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43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
165 173
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 175
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. Also interetsing is the combination of 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
172 180
173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
174 182
175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
195not a problem. 203not a problem.
196 204
197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
198version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
199 208
200 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
201 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
202 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
203 212
225probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
226 235
227=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
228 237
229Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
230is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
231might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
232C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
233recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
234 243
235See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
236 245
237=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
238 247
239Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
240semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
241used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
242when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
268 } 277 }
269 278
270 ... 279 ...
271 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
272 281
273=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
274 283
275Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
276as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
277indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
278callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
290 } 299 }
291 300
292 ... 301 ...
293 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
294 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
295=back 317=back
296 318
297=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
298 320
299An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 321An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
300I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
301libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
302 324
303The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
304supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
305which do not. 327do not.
306 328
307=over 4 329=over 4
308 330
309=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
310 332
311This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
312yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
313false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
314flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
315 343
316If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
317function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
318 346
319Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
320from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
321as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
322 351
323The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
324C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 353and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
325for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 354a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
326create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 355C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
327can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
328C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
329 376
330The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
331backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
332 379
333The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
368environment variable. 415environment variable.
369 416
370=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
371 418
372When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
373I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
374testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
375otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
376 423
377=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
378 425
379When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
380I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
381delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
382it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
383handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
384threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
385 432
386Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
387there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
388example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
389 448
390=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
391 450
392This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
393libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
429epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
430 489
431The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
432of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
433dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
434descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
435so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
436I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
437take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
438hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
439 500
440Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
441of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
442I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
443even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
445employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
446events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
447not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
448perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
449 510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms,
512a frankenpoll, cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or
513interaction with others.
514
450While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 515While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
451will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 516will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
452incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 517incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
453I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 518I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
454file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both 519file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
519=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 584=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
520 585
521This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 586This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
522it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 587it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
523 588
524Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
525notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
526blocking when no data (or space) is available.
527
528While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 589While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
529file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 590file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
530descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 591descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
531might perform better. 592might perform better.
532 593
533On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 594On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
534notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
535in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 595specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
536OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 596among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
597hacks).
598
599On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
600even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
601function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
602occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
603even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where
604you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you
605have to re-arm the watcher.
606
607Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
537 608
538This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 609This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
539C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 610C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
540 611
541=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 612=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
542 613
543Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 614Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
544with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 615with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
545C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 616C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
546 617
547It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 618It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
619C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
620at all.
621
622=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
623
624Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
625C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
626value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
548 627
549=back 628=back
550 629
551If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 630If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
552then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 631then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
553here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 632here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
554()> will be tried. 633()> will be tried.
555 634
556Example: This is the most typical usage.
557
558 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
559 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
560
561Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
562environment settings to be taken into account:
563
564 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
565
566Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
567used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
568private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
569fds):
570
571 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
572
573=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
574
575Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
576always distinct from the default loop.
577
578Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
579libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
580default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
581
582Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 635Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
583 636
584 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 637 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
585 if (!epoller) 638 if (!epoller)
586 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 639 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
587 640
641Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
642used if available.
643
644 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
645
588=item ev_default_destroy () 646=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
589 647
590Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 648Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
591of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 649etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
592e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 650sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
593either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 651responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
594or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 652calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
595can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 653the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
654for example).
596 655
597Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 656Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
598handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 657handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
599as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 658as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
600 659
601In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 660This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
602rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 661C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
662C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
663
664Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
665except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
603pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 666If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
604C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 667and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
605 668
606=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 669=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
607 670
608Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
609earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
610
611=item ev_default_fork ()
612
613This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 671This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
614to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 672reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
615name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 673name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
616the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 674the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
617sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 675child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
618functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
619 676
620Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 677Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
621a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 678a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
622because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 679because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
623during fork. 680during fork.
628call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 685call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
629difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 686difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
630costly reset of the backend). 687costly reset of the backend).
631 688
632The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 689The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
633it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 690it just in case after a fork.
634quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
635 691
692Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
693using pthreads.
694
695 static void
696 post_fork_child (void)
697 {
698 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
699 }
700
701 ...
636 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 702 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
637
638=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
639
640Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
641C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
642after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
643them is entirely your own problem.
644 703
645=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 704=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
646 705
647Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 706Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
648otherwise. 707otherwise.
659prepare and check phases. 718prepare and check phases.
660 719
661=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 720=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
662 721
663Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 722Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
664times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 723times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
665 724
666Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 725Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
667C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 726C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
668in which case it is higher. 727in which case it is higher.
669 728
670Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 729Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
671etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 730throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
672ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 731as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
732convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
673 733
674=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 734=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
675 735
676Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 736Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
677use. 737use.
738relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 798relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
739finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 799finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
740that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 800that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
741of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 801of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
742beauty. 802beauty.
803
804This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
805a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
806exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
807will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
743 808
744A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 809A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
745those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 810those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
746block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 811block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
747iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 812iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
809Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 874Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
810has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 875has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
811C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 876C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
812C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 877C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
813 878
814This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 879This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
815 880
816It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 881It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
882which case it will have no effect.
817 883
818=item ev_ref (loop) 884=item ev_ref (loop)
819 885
820=item ev_unref (loop) 886=item ev_unref (loop)
821 887
842running when nothing else is active. 908running when nothing else is active.
843 909
844 ev_signal exitsig; 910 ev_signal exitsig;
845 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 911 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
846 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 912 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
847 evf_unref (loop); 913 ev_unref (loop);
848 914
849Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 915Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
850 916
851 ev_ref (loop); 917 ev_ref (loop);
852 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 918 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
964See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1030See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
965document. 1031document.
966 1032
967=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1033=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
968 1034
969=item ev_userdata (loop) 1035=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
970 1036
971Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1037Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
972C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1038C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
973C<0.> 1039C<0>.
974 1040
975These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1041These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
976and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1042and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
977C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1043C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
978any other purpose as well. 1044any other purpose as well.
1106=item C<EV_FORK> 1172=item C<EV_FORK>
1107 1173
1108The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1174The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1109C<ev_fork>). 1175C<ev_fork>).
1110 1176
1177=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1178
1179The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1180
1111=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1181=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1112 1182
1113The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1183The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1114 1184
1115=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1185=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1136programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1206programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1137thing, so beware. 1207thing, so beware.
1138 1208
1139=back 1209=back
1140 1210
1141=head2 WATCHER STATES
1142
1143There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1144active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1145transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1146rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1147
1148=over 4
1149
1150=item initialiased
1151
1152Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1153initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1154C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1155
1156In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1157in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1158
1159=item started/running/active
1160
1161Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1162property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1163this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1164freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1165and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1166
1167=item pending
1168
1169If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1170in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1171stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1172about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1173callback.
1174
1175The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1176an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1177is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1178but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1179moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1180previous item still apply.
1181
1182It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1183via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1184active.
1185
1186=item stopped
1187
1188A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1189be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1190latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1191of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1192freeing it is often a good idea.
1193
1194While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1195initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1196you wish.
1197
1198=back
1199
1200=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1211=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1201 1212
1202=over 4 1213=over 4
1203 1214
1204=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1215=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1345 1356
1346See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1357See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1347functions that do not need a watcher. 1358functions that do not need a watcher.
1348 1359
1349=back 1360=back
1350
1351 1361
1352=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1353 1363
1354Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1364Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1355and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1365and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1411 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1421 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1412 { 1422 {
1413 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1423 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1414 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1424 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1415 } 1425 }
1426
1427=head2 WATCHER STATES
1428
1429There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1430active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1431transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1432rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1433
1434=over 4
1435
1436=item initialiased
1437
1438Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1439initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1440C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1441
1442In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1443in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1444
1445=item started/running/active
1446
1447Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1448property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1449this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1450freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1451and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1452
1453=item pending
1454
1455If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1456in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1457stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1458about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1459callback.
1460
1461The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1462an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1463is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1464but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1465moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1466previous item still apply.
1467
1468It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1469via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1470active.
1471
1472=item stopped
1473
1474A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1475be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1476latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1477of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1478freeing it is often a good idea.
1479
1480While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1481initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1482you wish.
1483
1484=back
1416 1485
1417=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1486=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1418 1487
1419Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1488Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1420integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1489integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1547In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1616In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1548fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1617fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1549descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1618descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1550required if you know what you are doing). 1619required if you know what you are doing).
1551 1620
1552If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1553known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1554C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1555descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1556files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1557
1558Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1621Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1559receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1622receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1560be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1623be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1561because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1624because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1562lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1625with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1563this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1626use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1564it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1565C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1627preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1566 1628
1567If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1629If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1568not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1630not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1569re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1631re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1570interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1632interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1571does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1633this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1572use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1634use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1573indefinitely. 1635indefinitely.
1574 1636
1575But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1637But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1576 1638
1604 1666
1605There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1667There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1606for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1668for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1607C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1669C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1608 1670
1671=head3 The special problem of files
1672
1673Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1674representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1675doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1676
1677However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1678notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1679there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1680always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1681write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1682
1683Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1684devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1685on it's own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1686will not send data on it's own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1687wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1688
1689Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1690mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1691to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1692convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1693usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1694(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1695F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1696asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1697it "just works" instead of freezing.
