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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
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);
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_run (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
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.
82 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>.
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
87these event sources and provide your program with events. 97these event sources and provide your program with events.
95details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 105details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
96watcher. 106watcher.
97 107
98=head2 FEATURES 108=head2 FEATURES
99 109
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 110Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific aio and C<epoll>
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 111interfaces, the BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 112mechanisms for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify>
103(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner 113interface (for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative 114inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling 115timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status 116(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event 117change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and 118loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
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
149When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then 159When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
150it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism, 160it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
151so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in 161so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
152the libev caller and need to be fixed there. 162the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
153 163
164Via the C<EV_FREQUENT> macro you can compile in and/or enable extensive
165consistency checking code inside libev that can be used to check for
166internal inconsistencies, suually caused by application bugs.
167
154Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has 168Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions. These do not
155extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
156circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse. 169trigger under normal circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev
170or worse.
157 171
158 172
159=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 173=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
160 174
161These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 175These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
165 179
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 180=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 181
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 182Returns 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 183C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 184you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
185C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
171 186
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 187=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 188
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 189Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 190until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
191passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
192interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
193
176this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 194Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
195
196The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
197with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
177 198
178=item int ev_version_major () 199=item int ev_version_major ()
179 200
180=item int ev_version_minor () 201=item int ev_version_minor ()
181 202
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 213as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 214compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 215not a problem.
195 216
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 217Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 218version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
219such as LFS or reentrancy).
198 220
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 221 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 222 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 223 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 224
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 235 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 236 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 237
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 238=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 239
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 240Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 241also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
242descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 243C<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 244and 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 245you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 246probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 247
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 248=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 249
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 250Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 251value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 252current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 253the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 254& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 255
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 256See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 257
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 258=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
236 259
237Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 260Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
238semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 261semantics 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 262used 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 263when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
246 269
247You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 270You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
248free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 271free 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. 272or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
250 273
274Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
275which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
276is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
277
278 static void *
279 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
280 {
281 if (size)
282 return realloc (ptr, size);
283
284 free (ptr);
285 return 0;
286 }
287
251Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 288Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
252retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 289retries.
253 290
254 static void * 291 static void *
255 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 292 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
256 { 293 {
294 if (!size)
295 {
296 free (ptr);
297 return 0;
298 }
299
257 for (;;) 300 for (;;)
258 { 301 {
259 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 302 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
260 303
261 if (newptr) 304 if (newptr)
266 } 309 }
267 310
268 ... 311 ...
269 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 312 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
270 313
271=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 314=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
272 315
273Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 316Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
274as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 317as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
275indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 318indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
276callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 319callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
288 } 331 }
289 332
290 ... 333 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 334 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 335
336=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
337
338This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
339safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
340handlers or random threads.
341
342Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
343in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
344by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
345creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
346mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
347C<ev_feed_signal>.
348
293=back 349=back
294 350
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 351=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 352
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 353An 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 354I<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). 355libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 356
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 357The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 358supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303which do not. 359do not.
304 360
305=over 4 361=over 4
306 362
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 363=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 364
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 365This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 366normally 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 367the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
312flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 368C<ev_loop_new>.
369
370If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
371returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
372C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
373flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
374one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
313 375
314If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 376If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
315function. 377function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 378
317Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 379Note 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, 380from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 381that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
382threads anyway).
320 383
321The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 384The 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 385and 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 386a 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 387C<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 388C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<ev_default_init>. 389
390Example: This is the most typical usage.
391
392 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
393 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
394
395Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
396environment settings to be taken into account:
397
398 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
399
400=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
401
402This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
403could not be initialised, returns false.
404
405This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
406threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
407loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
327 408
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 409The 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>). 410backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
330 411
331The following flags are supported: 412The following flags are supported:
341 422
342If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 423If 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 424or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
344C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 425C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
345override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 426override 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 427useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
347around bugs. 428around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
429cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
430thread modifies them).
348 431
349=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 432=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
350 433
351Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 434Instead 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. 435make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
353 436
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 437This 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 438and 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 439iterations 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 440GNU/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 441sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
359C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 442system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
443versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
360 444
361The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 445The 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 446forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
363flag. 447have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
364 448
365This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 449This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
366environment variable. 450environment variable.
367 451
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 452=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 453
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 454When 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 455I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 456testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 457otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 458
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 459=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 460
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 461When 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 462I<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 463delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 464it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 465handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 466threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 467
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 468Signalfd 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 469there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 470example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
471
472=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
473
474When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
475mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
476when you want to receive them.
477
478This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
479want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
480unblocking the signals.
481
482It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
483C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
484
485=item C<EVFLAG_NOTIMERFD>
486
487When this flag is specified, the libev will avoid using a C<timerfd> to
488detect time jumps. It will still be able to detect time jumps, but takes
489longer and has a lower accuracy in doing so, but saves a file descriptor
490per loop.
491
492The current implementation only tries to use a C<timerfd> when the first
493C<ev_periodic> watcher is started and falls back on other methods if it
494cannot be created, but this behaviour might change in the future.
387 495
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 496=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 497
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 498This 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, 499libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
416This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 524This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
417C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 525C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
418 526
419=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 527=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
420 528
421Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 529Use the Linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
422kernels). 530kernels).
423 531
424For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 532For 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 533it 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), 534O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 535fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 536
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 537The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 538of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 539dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 540descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
541returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
542(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 5430.1ms) 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 544forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 545set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 546and is of course hard to detect.
437 547
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 548Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 549but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 550totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 551one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 552(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 553notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 554that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
555when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
556no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
557because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
445not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 558not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
446perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 559perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
560
561Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
562cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
563others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
447 564
448While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 565While 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 566will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
450incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 567incident (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 568I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
463All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or 580All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
464faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on 581faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
465the usage. So sad. 582the usage. So sad.
466 583
467While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 584While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
468all kernel versions tested so far. 585a lot of kernel revisions, but probably(!) works in current versions.
469 586
470This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 587This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
471C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 588C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
472 589
590=item C<EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO> (value 64, Linux)
591
592Use the Linux-specific Linux AIO (I<not> C<< aio(7) >> but C<<
593io_submit(2) >>) event interface available in post-4.18 kernels (but libev
594only tries to use it in 4.19+).
595
596This is another Linux train wreck of an event interface.
597
598If this backend works for you (as of this writing, it was very
599experimental), it is the best event interface available on Linux and might
600be well worth enabling it - if it isn't available in your kernel this will
601be detected and this backend will be skipped.
602
603This backend can batch oneshot requests and supports a user-space ring
604buffer to receive events. It also doesn't suffer from most of the design
605problems of epoll (such as not being able to remove event sources from
606the epoll set), and generally sounds too good to be true. Because, this
607being the Linux kernel, of course it suffers from a whole new set of
608limitations, forcing you to fall back to epoll, inheriting all its design
609issues.
610
611For one, it is not easily embeddable (but probably could be done using
612an event fd at some extra overhead). It also is subject to a system wide
613limit that can be configured in F</proc/sys/fs/aio-max-nr>. If no AIO
614requests are left, this backend will be skipped during initialisation, and
615will switch to epoll when the loop is active.
