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4287Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3494L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4288L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3497 4291
3498Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4292Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3499time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4293time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3500L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4294L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3501 4295
4296=item Javascript
4297
4298Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4299
4300=item Others
4301
4302There are others, and I stopped counting.
4303
3502=back 4304=back
3503 4305
3504 4306
3505=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4307=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3506 4308
3519loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 4321loop 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: 4322C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3521 4323
3522 ev_unref (EV_A); 4324 ev_unref (EV_A);
3523 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 4325 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3524 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4326 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3525 4327
3526It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 4328It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3527which is often provided by the following macro. 4329which is often provided by the following macro.
3528 4330
3529=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 4331=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3542suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4344suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3543 4345
3544=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4346=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3545 4347
3546Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4348Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3547loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4349loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4350will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4351
4352For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4353to initialise the loop somewhere.
3548 4354
3549=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4355=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3550 4356
3551Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4357Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3552default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4358default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3569 } 4375 }
3570 4376
3571 ev_check check; 4377 ev_check check;
3572 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 4378 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3573 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 4379 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3574 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 4380 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3575 4381
3576=head1 EMBEDDING 4382=head1 EMBEDDING
3577 4383
3578Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 4384Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3579applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 4385applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3619 ev_vars.h 4425 ev_vars.h
3620 ev_wrap.h 4426 ev_wrap.h
3621 4427
3622 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4428 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
3623 4429
3624 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4430 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
3625 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4431 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
3626 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4432 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
3627 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4433 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
3628 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4434 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
3629 4435
3630F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4436F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
3631to compile this single file. 4437to compile this single file.
3632 4438
3633=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4439=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
3671users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible 4477users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3672settings. 4478settings.
3673 4479
3674=over 4 4480=over 4
3675 4481
4482=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
4483
4484Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
4485release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
4486have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
4487
4488You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
4489versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
4490sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
4491from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
4492typedef in that case.
4493
4494In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
4495and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
4496removed completely.
4497
3676=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 4498=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3677 4499
3678Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 4500Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3679keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 4501keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3680implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 4502implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3681supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4503supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3682F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4504F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3683 4505
3684In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4506In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3685configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4507configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4508
4509=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4510
4511If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4512periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4513portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4514link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4515function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4516this.
3686 4517
3687=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4518=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3688 4519
3689If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4520If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3690monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4521monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3775 4606
3776If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4607If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3777macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4608macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3778file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4609file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3779the underlying OS handle. 4610the underlying OS handle.
4611
4612=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4613
4614If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4615communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4616the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4617environments.
3780 4618
3781=item EV_USE_POLL 4619=item EV_USE_POLL
3782 4620
3783If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4621If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3784backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4622backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3820If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4658If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3821interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4659interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3822be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4660be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3823indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4661indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3824 4662
4663=item EV_NO_SMP
4664
4665If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4666between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4667different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4668and makes libev faster.
4669
4670=item EV_NO_THREADS
4671
4672If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4673different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4674assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4675libev faster.
4676
3825=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4677=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3826 4678
3827Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4679Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3828access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4680access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
3829type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4681such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
3830that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4682type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
3831as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4683handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4684watchers.
3832 4685
3833In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4686In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3834(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4687(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3835 4688
3836=item EV_H (h) 4689=item EV_H (h)
3863will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4716will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
3864additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4717additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
3865for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4718for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
3866argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4719argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
3867 4720
4721Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4722default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4723initialise the loop manually in this case.
4724
3868=item EV_MINPRI 4725=item EV_MINPRI
3869 4726
3870=item EV_MAXPRI 4727=item EV_MAXPRI
3871 4728
3872The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4729The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3908 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4765 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3909 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4766 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
3910 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4767 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
3911 4768
3912The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4769The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
3913values: 4770values (by default, all of these are enabled):
3914 4771
3915=over 4 4772=over 4
3916 4773
3917=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4774=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3918 4775
3922code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4779code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
3923 4780
3924When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4781When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
3925gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4782gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3926assertions. 4783assertions.
4784
4785The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4786(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
3927 4787
3928=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4788=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3929 4789
3930Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4790Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
3931hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4791hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
3932and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4792and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3933runtime. 4793runtime.
