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Revision 1.350 by sf-exg, Mon Jan 10 08:36:41 2011 UTC

43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 132this argument.
125 133
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 135
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practise 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 142
165 173
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 175
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
171 180
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 182
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 203not a problem.
195 204
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
198 208
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 212
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 225
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 227
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
221most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
222(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 235
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 237
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 243
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 245
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
236 247
237Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
238semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
239used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
240when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
266 } 277 }
267 278
268 ... 279 ...
269 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
270 281
271=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
272 283
273Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
274as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
275indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
276callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
288 } 299 }
289 300
290 ... 301 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
293=back 317=back
294 318
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 320
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 321An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
298I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
299libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 324
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303which do not. 327do not.
304 328
305=over 4 329=over 4
306 330
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 332
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
311false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
312flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
313 343
314If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
315function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 346
317Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
318from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
320 351
321The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
322C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 353and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
323for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 354a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
324create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 355C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
325can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
327 376
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
329backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
330 379
331The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
366environment variable. 415environment variable.
367 416
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 418
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 423
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 425
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 432
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
385there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
387 448
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 450
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 489
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
433so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
434I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
437 500
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
445not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
446perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
447 510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
512
448While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
449will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
450incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
451I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
452file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both 517file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
540 605
541Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 606Try 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 607with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
543C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 608C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
544 609
545It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 610It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
611C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
612at all.
613
614=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
615
616Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
617C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
618value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
546 619
547=back 620=back
548 621
549If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 622If 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 623then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
551here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 624here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
552()> will be tried. 625()> will be tried.
553 626
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. 627Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 628
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 629 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 630 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 631 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 632
633Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
634used if available.
635
636 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
637
586=item ev_default_destroy () 638=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 639
588Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 640Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 641etc.). 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 642sense, 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, 643responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 644calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 645the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
646for example).
594 647
595Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 648Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
596handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 649handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
597as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 650as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
598 651
599In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 652This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
600rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 653C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
654C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
655
656Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
657except 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 658If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
602C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 659and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
603 660
604=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 661=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605 662
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_run> iterations 663This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
612to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 664reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
613name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 665name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
614the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 666the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
615sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 667child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
616functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
617 668
618Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 669Again, 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 670a 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 671because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
621during fork. 672during fork.
626call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 677call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
627difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 678difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
628costly reset of the backend). 679costly reset of the backend).
629 680
630The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 681The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
631it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 682it just in case after a fork.
632quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
633 683
684Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
685using pthreads.
686
687 static void
688 post_fork_child (void)
689 {
690 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
691 }
692
693 ...
634 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 694 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
635
636=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
637
638Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
639C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
640after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
641them is entirely your own problem.
642 695
643=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 696=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
644 697
645Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 698Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
646otherwise. 699otherwise.
657prepare and check phases. 710prepare and check phases.
658 711
659=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 712=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
660 713
661Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 714Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
662times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 715times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
663 716
664Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 717Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
665C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 718C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
666in which case it is higher. 719in which case it is higher.
667 720
668Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 721Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
669etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 722throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
670ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 723as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
724convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
671 725
672=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 726=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
673 727
674Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 728Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
675use. 729use.
736relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 790relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
737finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 791finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
738that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 792that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
739of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 793of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
740beauty. 794beauty.
795
796This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
797a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
798exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
799will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
741 800
742A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 801A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
743those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 802those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
744block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 803block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
745iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 804iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
807Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 866Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
808has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 867has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
809C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 868C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
810C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 869C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
811 870
812This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 871This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
813 872
814It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 873It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
874which case it will have no effect.
815 875
816=item ev_ref (loop) 876=item ev_ref (loop)
817 877
818=item ev_unref (loop) 878=item ev_unref (loop)
819 879
840running when nothing else is active. 900running when nothing else is active.