616
617Most problematic in practice, however, is that not all file descriptors
618work with it. For example, in Linux 5.1, TCP sockets, pipes, event fds,
619files, F</dev/null> and many others are supported, but ttys do not work
620properly (a known bug that the kernel developers don't care about, see
621L<https://lore.kernel.org/patchwork/patch/1047453/>), so this is not
622(yet?) a generic event polling interface.
623
624Overall, it seems the Linux developers just don't want it to have a
625generic event handling mechanism other than C<select> or C<poll>.
626
627To work around all these problem, the current version of libev uses its
628epoll backend as a fallback for file descriptor types that do not work. Or
629falls back completely to epoll if the kernel acts up.
630
631This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
632C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
633
473=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 634=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
474 635
475Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 636Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time this backend was
476was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 637implemented, it was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't
477with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 638work reliably with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin,
478it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness 639where of course it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose
479is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed 640brokenness is by design, these kqueue bugs can be (and mostly have been)
480without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being 641fixed without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not
481"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using 642being "auto-detected" on all platforms unless you explicitly specify it
482C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 643in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a
483system like NetBSD. 644known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
484 645
485You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 646You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
486only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 647only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
487the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 648the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
488 649
489It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 650It 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 651kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
491course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 652course). 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 653cause 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 654two 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 655might have to leak fds on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
495cases 656drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
496 657
497This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 658This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
498 659
499While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 660While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
500everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 661everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
517=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 678=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
518 679
519This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 680This 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)). 681it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
521 682
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 683While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
527file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 684file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
528descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 685descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
529might perform better. 686might perform better.
530 687
531On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 688On 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 689specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
534OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 690among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
691hacks).
692
693On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
694even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
695function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
696occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
697even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
698absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
699to re-arm the watcher.
700
701Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
535 702
536This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 703This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
537C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 704C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
538 705
539=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 706=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
540 707
541Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 708Try 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 709with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
543C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 710C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
544 711
545It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 712It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
713C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
714at all.
715
716=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
717
718Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
719C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
720value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
546 721
547=back 722=back
548 723
549If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 724If 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 725then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
551here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 726here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
552()> will be tried. 727()> will be tried.
553 728
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. 729Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 730
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 731 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 732 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 733 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 734
735Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
736used if available.
737
738 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
739
740Example: Similarly, on linux, you mgiht want to take advantage of the
741linux aio backend if possible, but fall back to something else if that
742isn't available.
743
744 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO);
745
586=item ev_default_destroy () 746=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 747
588Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 748Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 749etc.). 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 750sense, 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, 751responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 752calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 753the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
754for example).
594 755
595Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 756Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
596handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 757handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
597as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 758as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
598 759
599In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 760This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
600rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 761C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
762C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
763
764Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
765except 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 766If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
602C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 767and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
603 768
604=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 769=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605
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 ()
610 770
611This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 771This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
612to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 772to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
613name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 773the 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 774watchers (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 775sense 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_run> iteration. 776C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
617 777
778In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
779C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
780
618Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 781Again, 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 782a 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 783because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
621during fork. 784during fork.
622 785
623On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 786On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
626call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 789call 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 790difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
628costly reset of the backend). 791costly reset of the backend).
629 792
630The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 793The 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 794it just in case after a fork.
632quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
633 795
796Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
797using pthreads.
798
799 static void
800 post_fork_child (void)
801 {
802 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
803 }
804
805 ...
634 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 806 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.
642 807
643=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 808=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
644 809
645Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 810Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
646otherwise. 811otherwise.
657prepare and check phases. 822prepare and check phases.
658 823
659=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 824=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
660 825
661Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 826Returns 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. 827times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
663 828
664Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 829Outside 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), 830C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
666in which case it is higher. 831in which case it is higher.
667 832
668Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 833Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
669etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 834throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
670ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 835as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
836convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
671 837
672=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 838=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
673 839
674Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 840Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
675use. 841use.
690 856
691This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 857This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
692very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 858very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
693the current time is a good idea. 859the current time is a good idea.
694 860
695See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 861See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
696 862
697=item ev_suspend (loop) 863=item ev_suspend (loop)
698 864
699=item ev_resume (loop) 865=item ev_resume (loop)
700 866
718without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 884without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
719 885
720Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 886Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
721event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 887event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
722 888
723=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 889=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
724 890
725Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 891Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
726after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 892after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
727handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 893handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
728the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 894the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
729is why event loops are called I<loops>. 895is why event loops are called I<loops>.
730 896
731If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 897If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
732until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 898until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
733called. 899called.
900
901The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
902usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
903(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
734 904
735Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 905Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
736relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 906relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
737finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 907finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
738that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 908that 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 909of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
740beauty. 910beauty.
741 911
912This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
913C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
914exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
915will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
916
742A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 917A 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 918those 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 919block 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 920iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
746events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive. 921events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
755This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 930This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
756with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 931with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
757own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 932own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
758usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 933usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
759 934
760Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 935Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
936understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
937future versions):
761 938
762 - Increment loop depth. 939 - Increment loop depth.
763 - Reset the ev_break status. 940 - Reset the ev_break status.
764 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 941 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
765 LOOP: 942 LOOP:
798anymore. 975anymore.
799 976
800 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 977 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
801 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 978 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
802 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 979 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
803 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 980 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
804 981
805=item ev_break (loop, how) 982=item ev_break (loop, how)
806 983
807Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 984Can 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 985has 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 986C<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. 987C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
811 988
812This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 989This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
813 990
814It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 991It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
992which case it will have no effect.
815 993
816=item ev_ref (loop) 994=item ev_ref (loop)
817 995
818=item ev_unref (loop) 996=item ev_unref (loop)
819 997
840running when nothing else is active. 1018running when nothing else is active.
841 1019
842 ev_signal exitsig; 1020 ev_signal exitsig;
843 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 1021 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
844 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 1022 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
845 evf_unref (loop); 1023 ev_unref (loop);
846 1024
847Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 1025Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
848 1026
849 ev_ref (loop); 1027 ev_ref (loop);
850 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 1028 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
870overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 1048overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
871 1049
872By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 1050By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
873time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 1051time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
874at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 1052at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
875C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 1053C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
876introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 1054introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
877sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 1055sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
878once per this interval, on average. 1056once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
1057good enough).
879 1058
880Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 1059Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
881to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 1060to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
882latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 1061latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
883later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 1062later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
929invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1108invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
930 1109
931If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1110If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
932callback. 1111callback.
933 1112
934=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1113=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
935 1114
936Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1115Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
937can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1116can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
938each call to a libev function. 1117each call to a libev function.
939 1118
940However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1119However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
941to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1120to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
942loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1121loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
943I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1122I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
944 1123
945When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1124When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
946suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1125suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
947afterwards. 1126afterwards.
962See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1141See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
963document. 1142document.
964 1143
965=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1144=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
966 1145
967=item ev_userdata (loop) 1146=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
968 1147
969Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1148Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
970C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1149C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
971C<0.> 1150C<0>.
972 1151
973These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1152These 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 1153and 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 1154C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
976any other purpose as well. 1155any other purpose as well.