1698
1699So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1700libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1701when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1702reuse the same code path.
1703
1609=head3 The special problem of fork 1704=head3 The special problem of fork
1610 1705
1611Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1706Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1612useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1707useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1613it in the child. 1708it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1614 1709
1615To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1710To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1616C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1711()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1617enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1712C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1618C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1619 1713
1620=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1714=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1621 1715
1622While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1716While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1623when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1717when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
2239 2333
2240=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2334=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2241 2335
2242Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2336Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2243signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2337signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2244will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2338will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2245normal event processing, like any other event. 2339normal event processing, like any other event.
2246 2340
2247If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2341If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2248C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2342C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2249the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2343the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2291I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2385I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2292 2386
2293So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2387So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2294you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2388you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2295is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2389is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2390
2391=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2392
2393POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2394a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2395threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2396
2397When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2398for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2399all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2400sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2401loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2402these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2403in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2296 2404
2297=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2405=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2298 2406
2299=over 4 2407=over 4
2300 2408
3074disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3182disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3075signal watchers). 3183signal watchers).
3076 3184
3077When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3185When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3078other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3186other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3079C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3187C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3080the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3188Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3081have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3189watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3082also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3190those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3191signal watchers.
3083 3192
3084=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3193=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3085 3194
3086=over 4 3195=over 4
3087 3196
3088=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3197=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3089 3198
3090Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3199Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3091kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3200kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3092believe me. 3201really.
3093 3202
3094=back 3203=back
3204
3205
3206=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3207
3208Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3209by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3210
3211While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3212watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3213program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3214loop when you want them to be invoked.
3215
3216Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3217all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3218makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3219can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3220
3221=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3222
3223=over 4
3224
3225=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3226
3227Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3228any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3229pointless, I assure you.
3230
3231=back
3232
3233Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3234cleanup functions are called.
3235
3236 static void
3237 program_exits (void)
3238 {
3239 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3240 }
3241
3242 ...
3243 atexit (program_exits);
3095 3244
3096 3245
3097=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3246=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3098 3247
3099In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3248In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3106it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3255it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3107 3256
3108This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3257This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3109too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3258too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3110(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3259(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3111C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3260C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3261of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3262signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3263even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3112 3264
3113Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3265Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3114just the default loop. 3266just the default loop.
3115 3267
3116=head3 Queueing 3268=head3 Queueing
3292Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3444Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3293the given events it. 3445the given events it.
3294 3446
3295=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3447=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3296 3448
3297Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3449Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3298loop!). 3450which is async-safe.
3451
3452=back
3453
3454
3455=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3456
3457This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3458obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3459section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3460
3461=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3462
3463Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3464I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3465invoking C<ev_run>.
3466
3467This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3468main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3469a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3470and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3471other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3472
3473The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3474invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3475triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3476
3477 // main loop
3478 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3479
3480 while (!exit_main_loop)
3481 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3482
3483 // in a model watcher
3484 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3485
3486 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3487 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3488
3489To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3490
3491 // exit modal loop
3492 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3493
3494 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3495 exit_main_loop = 1;
3496
3497 // exit both
3498 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3499
3500=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3501
3502Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3503thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3504created/added/removed.
3505
3506For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3507which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3508languages).
3509
3510The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3511variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3512event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3513
3514First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3515
3516 typedef struct {
3517 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3518 ev_async async_w;
3519 thread_t tid;
3520 cond_t invoke_cv;
3521 } userdata;
3522
3523 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3524 {
3525 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3526 static userdata u;
3527
3528 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3529 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3530
3531 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3532 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3533
3534 // now associate this with the loop
3535 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3536 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3537 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3538
3539 // then create the thread running ev_loop
3540 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3541 }
3542
3543The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3544solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3545that might have been added:
3546
3547 static void
3548 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3549 {
3550 // just used for the side effects
3551 }
3552
3553The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3554protecting the loop data, respectively.