841 901
842 ev_signal exitsig; 902 ev_signal exitsig;
843 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 903 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
844 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 904 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
845 evf_unref (loop); 905 ev_unref (loop);
846 906
847Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 907Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
848 908
849 ev_ref (loop); 909 ev_ref (loop);
850 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
962See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1022See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
963document. 1023document.
964 1024
965=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1025=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
966 1026
967=item ev_userdata (loop) 1027=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
968 1028
969Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1029Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
970C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1030C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
971C<0.> 1031C<0>.
972 1032
973These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1033These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
974and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1034and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
975C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1035C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
976any other purpose as well. 1036any other purpose as well.
1104=item C<EV_FORK> 1164=item C<EV_FORK>
1105 1165
1106The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1166The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1107C<ev_fork>). 1167C<ev_fork>).
1108 1168
1169=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1170
1171The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1172
1109=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1173=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1110 1174
1111The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1175The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1112 1176
1113=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1177=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1134programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1198programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1135thing, so beware. 1199thing, so beware.
1136 1200
1137=back 1201=back
1138 1202
1139=head2 WATCHER STATES
1140
1141There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1142active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1143transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1144rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1145
1146=over 4
1147
1148=item initialiased
1149
1150Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1151initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1152C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1153
1154In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1155in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1156
1157=item started/running/active
1158
1159Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1160property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1161this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1162freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1163and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1164
1165=item pending
1166
1167If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1168in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1169stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1170about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1171callback.
1172
1173The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1174an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1175is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1176but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1177moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1178previous item still apply.
1179
1180It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1181via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1182active.
1183
1184=item stopped
1185
1186A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1187be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1188latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1189of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1190freeing it is often a good idea.
1191
1192While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1193initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1194you wish.
1195
1196=back
1197
1198=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1203=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1199 1204
1200=over 4 1205=over 4
1201 1206
1202=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1207=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1343 1348
1344See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1349See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1345functions that do not need a watcher. 1350functions that do not need a watcher.
1346 1351
1347=back 1352=back
1348
1349 1353
1350=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1354=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1351 1355
1352Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1356Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1353and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1357and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1409 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1413 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1410 { 1414 {
1411 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1415 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1412 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1416 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1413 } 1417 }
1418
1419=head2 WATCHER STATES
1420
1421There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1422active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1423transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1424rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1425
1426=over 4
1427
1428=item initialiased
1429
1430Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1431initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1432C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1433
1434In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1435in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1436
1437=item started/running/active
1438
1439Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1440property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1441this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1442freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1443and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1444
1445=item pending
1446
1447If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1448in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1449stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1450about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1451callback.
1452
1453The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1454an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1455is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1456but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1457moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1458previous item still apply.
1459
1460It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1461via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1462active.
1463
1464=item stopped
1465
1466A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1467be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1468latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1469of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1470freeing it is often a good idea.
1471
1472While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1473initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1474you wish.
1475
1476=back
1414 1477
1415=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1478=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1416 1479
1417Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1480Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1418integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1481integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
2237 2300
2238=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2301=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2239 2302
2240Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2303Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2241signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2304signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2242will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2305will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2243normal event processing, like any other event. 2306normal event processing, like any other event.
2244 2307
2245If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2308If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2246C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2309C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2247the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2310the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2289I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2352I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2290 2353
2291So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2354So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2292you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2355you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2293is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2356is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2357
2358=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2359
2360POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2361a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2362threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2363
2364When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2365for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2366all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2367sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2368loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2369these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2370in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2294 2371
2295=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2372=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2296 2373
2297=over 4 2374=over 4
2298 2375
3072disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3149disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3073signal watchers). 3150signal watchers).
3074 3151
3075When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3152When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3076other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3153other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3077C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3154C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3078the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3155Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3079have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3156watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3080also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3157those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3158signal watchers.
3081 3159
3082=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3160=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3083 3161
3084=over 4 3162=over 4
3085 3163
3086=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3164=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3087 3165
3088Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3166Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3089kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3167kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3090believe me. 3168really.