1039with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher 1218with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
1040*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 1219*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
1041corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1220corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
1042 1221
1043As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1222As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
1044must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 1223must not touch the values stored in it except when explicitly documented
1045reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro. 1224otherwise. Most specifically you must never reinitialise it or call its
1225C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
1046 1226
1047Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1227Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
1048registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1228registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
1049third argument. 1229third argument.
1050 1230
1087 1267
1088=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1268=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1089 1269
1090=item C<EV_CHECK> 1270=item C<EV_CHECK>
1091 1271
1092All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1272All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1093to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1273gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1094C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1274just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1275for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1276watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1277C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1278or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1279
1095received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1280Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1096many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1281they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1097(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1282C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1098C<ev_run> from blocking). 1283blocking).
1099 1284
1100=item C<EV_EMBED> 1285=item C<EV_EMBED>
1101 1286
1102The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1287The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1103 1288
1104=item C<EV_FORK> 1289=item C<EV_FORK>
1105 1290
1106The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1291The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1107C<ev_fork>). 1292C<ev_fork>).
1293
1294=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1295
1296The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1108 1297
1109=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1298=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1110 1299
1111The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1300The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1112 1301
1134programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1323programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1135thing, so beware. 1324thing, so beware.
1136 1325
1137=back 1326=back
1138 1327
1328=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1329
1330=over 4
1331
1332=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1333
1334This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1335of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1336the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1337the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1338type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1339which rolls both calls into one.
1340
1341You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1342(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1343
1344The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1345int revents)>.
1346
1347Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1348
1349 ev_io w;
1350 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1351 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1352
1353=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1354
1355This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1356call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1357call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1358macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1359difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1360
1361Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1362(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1363
1364See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1365
1366=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1367
1368This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1369calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1370a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1371
1372Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1373
1374 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1375
1376=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1377
1378Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1379events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1380
1381Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1382whole section.
1383
1384 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1385
1386=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1387
1388Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1389the watcher was active or not).
1390
1391It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1392non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1393calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1394pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1395therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1396
1397=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1398
1399Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1400and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1401it unless documented otherwise.
1402
1403=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1404
1405Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1406events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1407is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1408C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1409make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1410it).
1411
1412=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1413
1414Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1415
1416=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1417
1418Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1419(modulo threads).
1420
1421=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1422
1423=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1424
1425Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1426integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1427(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1428before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1429from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1430
1431If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1432you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1433
1434You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1435pending.
1436
1437Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1438fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1439or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1440
1441The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1442always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1443
1444See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1445priorities.
1446
1447=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1448
1449Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1450C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1451can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1452callback.
1453
1454=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1455
1456If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1457returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1458watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1459
1460Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1461callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1462
1463=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1464
1465Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1466had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1467initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1468not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1469
1470Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1471C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1472not started in the first place.
1473
1474See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1475functions that do not need a watcher.
1476
1477=back
1478
1479See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1480OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1481
1139=head2 WATCHER STATES 1482=head2 WATCHER STATES
1140 1483
1141There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1484There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1142active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1485active, 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 1486transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1144rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1487rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1145 1488
1146=over 4 1489=over 4
1147 1490
1148=item initialiased 1491=item initialised
1149 1492
1150Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1493Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1151initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1494initialised. 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. 1495C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1153 1496
1154In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1497In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1155in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1498use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1499will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1500C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1156 1501
1157=item started/running/active 1502=item started/running/active
1158 1503
1159Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1504Once 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 1505property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1188latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1533latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1189of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1534of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1190freeing it is often a good idea. 1535freeing it is often a good idea.
1191 1536
1192While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1537While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1193initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1538initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1194you wish. 1539you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1540it again).
1195 1541
1196=back 1542=back
1197
1198=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1199
1200=over 4
1201
1202=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1203
1204This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1205of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1206the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1207the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1208type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1209which rolls both calls into one.
1210
1211You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1212(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1213
1214The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1215int revents)>.
1216
1217Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1218
1219 ev_io w;
1220 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1221 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1222
1223=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1224
1225This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1226call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1227call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1228macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1229difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1230
1231Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1232(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1233
1234See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1235
1236=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1237
1238This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1239calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1240a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1241
1242Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1243
1244 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1245
1246=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1247
1248Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1249events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1250
1251Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1252whole section.
1253
1254 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1255
1256=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1257
1258Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1259the watcher was active or not).
1260
1261It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1262non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1263calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1264pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1265therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1266
1267=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1268
1269Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1270and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1271it.
1272
1273=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1274
1275Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1276events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1277is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1278C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1279make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1280it).
1281
1282=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1283
1284Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1285
1286=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1287
1288Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1289(modulo threads).
1290
1291=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1292
1293=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1294
1295Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1296integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1297(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1298before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1299from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1300
1301If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1302you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1303
1304You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1305pending.
1306
1307Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1308fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1309or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1310
1311The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1312always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1313
1314See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1315priorities.
1316
1317=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1318
1319Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1320C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1321can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1322callback.
1323
1324=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1325
1326If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1327returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1328watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1329
1330Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1331callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1332
1333=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1334
1335Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1336had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1337initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1338not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1339
1340Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1341C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1342not started in the first place.
1343
1344See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1345functions that do not need a watcher.
1346
1347=back
1348
1349
1350=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1351
1352Each 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
1354to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1355don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1356member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1357data:
1358
1359 struct my_io
1360 {
1361 ev_io io;
1362 int otherfd;
1363 void *somedata;
1364 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1365 };
1366
1367 ...
1368 struct my_io w;
1369 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1370
1371And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1372can cast it back to your own type:
1373
1374 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1375 {
1376 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1377 ...
1378 }
1379
1380More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1381instead have been omitted.
1382
1383Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1384embedded watchers:
1385
1386 struct my_biggy
1387 {
1388 int some_data;
1389 ev_timer t1;
1390 ev_timer t2;
1391 }
1392
1393In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1394complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1395in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1396some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1397programmers):
1398
1399 #include <stddef.h>
1400
1401 static void
1402 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1403 {
1404 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1405 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1406 }
1407
1408 static void
1409 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1410 {
1411 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1412 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1413 }
1414 1543
1415=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1544=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1416 1545
1417Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1546Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1418integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1547integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1419between watchers in some way, all else being equal. 1548between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1420 1549
1421In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its 1550In libev, watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1422description for the more technical details such as the actual priority 1551description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1423range. 1552range.
1424 1553
1425There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted 1554There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1426by event loops: 1555by event loops:
1520 1649
1521This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1650This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1522information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros, 1651information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
1523functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained. 1652functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
1524 1653
1525Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that, 1654Most members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning
1526while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some 1655that, while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect
1527sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the 1656some sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while
1528watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which 1657the watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
1529means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher 1658means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher is
1530is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something 1659active, but you can also modify it (within the same thread as the event
1660loop, i.e. without creating data races). Modifying it may not do something
1531sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will 1661sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
1532not crash or malfunction in any way. 1662not crash or malfunction in any way.
1533 1663
1664In any case, the documentation for each member will explain what the
1665effects are, and if there are any additional access restrictions.