3934 4794
4795The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4796(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4797
3935=item C<4> - full API configuration 4798=item C<4> - full API configuration
3936 4799
3937This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4800This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
3938enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4801enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
3939 4802
3969 4832
3970With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4833With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
3971when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4834when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
3972your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4835your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
3973I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4836I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4837
4838=item EV_API_STATIC
4839
4840If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4841will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4842identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4843when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4844and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4845
4846To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4847wants to use libev.
4848
4849This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4850doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
3974 4851
3975=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4852=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3976 4853
3977If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4854If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3978functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4855functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4029The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 4906The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4030will be C<0>. 4907will be C<0>.
4031 4908
4032=item EV_VERIFY 4909=item EV_VERIFY
4033 4910
4034Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4911Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4035be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4912be 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 4913in. 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 4914called. 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 4915called 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 4916verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4122And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4999And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4123 5000
4124 #include "ev_cpp.h" 5001 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4125 #include "ev.c" 5002 #include "ev.c"
4126 5003
4127=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 5004=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4128 5005
4129=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 5006=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4130 5007
4131=head3 THREADS 5008=head3 THREADS
4132 5009
4183default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5060default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4184watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5061watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4185 5062
4186=back 5063=back
4187 5064
4188=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5065See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4189
4190Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4191thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4192created/added/removed.
4193
4194For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4195which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4196languages).
4197
4198The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4199variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4200event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4201
4202First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4203
4204 typedef struct {
4205 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4206 ev_async async_w;
4207 thread_t tid;
4208 cond_t invoke_cv;
4209 } userdata;
4210
4211 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4212 {
4213 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4214 static userdata u;
4215
4216 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4217 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4218
4219 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4220 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4221
4222 // now associate this with the loop
4223 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4224 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4225 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4226
4227 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4228 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4229 }
4230
4231The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4232solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4233that might have been added:
4234
4235 static void
4236 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4237 {
4238 // just used for the side effects
4239 }
4240
4241The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4242protecting the loop data, respectively.
4243
4244 static void
4245 l_release (EV_P)
4246 {
4247 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4248 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4249 }
4250
4251 static void
4252 l_acquire (EV_P)
4253 {
4254 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4255 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4256 }
4257
4258The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4259into C<ev_loop>:
4260
4261 void *
4262 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4263 {
4264 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4265
4266 l_acquire (EV_A);
4267 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4268 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4269 l_release (EV_A);
4270
4271 return 0;
4272 }
4273
4274Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4275signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4276writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4277have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4278and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4279watchers is very beneficial):
4280
4281 static void
4282 l_invoke (EV_P)
4283 {
4284 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4285
4286 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4287 {
4288 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4289 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4290 }
4291 }
4292
4293Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4294will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4295thread to continue:
4296
4297 static void
4298 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4299 {
4300 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4301
4302 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4303 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4304 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4305 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4306 }
4307
4308Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4309event loop, you will now have to lock:
4310
4311 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4312 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4313
4314 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4315
4316 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4317 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4318 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4319 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4320
4321Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4322an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4323about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4324watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4325 5066
4326=head3 COROUTINES 5067=head3 COROUTINES
4327 5068
4328Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5069Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4329libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5070libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4330coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 5071coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4331different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 5072different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4332the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 5073the 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. 5074that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4334 5075
4335Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 5076Care 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 5077C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4337they do not call any callbacks. 5078they do not call any callbacks.
4338 5079
4339=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 5080=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4340 5081
4341Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 5082Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4425=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy 5166=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4426 5167
4427The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support 5168The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4428only sockets, many support pipes. 5169only sockets, many support pipes.
4429 5170
4430Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on 5171Libev 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 5172rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4432a loop. 5173loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
5174probably going to work well.
4433 5175
4434=head3 C<poll> is buggy 5176=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4435 5177
4436Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll> 5178Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4437implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6 5179implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4456 5198
4457=head3 C<errno> reentrancy 5199=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4458 5200
4459The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so 5201The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4460thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled 5202thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4461without C<-D_REENTRANT> (as long as they use C<errno>), which, of course, 5203without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4462isn't defined by default. 5204defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4463 5205
4464If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure 5206If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4465it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined. 5207it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4466 5208
4467=head3 Event port backend 5209=head3 Event port backend
4468 5210
4469The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event ports". Unfortunately, 5211The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4470this mechanism is very buggy. If you run into high CPU usage, your program 5212ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
5213releases. 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 5214a 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 5215and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4473ones, but there are multiple ones. 5216are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
5217great.