3091 3169
3092=back 3170=back
3171
3172
3173=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3174
3175Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3176by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3177
3178While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3179watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3180program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3181loop when you want them to be invoked.
3182
3183Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3184all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3185makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3186can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3187
3188=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3189
3190=over 4
3191
3192=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3193
3194Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3195any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3196pointless, I assure you.
3197
3198=back
3199
3200Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3201cleanup functions are called.
3202
3203 static void
3204 program_exits (void)
3205 {
3206 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3207 }
3208
3209 ...
3210 atexit (program_exits);
3093 3211
3094 3212
3095=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3213=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3096 3214
3097In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3215In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3104it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3222it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3105 3223
3106This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3224This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3107too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3225too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3108(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3226(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3109C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3227C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3228of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3229signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3230even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3110 3231
3111Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3232Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3112just the default loop. 3233just the default loop.
3113 3234
3114=head3 Queueing 3235=head3 Queueing
3290Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3411Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3291the given events it. 3412the given events it.
3292 3413
3293=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3414=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3294 3415
3295Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3416Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3296loop!). 3417which is async-safe.
3418
3419=back
3420
3421
3422=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3423
3424This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3425obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3426section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3427
3428=over 4
3429
3430=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3431
3432Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3433I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3434invoking C<ev_run>.
3435
3436This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3437main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3438a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3439and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3440other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3441
3442The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3443invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3444triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3445
3446 // main loop
3447 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3448
3449 while (!exit_main_loop)
3450 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3451
3452 // in a model watcher
3453 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3454
3455 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457
3458To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3459
3460 // exit modal loop
3461 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3462
3463 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3464 exit_main_loop = 1;
3465
3466 // exit both
3467 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3297 3468
3298=back 3469=back
3299 3470
3300 3471
3301=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3472=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3302 3473
3303Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3474Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3304emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3475emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3305 3476
3306=over 4 3477=over 4
3478
3479=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3480
3481This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3482and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3307 3483
3308=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3484=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3309 3485
3310=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3486=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3311ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3487ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3317=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3493=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3318will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3494will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3319is an ev_pri field. 3495is an ev_pri field.
3320 3496
3321=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3497=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3322first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3498base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3323 3499
3324=item * Other members are not supported. 3500=item * Other members are not supported.
3325 3501
3326=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3502=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3327to use the libev header file and library. 3503to use the libev header file and library.
3346Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3522Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3347classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3523classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3348that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3524that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3349you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3525you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3350 3526
3351Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3527Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3352used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3528with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3353need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3529to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3354types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3530you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3355it). 3531(preferably after implementing it).
3356 3532
3357Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3533Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3358 3534
3359=over 4 3535=over 4
3360 3536
4704structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4880structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4705assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4881assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4706callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4882callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4707calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4883calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4708 4884
4885=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4886
4887Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4888writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4889
4709=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4890=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4710 4891
4711The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4892The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4712C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4893C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4713threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4894threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4819=back 5000=back
4820 5001
4821 5002
4822=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5003=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4823 5004
4824The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5005The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4825 5006
4826At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5007At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4827compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5008for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4828removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5009layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5010new API early than late.
4829 5011
4830=over 4 5012=over 4
5013
5014=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5015
5016The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5017C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5018section.
5019
5020=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5021
5022These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5023
5024 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5025 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4831 5026
4832=item function/symbol renames 5027=item function/symbol renames
4833 5028
4834A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5029A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4835 5030
4854ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5049ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4855as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 5050as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4856C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 5051C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4857typedef. 5052typedef.
4858 5053
4859=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4860
4861The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4862C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4863section.
4864
4865=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5054=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4866 5055
4867The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5056The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4868mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5057mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4869and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5058and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4943 5132
4944=back 5133=back
4945 5134
4946=head1 AUTHOR 5135=head1 AUTHOR
4947 5136
4948Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5137Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5138Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4949 5139

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