1534 1666
1535=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 1667=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
1536 1668
1537I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 1669I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
1538in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading 1670in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
1545In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1677In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1546fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1678fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1547descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1679descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1548required if you know what you are doing). 1680required if you know what you are doing).
1549 1681
1550If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1551known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1552C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1553descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1554files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1555
1556Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1682Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1557receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1683receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1558be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1684be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1559because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1685because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1560lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1686with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1561this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1687use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1562it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1563C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1688preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1564 1689
1565If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1690If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1566not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1691not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1567re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1692re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1568interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1693interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1569does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1694this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1570use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1695use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1571indefinitely. 1696indefinitely.
1572 1697
1573But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1698But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1574 1699
1575=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1700=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1576 1701
1577Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1702Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll, linuxaio) need to be told about closing
1578descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means, 1703a file descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other
1579such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1704means, such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some
1580descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1705file descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently
1581this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1706drop this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then
1582registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1707is registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is,
1583fact, a different file descriptor. 1708in fact, a different file descriptor.
1584 1709
1585To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows 1710To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1586the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev 1711the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1587will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise 1712will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1588it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that 1713it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1602 1727
1603There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1728There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1604for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1729for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1605C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1730C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1606 1731
1732=head3 The special problem of files
1733
1734Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1735representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1736doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1737
1738However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1739notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1740there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1741always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1742write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1743
1744Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1745devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1746on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1747will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1748wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1749
1750Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1751mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1752to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1753convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1754usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1755(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1756F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1757asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1758it "just works" instead of freezing.
1759
1760So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1761libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1762when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1763reuse the same code path.
1764
1607=head3 The special problem of fork 1765=head3 The special problem of fork
1608 1766
1609Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1767Some backends (epoll, kqueue, linuxaio, iouring) do not support C<fork ()>
1610useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1768at all or exhibit useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs
1611it in the child. 1769to be told about it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the
1770child.
1612 1771
1613To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1772To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1614C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1773()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1615enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1774C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1616C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1617 1775
1618=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1776=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1619 1777
1620While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1778While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1621when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1779when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1672=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1830=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1673 1831
1674=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1832=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1675 1833
1676Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1834Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1677receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1835receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE>, both
1678C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events. 1836C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> or C<0>, to express the desire to receive the given
1837events.
1679 1838
1680=item int fd [read-only] 1839Note that setting the C<events> to C<0> and starting the watcher is
1840supported, but not specially optimized - if your program sometimes happens
1841to generate this combination this is fine, but if it is easy to avoid
1842starting an io watcher watching for no events you should do so.
1681 1843
1682The file descriptor being watched. 1844=item ev_io_modify (ev_io *, int events)
1683 1845
1846Similar to C<ev_io_set>, but only changes the requested events. Using this
1847might be faster with some backends, as libev can assume that the C<fd>
1848still refers to the same underlying file description, something it cannot
1849do when using C<ev_io_set>.
1850
1851=item int fd [no-modify]
1852
1853The file descriptor being watched. While it can be read at any time, you
1854must not modify this member even when the watcher is stopped - always use
1855C<ev_io_set> for that.
1856
1684=item int events [read-only] 1857=item int events [no-modify]
1685 1858
1686The events being watched. 1859The set of events the fd is being watched for, among other flags. Remember
1860that this is a bit set - to test for C<EV_READ>, use C<< w->events &
1861EV_READ >>, and similarly for C<EV_WRITE>.
1862
1863As with C<fd>, you must not modify this member even when the watcher is
1864stopped, always use C<ev_io_set> or C<ev_io_modify> for that.
1687 1865
1688=back 1866=back
1689 1867
1690=head3 Examples 1868=head3 Examples
1691 1869
1719detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1897detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1720monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1898monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1721 1899
1722The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1900The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1723passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1901passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1724might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1902might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1903early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1725same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1904iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1726before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1905ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1727no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1906longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1728 1907
1729=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1908=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1730 1909
1731Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1910Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1732recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1911recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1807 1986
1808In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1987In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1809but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1988but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1810within the callback: 1989within the callback:
1811 1990
1991 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1812 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1992 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1993 ev_timer timer;
1813 1994
1814 static void 1995 static void
1815 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1996 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1816 { 1997 {
1817 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1998 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1818 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1999 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1819 2000
1820 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 2001 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1821 if (timeout < now) 2002 if (after < 0.)
1822 { 2003 {
1823 // timeout occurred, take action 2004 // timeout occurred, take action
1824 } 2005 }
1825 else 2006 else
1826 { 2007 {
1827 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 2008 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1828 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 2009 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1829 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 2010 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1830 w->repeat = timeout - now; 2011 // the timeout can occur.
2012 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1831 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 2013 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1832 } 2014 }
1833 } 2015 }
1834 2016
1835To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 2017To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1836as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 2018timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1837been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 2019C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1838the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 2020(EV_A)> from that).
1839re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1840a timeout then.
1841 2021
1842Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 2022If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1843C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 2023timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
2024
2025Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
2026and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
2027
2028In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
2029the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
2030again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1844 2031
1845This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 2032This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1846minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 2033minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1847libev to change the timeout. 2034libev to change the timeout.
1848 2035
1849To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 2036To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1850to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 2037C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1851callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 2038now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
2039the timer:
1852 2040
2041 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1853 ev_init (timer, callback); 2042 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1854 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2043 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1855 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1856 2044
1857And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 2045When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1858C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 2046C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1859 2047
2048 if (activity detected)
1860 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2049 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
2050
2051When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
2052providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
2053will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
2054
2055 timeout = new_value;
2056 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
2057 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1861 2058
1862This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 2059This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1863time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 2060time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1864
1865Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1866callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1867fix things for you.
1868 2061
1869=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 2062=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1870 2063
1871If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 2064If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1872employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 2065employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1899Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 2092Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1900rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 2093rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1901off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 2094off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1902overkill :) 2095overkill :)
1903 2096
2097=head3 The special problem of being too early
2098
2099If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
2100you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
2101cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
2102guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
2103process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
2104
2105So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
2106delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
2107
2108A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2109loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2110this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2111expect.
2112
2113To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2114resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2115yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2116event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2117(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2118
2119If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2120501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2121one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2122intentions.
2123
2124This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2125delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2126larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2127the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2128
2129So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2130exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2131delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2132late" side of things.
2133
1904=head3 The special problem of time updates 2134=head3 The special problem of time updates
1905 2135
1906Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2136Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1907least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2137at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1908time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2138time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1909growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2139growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1910lots of events in one iteration. 2140lots of events in one iteration.
1911 2141
1912The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2142The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1913time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2143time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1914of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2144of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1915you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2145you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1916timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2146timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2147for it:
1917 2148
1918 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2149 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
1919 2150
1920If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2151If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1921update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2152update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1922()>. 2153()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2154further into the future.
2155
2156=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2157
2158Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2159"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2160jumps).
2161
2162Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2163on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2164than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2165a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2166than a directly following call to C<time>.
2167
2168The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2169C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2170a second or so.
2171
2172One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2173the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2174or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2175invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2176
2177This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2178libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2179I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2180
2181If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2182connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2183exactly the right behaviour.