3555
3556 static void
3557 l_release (EV_P)
3558 {
3559 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3560 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3561 }
3562
3563 static void
3564 l_acquire (EV_P)
3565 {
3566 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3567 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3568 }
3569
3570The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3571into C<ev_run>:
3572
3573 void *
3574 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3575 {
3576 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3577
3578 l_acquire (EV_A);
3579 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3580 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3581 l_release (EV_A);
3582
3583 return 0;
3584 }
3585
3586Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3587signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3588writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3589have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3590and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3591watchers is very beneficial):
3592
3593 static void
3594 l_invoke (EV_P)
3595 {
3596 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3597
3598 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3599 {
3600 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3601 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3602 }
3603 }
3604
3605Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3606will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3607thread to continue:
3608
3609 static void
3610 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3611 {
3612 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3613
3614 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3615 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3616 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3617 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3618 }
3619
3620Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3621event loop, you will now have to lock:
3622
3623 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3624 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3625
3626 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3627
3628 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3629 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3630 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3631 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3632
3633Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3634an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3635about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3636watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3299 3637
3300=back 3638=back
3301 3639
3302 3640
3303=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3641=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3304 3642
3305Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3643Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3306emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3644emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3307 3645
3308=over 4 3646=over 4
3647
3648=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3649
3650This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3651and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3309 3652
3310=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3653=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3311 3654
3312=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3655=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3313ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3656ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3319=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3662=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3320will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3663will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3321is an ev_pri field. 3664is an ev_pri field.
3322 3665
3323=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3666=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3324first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3667base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3325 3668
3326=item * Other members are not supported. 3669=item * Other members are not supported.
3327 3670
3328=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3671=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3329to use the libev header file and library. 3672to use the libev header file and library.
3348Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3691Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3349classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3692classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3350that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3693that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3351you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3694you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3352 3695
3353Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3696Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3354used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3697with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3355need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3698to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3356types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3699you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3357it). 3700(preferably after implementing it).
3358 3701
3359Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3702Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3360 3703
3361=over 4 3704=over 4
3362 3705
4291default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4634default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4292watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4635watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4293 4636
4294=back 4637=back
4295 4638
4296=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 4639See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4297
4298Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4299thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4300created/added/removed.
4301
4302For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4303which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4304languages).
4305
4306The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4307variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4308event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4309
4310First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4311
4312 typedef struct {
4313 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4314 ev_async async_w;
4315 thread_t tid;
4316 cond_t invoke_cv;
4317 } userdata;
4318
4319 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4320 {
4321 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4322 static userdata u;
4323
4324 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4325 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4326
4327 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4328 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4329
4330 // now associate this with the loop
4331 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4332 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4333 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4334
4335 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4336 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4337 }
4338
4339The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4340solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4341that might have been added:
4342
4343 static void
4344 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4345 {
4346 // just used for the side effects
4347 }
4348
4349The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4350protecting the loop data, respectively.
4351
4352 static void
4353 l_release (EV_P)
4354 {
4355 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4356 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4357 }
4358
4359 static void
4360 l_acquire (EV_P)
4361 {
4362 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4363 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4364 }
4365
4366The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4367into C<ev_run>:
4368
4369 void *
4370 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4371 {
4372 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4373
4374 l_acquire (EV_A);
4375 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4376 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4377 l_release (EV_A);
4378
4379 return 0;
4380 }
4381
4382Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4383signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4384writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4385have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4386and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4387watchers is very beneficial):
4388
4389 static void
4390 l_invoke (EV_P)
4391 {
4392 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4393
4394 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4395 {
4396 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4397 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4398 }
4399 }
4400
4401Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4402will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4403thread to continue:
4404
4405 static void
4406 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4407 {
4408 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4409
4410 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4411 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4412 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4413 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4414 }
4415
4416Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4417event loop, you will now have to lock:
4418
4419 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4420 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4421
4422 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4423
4424 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4425 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4426 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4427 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4428
4429Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4430an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4431about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4432watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4433 4640
4434=head3 COROUTINES 4641=head3 COROUTINES
4435 4642
4436Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4643Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4437libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4644libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4706structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4913structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4707assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4914assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4708callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4915callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4709calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4916calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4710 4917
4918=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4919
4920Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4921writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4922
4711=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4923=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4712 4924
4713The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4925The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4714C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4926C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4715threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4927threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4821=back 5033=back
4822 5034
4823 5035
4824=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5036=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4825 5037
4826The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5038The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4827 5039
4828At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5040At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4829compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5041for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4830removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5042layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5043new API early than late.
4831 5044
4832=over 4 5045=over 4
5046
5047=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5048
5049The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5050C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5051section.
5052
5053=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5054
5055These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5056
5057 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5058 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4833 5059
4834=item function/symbol renames 5060=item function/symbol renames
4835 5061
4836A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5062A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4837 5063
4856ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5082ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4857as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 5083as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4858C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 5084C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4859typedef. 5085typedef.
4860 5086
4861=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4862
4863The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4864C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4865section.
4866
4867=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5087=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4868 5088
4869The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5089The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4870mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5090mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4871and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5091and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4945 5165
4946=back 5166=back
4947 5167
4948=head1 AUTHOR 5168=head1 AUTHOR
4949 5169
4950Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5170Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5171Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4951 5172

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