4474 5218
4475If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting 5219If 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 5220the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4477C<select> backends. 5221C<select> backends.
4478 5222
4479=head2 AIX POLL BUG 5223=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4480 5224
4481AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around 5225AIX 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 5226this 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 5227compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4484with large bitsets, and AIX is dead anyway. 5228with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4485 5229
4486=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 5230=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4487 5231
4488=head3 General issues 5232=head3 General issues
4489 5233
4491requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5235requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4492model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5236model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4493the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5237the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4494descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5238descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4495e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5239e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4496as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5240as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4497environment. 5241environment.
4498 5242
4499Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5243Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4500re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5244re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4501then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5245then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4595structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5339structure (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 5340assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4597callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5341callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4598calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5342calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4599 5343
5344=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5345
5346Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5347relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5348
5349=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5350
5351Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5352writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5353
4600=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5354=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4601 5355
4602The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5356The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4603C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5357C<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 5358threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4612thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5366thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4613be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5367be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4614C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5368C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4615 5369
4616The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5370The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4617except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5371except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4618well. 5372thread as well.
4619 5373
4620=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5374=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4621 5375
4622To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5376To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4623instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5377instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4626watchers. 5380watchers.
4627 5381
4628=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 5382=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4629 5383
4630The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5384The 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 5385have 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 5386good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
5387(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4633implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 5388implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5389
4634ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 5390With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
46352200. 5391year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5392is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5393something like that, just kidding).
4636 5394
4637=back 5395=back
4638 5396
4639If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5397If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4640 5398
4702=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5460=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4703 5461
4704=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5462=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4705 5463
4706Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5464Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4707calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5465calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5466blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4708involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5467running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4709 5468
4710=back 5469=back
4711 5470
4712 5471
4713=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5472=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4714 5473
4715The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5474The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4716 5475
4717At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5476At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4718compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5477for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4719removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5478layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5479new API early than late.
4720 5480
4721=over 4 5481=over 4
4722 5482
4723=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 5483=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4724 5484
4725=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 5485The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5486C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5487section.
4726 5488
4727=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 5489=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5490
5491These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5492
5493 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5494 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5495
5496=item function/symbol renames
5497
5498A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5499
5500 ev_loop => ev_run
5501 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5502 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5503
5504 ev_unloop => ev_break
5505 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5506 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5507 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5508
5509 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5510
5511 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5512 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5513 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4728 5514
4729Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 5515Most 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 5516C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5517associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5518ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5519as 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 5520C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4732C<ev_fork> typedef. 5521typedef.
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 5522
4743=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5523=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4744 5524
4745The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5525The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4746mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5526mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4753 5533
4754=over 4 5534=over 4
4755 5535
4756=item active 5536=item active
4757 5537
4758A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5538A 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). 5539See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4760 5540
4761=item application 5541=item application
4762 5542
4763In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5543In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5544
5545=item backend
5546
5547The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4764 5548
4765=item callback 5549=item callback
4766 5550
4767The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5551The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4768detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5552detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4769received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5553received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4770 5554
4771=item callback invocation 5555=item callback/watcher invocation
4772 5556
4773The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5557The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4774 5558
4775=item event 5559=item event
4776 5560
4795The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5579The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4796watchers and events. 5580watchers and events.
4797 5581
4798=item pending 5582=item pending
4799 5583
4800A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5584A 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 5585detected. 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 5586
4807=item real time 5587=item real time
4808 5588
4809The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5589The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4810 5590
4811=item wall-clock time 5591=item wall-clock time
4812 5592
4813The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5593The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4814be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5594be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4815clock. 5595clock.
4816 5596
4817=item watcher 5597=item watcher
4818 5598
4819A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5599A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4820to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5600to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4821 5601
4822=item watcher invocation
4823
4824The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4825
4826=back 5602=back
4827 5603
4828=head1 AUTHOR 5604=head1 AUTHOR
4829 5605
4830Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5606Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5607Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4831 5608

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