2184
2185If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2186you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2187time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1923 2188
1924=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2189=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1925 2190
1926When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2191When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1927can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2192can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1957 2222
1958=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2223=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1959 2224
1960=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2225=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1961 2226
1962Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2227Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
1963is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2228negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
1964reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2229automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
1965configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2230then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
1966until stopped manually. 2231seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
1967 2232
1968The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2233The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1969you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2234you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1970trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2235trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1971keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2236keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1972do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2237do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1973 2238
1974=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2239=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1975 2240
1976This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2241This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
1977repeating. The exact semantics are: 2242repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2243timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
1978 2244
2245The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2246applied to the watcher:
2247
2248=over 4
2249
1979If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2250=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
1980 2251
1981If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2252=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2253out, without invoking it).
1982 2254
1983If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2255=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
1984C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2256and start the timer, if necessary.
1985 2257
2258=back
2259
1986This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2260This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1987usage example. 2261usage example.
1988 2262
1989=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2263=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1990 2264
1991Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2265Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2044Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2318Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2045(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2319(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2046 2320
2047Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2321Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2048relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2322relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2049(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2323(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2050difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2324difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2051time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2325time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2052wrist-watch). 2326wrist-watch).
2053 2327
2054You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2328You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2059C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2333C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2060it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2334it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2061 2335
2062C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2336C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2063timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2337timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2064other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2338other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2065those cannot react to time jumps. 2339watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2066 2340
2067As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2341As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2068point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2342point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2069timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2343timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2070earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2344earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2111 2385
2112Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2386Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2113C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2387C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2114time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2388time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2115 2389
2116For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2390The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2117C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2391interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2118this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2392microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2393at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2394ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2395C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2119 2396
2120Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2397Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2121speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2398speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2122will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2399will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2123millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2400millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2153 2430
2154NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2431NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2155equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2432equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2156 2433
2157This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2434This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2158triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2435triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2159next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2436the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2160you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2437this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2161reason I omitted it as an example). 2438do this:
2439
2440 #include <time.h>
2441
2442 static ev_tstamp
2443 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2444 {
2445 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2446 struct tm tm;
2447 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2448
2449 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2450 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2451
2452 return mktime (&tm);
2453 }
2454
2455Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2456midnights (beginning and end).
2162 2457
2163=back 2458=back
2164 2459
2165=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2460=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2166 2461
2231 2526
2232 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2527 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2233 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2528 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2234 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2529 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2235 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2530 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2236 2531
2237 2532
2238=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2533=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2239 2534
2240Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2535Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2241signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2536signal 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 2537will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2243normal event processing, like any other event. 2538normal event processing, like any other event.
2244 2539
2245If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2540If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2246C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2541C<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 2542the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2251only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2546only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2252default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2547default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2253C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2548C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2254the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2549the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2255 2550
2256When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2551Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2257with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2552register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2258you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2553handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2259 2554
2260If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2555If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2261C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2556C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2262not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2557not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2263interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2558interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2266=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2561=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2267 2562
2268Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2563Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2269(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2564(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2270stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2565stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2271and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2566and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2567see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2272 2568
2273While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2569While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2274sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2570sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2275C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2571C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2276certain signals to be blocked. 2572certain signals to be blocked.
2289I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2585I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2290 2586
2291So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2587So 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 2588you 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. 2589is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2590
2591=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2592
2593POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2594a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2595threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2596
2597When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2598for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2599all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2600sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2601loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2602these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2603in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2294 2604
2295=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2605=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2296 2606
2297=over 4 2607=over 4
2298 2608
2433 2743
2434=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2744=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2435 2745
2436This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2746This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2437C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2747C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2438and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2748and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2439it did. 2749if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2750happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2440 2751
2441The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2752The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2442not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2753not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2443exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2754exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2444C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2755C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2674Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2985Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2675effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2986effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2676"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2987"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2677event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2988event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2678 2989
2990=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2991
2992As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2993sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2994For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2995lowest priority will do.
2996
2997This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2998to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2999between different connections.
3000
3001See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
3002example.
3003
2679=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3004=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2680 3005
2681=over 4 3006=over 4
2682 3007
2683=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 3008=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2694callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 3019callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2695 3020
2696 static void 3021 static void
2697 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 3022 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2698 { 3023 {
3024 // stop the watcher
3025 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
3026
3027 // now we can free it
2699 free (w); 3028 free (w);
3029
2700 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 3030 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2701 // no longer anything immediate to do. 3031 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2702 } 3032 }
2703 3033
2704 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 3034 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2706 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 3036 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2707 3037
2708 3038
2709=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 3039=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2710 3040
2711Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 3041Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2712prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 3042prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2713afterwards. 3043afterwards.
2714 3044
2715You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 3045You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2716the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 3046current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2717watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 3047C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2718rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 3048however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2719those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 3049for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2720C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 3050C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2721called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 3051kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2722 3052
2723Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 3053Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2724their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 3054their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2725variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 3055variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2726coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 3056coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2744with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 3074with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2745of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 3075of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2746loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 3076loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2747low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 3077low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2748 3078
2749It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 3079When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2750priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 3080highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2751after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 3081any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
3082watchers).
2752 3083
2753Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 3084Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2754activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 3085activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2755might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 3086might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2756C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 3087C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2757loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 3088loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2758C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 3089C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2759others). 3090others).
3091
3092=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
3093
3094C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
3095useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
3096example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
3097normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
3098is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
3099connections have a chance of making progress.
3100
3101Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
3102next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
3103without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
3104
3105This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
3106single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
3107C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3108will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3109invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2760 3110
2761=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3111=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2762 3112
2763=over 4 3113=over 4
2764 3114
2965 3315
2966=over 4 3316=over 4
2967 3317
2968=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3318=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2969 3319
2970=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3320=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2971 3321
2972Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3322Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2973embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3323embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2974invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3324invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2975to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3325to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2996used). 3346used).
2997 3347
2998 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3348 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2999 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3349 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3000 ev_embed embed; 3350 ev_embed embed;
3001 3351
3002 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3352 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3003 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3353 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3004 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3354 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3005 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3355 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3006 : 0; 3356 : 0;
3020C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3370C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3021 3371
3022 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3372 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3023 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3373 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3024 ev_embed embed; 3374 ev_embed embed;
3025 3375
3026 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3376 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3027 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3377 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3028 { 3378 {
3029 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3379 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3030 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3380 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3038 3388
3039=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3389=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3040 3390
3041Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3391Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3042whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3392whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3043C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3393C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3044event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3394and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3045and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3395after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3046C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3396and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3047handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3397of course.
3048 3398
3049=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3399=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3050 3400
3051Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3401Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3052up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3402up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3053sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3403sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3054 3404
3055This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3405This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3056in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3406in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3072disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3422disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3073signal watchers). 3423signal watchers).
3074 3424
3075When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3425When 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 3426other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3077C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3427C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3078the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3428Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3079have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3429watchers, 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. 3430those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3431signal watchers.
3081 3432
3082=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3433=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3083 3434
3084=over 4 3435=over 4
3085 3436
3086=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3437=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3087 3438
3088Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3439Initialises 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, 3440kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3090believe me. 3441really.
3091 3442
3092=back 3443=back
3093 3444
3094 3445
3446=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3447
3448Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3449by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3450
3451While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3452watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3453program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3454loop when you want them to be invoked.
3455
3456Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3457all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3458makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3459can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3460
3461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3462
3463=over 4
3464
3465=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3466
3467Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3468any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3469pointless, I assure you.
3470
3471=back
3472
3473Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3474cleanup functions are called.
3475
3476 static void
3477 program_exits (void)
3478 {
3479 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3480 }
3481
3482 ...
3483 atexit (program_exits);
3484
3485
3095=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3486=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3096 3487
3097In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3488In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3098asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3489asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3099loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3490loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3100 3491
3101Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3492Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3102for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3493for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3104it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3495it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3105 3496
3106This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3497This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3107too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3498too, 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 3499(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3109C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3500C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3110 3501of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3111Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3502signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3112just the default loop. 3503even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3113 3504
3114=head3 Queueing 3505=head3 Queueing
3115 3506
3116C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3507C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3117is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3508is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3209trust me. 3600trust me.
3210 3601
3211=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3602=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3212 3603
3213Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3604Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3214an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3605an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3606returns.
3607
3215C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3608Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3216similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3609signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3217section below on what exactly this means). 3610embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3218 3611
3219Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3612Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3220compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3613compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3221is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3614this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3222reset when the event loop detects that). 3615C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3223 3616
3224This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3617This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3225iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3618loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3226repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3619the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3620repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3621performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3622zero) under load.
3227 3623
3228=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3624=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3229 3625
3230Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3626Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3231watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3627watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3248 3644
3249There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3645There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3250 3646
3251=over 4 3647=over 4
3252 3648
3253=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3649=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3254 3650
3255This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3651This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3256callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3652callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3257watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3653watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3258or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3654or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3286 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3682 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3287 3683
3288=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3684=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3289 3685
3290Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3686Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3291the given events it. 3687the given events.
3292 3688
3293=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3689=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3294 3690
3295Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3691Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3296loop!). 3692which is async-safe.
3297 3693
3298=back 3694=back
3695
3696
3697=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3698
3699This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3700obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3701section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3702
3703=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3704
3705Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3706or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3707to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3708don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3709data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3710data:
3711
3712 struct my_io
3713 {
3714 ev_io io;
3715 int otherfd;
3716 void *somedata;
3717 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3718 };
3719
3720 ...
3721 struct my_io w;
3722 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3723
3724And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3725can cast it back to your own type:
3726
3727 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3728 {
3729 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3730 ...
3731 }
3732
3733More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3734function type instead have been omitted.
3735
3736=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3737
3738Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3739embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3740multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3741
3742 struct my_biggy
3743 {
3744 int some_data;
3745 ev_timer t1;
3746 ev_timer t2;
3747 }
3748
3749In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3750complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3751the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3752to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3753real programmers):
3754
3755 #include <stddef.h>
3756
3757 static void
3758 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3759 {
3760 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3761 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3762 }
3763
3764 static void
3765 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3766 {
3767 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3768 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3769 }
3770
3771=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3772
3773Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3774
3775 callback ()
3776 {
3777 free (request);
3778 }
3779
3780 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3781
3782The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3783used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3784
3785It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3786immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3787some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3788operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3789
3790The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3791has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3792
3793Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3794might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3795canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3796already been invoked.
3797
3798A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3799C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3800C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3801delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3802example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3803pushing it into the pending queue:
3804
3805 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3806 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3807
3808This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3809invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3810
3811=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3812
3813Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3814I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3815invoking C<ev_run>.
3816
3817This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3818main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3819a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3820and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3821other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3822
3823The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3824invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3825triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3826
3827 // main loop
3828 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3829
3830 while (!exit_main_loop)
3831 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3832
3833 // in a modal watcher
3834 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3835
3836 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3837 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3838
3839To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3840
3841 // exit modal loop
3842 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3843
3844 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3845 exit_main_loop = 1;
3846
3847 // exit both
3848 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3849
3850=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3851
3852Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3853thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3854created/added/removed.
3855
3856For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3857which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3858languages).
3859
3860The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3861variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3862event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3863
3864First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3865
3866 typedef struct {
3867 pthread_mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3868 pthread_t tid;
3869 pthread_cond_t invoke_cv;
3870 ev_async async_w;
3871 } userdata;
3872
3873 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3874 {
3875 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3876 static userdata u;
3877
3878 ev_async_init (&u.async_w, async_cb);
3879 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u.async_w);
3880
3881 pthread_mutex_init (&u.lock, 0);
3882 pthread_cond_init (&u.invoke_cv, 0);
3883
3884 // now associate this with the loop
3885 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ &u);
3886 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3887 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3888
3889 // then create the thread running ev_run
3890 pthread_create (&u.tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3891 }
3892
3893The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3894solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3895that might have been added:
3896
3897 static void
3898 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3899 {
3900 // just used for the side effects
3901 }
3902
3903The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3904protecting the loop data, respectively.
3905
3906 static void
3907 l_release (EV_P)
3908 {
3909 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3910 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3911 }
3912
3913 static void
3914 l_acquire (EV_P)
3915 {
3916 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3917 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3918 }
3919
3920The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3921into C<ev_run>:
3922
3923 void *
3924 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3925 {
3926 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3927
3928 l_acquire (EV_A);
3929 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3930 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3931 l_release (EV_A);
3932
3933 return 0;
3934 }
3935
3936Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3937signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3938writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3939have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3940and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3941watchers is very beneficial):
3942
3943 static void
3944 l_invoke (EV_P)
3945 {
3946 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3947
3948 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3949 {
3950 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3951 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3952 }
3953 }
3954
3955Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3956will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3957thread to continue:
3958
3959 static void
3960 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3961 {
3962 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3963
3964 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3965 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3966 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3967 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3968 }
3969
3970Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3971event loop, you will now have to lock:
3972
3973 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3974 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3975
3976 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3977
3978 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3979 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3980 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3981 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3982
3983Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3984an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3985about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3986watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3987
3988=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3989
3990While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3991is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3992kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3993doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3994
3995Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3996C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3997and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3998global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3999event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
4000the differing C<;> conventions):
4001
4002 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
4003 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
4004
4005That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
4006coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
4007your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
4008
4009A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
4010C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
4011matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
4012called):
4013
4014 void
4015 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
4016 {
4017 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
4018 switch_to (libev_coro);
4019 }
4020
4021That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
4022continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
4023this or any other coroutine.
4024
4025You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
4026instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
4027switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
4028any waiters.
4029
4030To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
4031files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
4032
4033 // my_ev.h
4034 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
4035 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
4036 #include "../libev/ev.h"
4037
4038 // my_ev.c
4039 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
4040 #include "../libev/ev.c"
4041
4042And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
4043F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
4044can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3299 4045
3300 4046
3301=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 4047=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3302 4048
3303Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 4049Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3304emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 4050emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3305 4051
3306=over 4 4052=over 4
4053
4054=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
4055
4056This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
4057and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3307 4058
3308=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 4059=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3309 4060
3310=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 4061=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3311ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 4062ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3317=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 4068=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3318will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 4069will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3319is an ev_pri field. 4070is an ev_pri field.
3320 4071
3321=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 4072=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3322first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 4073base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3323 4074
3324=item * Other members are not supported. 4075=item * Other members are not supported.
3325 4076
3326=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 4077=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3327to use the libev header file and library. 4078to use the libev header file and library.
3328 4079
3329=back 4080=back
3330 4081
3331=head1 C++ SUPPORT 4082=head1 C++ SUPPORT
4083
4084=head2 C API
4085
4086The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
4087libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
4088will work fine.
4089
4090Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4091to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
4092callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
4093callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
4094specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
4095C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
4096
4097 static void
4098 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
4099 {
4100 perror (msg);
4101 abort ();
4102 }
4103
4104 ...
4105 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
4106
4107The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4108C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4109because it runs cleanup watchers).
4110
4111Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4112is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4113throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4114
4115=head2 C++ API
3332 4116
3333Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4117Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3334you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4118you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3335the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4119the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3336 4120
3337To use it, 4121To use it,
3338 4122
3339 #include <ev++.h> 4123 #include <ev++.h>
3340 4124
3341This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4125This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3342of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4126of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3343put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4127put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3346Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 4130Care 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 4131classes 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 4132that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3349you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 4133you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3350 4134
3351Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 4135Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3352used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 4136with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3353need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 4137to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3354types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 4138you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3355it). 4139(preferably after implementing it).
4140
4141For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4142conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4143to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3356 4144
3357Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4145Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3358 4146
3359=over 4 4147=over 4
3360 4148
3370=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4158=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3371 4159
3372For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4160For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3373the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4161the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3374which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4162which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3375defines by many implementations. 4163defined by many implementations.
3376 4164
3377All of those classes have these methods: 4165All of those classes have these methods:
3378 4166
3379=over 4 4167=over 4
3380 4168
3442 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4230 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3443 { 4231 {
3444 ... 4232 ...
3445 } 4233 }
3446 } 4234 }
3447 4235
3448 myfunctor f; 4236 myfunctor f;
3449 4237
3450 ev::io w; 4238 ev::io w;
3451 w.set (&f); 4239 w.set (&f);
3452 4240
3470Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4258Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3471do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4259do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3472 4260
3473=item w->set ([arguments]) 4261=item w->set ([arguments])
3474 4262
3475Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4263Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3476method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4264with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3477C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4265must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3478when reconfiguring it with this method. 4266gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4267method.
4268
4269For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4270clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
4271
4272For C<ev::io> watchers there is an additional C<set> method that acepts a
4273new event mask only, and internally calls C<ev_io_modfify>.
3479 4274
3480=item w->start () 4275=item w->start ()
3481 4276
3482Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4277Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3483constructor already stores the event loop. 4278constructor already stores the event loop.
3513watchers in the constructor. 4308watchers in the constructor.
3514 4309
3515 class myclass 4310 class myclass
3516 { 4311 {
3517 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4312 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3518 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4313 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3519 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4314 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3520 4315
3521 myclass (int fd) 4316 myclass (int fd)
3522 { 4317 {
3523 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4318 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3574L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4369L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3575 4370
3576=item D 4371=item D
3577 4372
3578Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4373Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3579be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4374be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3580 4375
3581=item Ocaml 4376=item Ocaml
3582 4377
3583Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4378Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3584L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4379L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3587 4382
3588Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4383Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3589time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4384time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3590L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4385L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3591 4386
4387=item Javascript
4388
4389Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4390
4391=item Others
4392
4393There are others, and I stopped counting.
4394
3592=back 4395=back
3593 4396
3594 4397
3595=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4398=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3596 4399
3632suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4435suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3633 4436
3634=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4437=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3635 4438
3636Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4439Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3637loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4440loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4441will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4442
4443For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4444to initialise the loop somewhere.
3638 4445
3639=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4446=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3640 4447
3641Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4448Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3642default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4449default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3709 ev_vars.h 4516 ev_vars.h
3710 ev_wrap.h 4517 ev_wrap.h
3711 4518
3712 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4519 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
3713 4520
3714 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4521 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
3715 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4522 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
3716 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4523 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4524 ev_linuxaio.c only when the linux aio backend is enabled
4525 ev_iouring.c only when the linux io_uring backend is enabled
3717 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4526 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
3718 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4527 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
3719 4528
3720F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4529F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
3721to compile this single file. 4530to compile this single file.
3722 4531
3723=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4532=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
3787supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4596supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3788F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4597F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3789 4598
3790In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4599In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3791configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4600configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4601
4602=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4603
4604If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4605periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4606portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4607link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4608function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4609this.
3792 4610
3793=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4611=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3794 4612
3795If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4613If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3796monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4614monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3833available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve 4651available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3834C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption. 4652C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3835If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 4653If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
38362.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 46542.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3837 4655
4656=item EV_USE_SIGNALFD
4657
4658If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<signalfd ()> is
4659available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This enables
4660the use of EVFLAG_SIGNALFD for faster and simpler signal handling. If
4661undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46622.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4663
4664=item EV_USE_TIMERFD
4665
4666If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<timerfd ()> is
4667available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This allows
4668libev to detect time jumps accurately. If undefined, it will be enabled
4669if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.8 or newer and define
4670C<TFD_TIMER_CANCEL_ON_SET>, otherwise disabled.
4671
4672=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
4673
4674If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
4675available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
4676C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
4677If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46782.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4679
3838=item EV_USE_SELECT 4680=item EV_USE_SELECT
3839 4681
3840If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 4682If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
3841C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no 4683C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
3842other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 4684other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
3882If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4724If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3883macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4725macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3884file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4726file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3885the underlying OS handle. 4727the underlying OS handle.
3886 4728
4729=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4730
4731If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4732communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4733the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4734environments.
4735
3887=item EV_USE_POLL 4736=item EV_USE_POLL
3888 4737
3889If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4738If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3890backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4739backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3891takes precedence over select. 4740takes precedence over select.
3895If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 4744If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
3896C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 4745C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
3897otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 4746otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
3898backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the 4747backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3899headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4748headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4749
4750=item EV_USE_LINUXAIO
4751
4752If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux aio
4753backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). If undefined, it will be
4754enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4755
4756=item EV_USE_IOURING
4757
4758If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4759io_uring backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). Due to it's
4760current limitations it has to be requested explicitly. If undefined, it
4761will be enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
3900 4762
3901=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 4763=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
3902 4764
3903If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 4765If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
3904C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 4766C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
3926If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4788If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3927interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4789interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3928be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4790be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3929indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4791indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3930 4792
4793=item EV_NO_SMP
4794
4795If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4796between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4797different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4798and makes libev faster.
4799
4800=item EV_NO_THREADS
4801
4802If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4803different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4804assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4805libev faster.
4806
3931=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4807=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3932 4808
3933Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4809Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3934access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4810access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
3935type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4811such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
3936that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4812type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
3937as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4813handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4814watchers.
3938 4815
3939In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4816In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3940(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4817(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3941 4818
3942=item EV_H (h) 4819=item EV_H (h)
3969will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4846will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
3970additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4847additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
3971for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4848for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
3972argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4849argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
3973 4850
4851Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4852default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4853initialise the loop manually in this case.
4854
3974=item EV_MINPRI 4855=item EV_MINPRI
3975 4856
3976=item EV_MAXPRI 4857=item EV_MAXPRI
3977 4858
3978The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4859The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4014 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4895 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4015 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4896 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4016 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4897 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4017 4898
4018The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4899The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4019values: 4900values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4020 4901
4021=over 4 4902=over 4
4022 4903
4023=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4904=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4024 4905
4028code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4909code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4029 4910
4030When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4911When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4031gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4912gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4032assertions. 4913assertions.
4914
4915The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4916(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4033 4917
4034=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4918=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4035 4919
4036Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4920Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4037hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4921hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4038and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4922and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4039runtime. 4923runtime.
4040 4924
4925The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4926(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4927
4041=item C<4> - full API configuration 4928=item C<4> - full API configuration
4042 4929
4043This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4930This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4044enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4931enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4045 4932
4075 4962
4076With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4963With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4077when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4964when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4078your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4965your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4079I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4966I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4967
4968=item EV_API_STATIC
4969
4970If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4971will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4972identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4973when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4974and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4975
4976To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4977wants to use libev.
4978
4979This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4980doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4080 4981
4081=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4982=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4082 4983
4083If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4984If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4084functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4985functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4142in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 5043in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4143called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 5044called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4144called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 5045called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4145verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 5046verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4146libev considerably. 5047libev considerably.
5048
5049Verification errors are reported via C's C<assert> mechanism, so if you
5050disable that (e.g. by defining C<NDEBUG>) then no errors will be reported.
4147 5051
4148The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 5052The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4149will be C<0>. 5053will be C<0>.
4150 5054
4151=item EV_COMMON 5055=item EV_COMMON
4228And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 5132And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4229 5133
4230 #include "ev_cpp.h" 5134 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4231 #include "ev.c" 5135 #include "ev.c"
4232 5136
4233=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 5137=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4234 5138
4235=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 5139=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4236 5140
4237=head3 THREADS 5141=head3 THREADS
4238 5142
4289default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5193default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4290watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5194watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4291 5195
4292=back 5196=back
4293 5197
4294=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5198See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4295
4296Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4297thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4298created/added/removed.
4299
4300For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4301which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4302languages).
4303
4304The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4305variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4306event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4307
4308First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4309
4310 typedef struct {
4311 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4312 ev_async async_w;
4313 thread_t tid;
4314 cond_t invoke_cv;
4315 } userdata;
4316
4317 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4318 {
4319 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4320 static userdata u;
4321
4322 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4323 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4324
4325 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4326 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4327
4328 // now associate this with the loop
4329 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4330 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4331 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4332
4333 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4334 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4335 }
4336
4337The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4338solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4339that might have been added:
4340
4341 static void
4342 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4343 {
4344 // just used for the side effects
4345 }
4346
4347The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4348protecting the loop data, respectively.
4349
4350 static void
4351 l_release (EV_P)
4352 {
4353 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4354 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4355 }
4356
4357 static void
4358 l_acquire (EV_P)
4359 {
4360 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4361 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4362 }
4363
4364The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4365into C<ev_run>:
4366
4367 void *
4368 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4369 {
4370 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4371
4372 l_acquire (EV_A);
4373 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4374 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4375 l_release (EV_A);
4376
4377 return 0;
4378 }
4379
4380Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4381signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4382writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4383have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4384and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4385watchers is very beneficial):
4386
4387 static void
4388 l_invoke (EV_P)
4389 {
4390 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4391
4392 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4393 {
4394 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4395 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4396 }
4397 }
4398
4399Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4400will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4401thread to continue:
4402
4403 static void
4404 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4405 {
4406 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4407
4408 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4409 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4410 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4411 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4412 }
4413
4414Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4415event loop, you will now have to lock:
4416
4417 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4418 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4419
4420 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4421
4422 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4423 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4424 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4425 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4426
4427Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4428an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4429about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4430watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4431 5199
4432=head3 COROUTINES 5200=head3 COROUTINES
4433 5201
4434Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5202Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4435libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5203libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4600requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5368requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4601model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5369model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4602the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5370the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4603descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5371descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4604e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5372e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4605as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5373as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4606environment. 5374environment.
4607 5375
4608Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5376Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4609re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5377re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4610then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5378then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4704structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5472structure (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 5473assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4706callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5474callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4707calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5475calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4708 5476
5477=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5478
5479Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5480relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5481
5482=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5483
5484Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5485writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5486
4709=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5487=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4710 5488
4711The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5489The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4712C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5490C<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 5491threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4721thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5499thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4722be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5500be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4723C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5501C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4724 5502
4725The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5503The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4726except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5504except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4727well. 5505thread as well.
4728 5506
4729=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5507=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4730 5508
4731To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5509To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4732instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5510instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4738 5516
4739The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5517The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4740have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5518have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4741good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5519good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4742(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5520(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4743implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5521implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5522
4744IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5523With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5524year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5525is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5526something like that, just kidding).
4745 5527
4746=back 5528=back
4747 5529
4748If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5530If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4749 5531
4811=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5593=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4812 5594
4813=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5595=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4814 5596
4815Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5597Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4816calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5598calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5599blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4817involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5600running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4818 5601
4819=back 5602=back
4820 5603
4821 5604
4822=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5605=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4823 5606
4824The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5607The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4825 5608
4826At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5609At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4827compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5610for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4828removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5611layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5612new API early than late.
4829 5613
4830=over 4 5614=over 4
5615
5616=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5617
5618The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5619C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5620section.
5621
5622=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5623
5624These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5625
5626 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5627 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4831 5628
4832=item function/symbol renames 5629=item function/symbol renames
4833 5630
4834A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5631A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4835 5632
4854ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5651ev_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 5652as 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> 5653C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4857typedef. 5654typedef.
4858 5655
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> 5656=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4866 5657
4867The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5658The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4868mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5659mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4869and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5660and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4876=over 4 5667=over 4
4877 5668
4878=item active 5669=item active
4879 5670
4880A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5671A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4881See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5672See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4882 5673
4883=item application 5674=item application
4884 5675
4885In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5676In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4886 5677
4922watchers and events. 5713watchers and events.
4923 5714
4924=item pending 5715=item pending
4925 5716
4926A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5717A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4927detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5718detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4928 5719
4929=item real time 5720=item real time
4930 5721
4931The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5722The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4932 5723
4933=item wall-clock time 5724=item wall-clock time
4934 5725
4935The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5726The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4936be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5727be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4937clock. 5728clock.
4938 5729
4939=item watcher 5730=item watcher
4940 5731
4941A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5732A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4943 5734
4944=back 5735=back
4945 5736
4946=head1 AUTHOR 5737=head1 AUTHOR
4947 5738
4948Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5739Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5740Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4949 5741

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