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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
233the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
234& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
235 243
236See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
237 245
238=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
239 247
240Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
241semantics 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
242used 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
243when 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
269 } 277 }
270 278
271 ... 279 ...
272 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
273 281
274=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
275 283
276Set 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
277as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
278indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
279callback 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
291 } 299 }
292 300
293 ... 301 ...
294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
295 303
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
296=back 317=back
297 318
298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
299 320
300An 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
301I<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
302libev 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).
303 324
304The 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
305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
306which do not. 327do not.
307 328
308=over 4 329=over 4
309 330
310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
311 332
312This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
313yet 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
314false. 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
315flags. 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".
316 343
317If 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
318function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
319 346
320Note 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
321from 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
322as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
323 351
324The 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,
325C<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
326for 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
327create 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
328can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
329C<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.
330 376
331The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
332backends 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>).
333 379
334The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
369environment variable. 415environment variable.
370 416
371=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
372 418
373When 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
374I<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
375testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
376otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
377 423
378=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
379 425
380When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
381I<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
382delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
383it 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
384handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
385threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
386 432
387Signalfd 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
388there 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
389example) 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.
390 448
391=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
392 450
393This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
394libev 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,
430epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
431 489
432The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
433of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
434dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
435descriptor (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
436so 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
437I<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
438take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
439hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
440 500
441Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
442of 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
443I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
444even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
446employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
447events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
448not 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
449perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
450 510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
512
451While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
452will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
453incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
454I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
455file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both 517file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
520=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
521 583
522This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 584This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
523it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 585it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
524 586
525Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
526notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
527blocking when no data (or space) is available.
528
529While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
530file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
531descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
532might perform better. 590might perform better.
533 591
534On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
535notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
536in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 593specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
537OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 594among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
595hacks).
596
597On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre>, with the event polling
598function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
599occured, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
600even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces, but
601fortunately libev seems to be able to work around it.
538 602
539This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 603This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
540C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 604C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
541 605
542=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 606=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
543 607
544Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 608Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
545with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 609with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
546C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 610C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
547 611
548It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 612It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
613C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
614at all.
615
616=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
617
618Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
619C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
620value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
549 621
550=back 622=back
551 623
552If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 624If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
553then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 625then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
554here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 626here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
555()> will be tried. 627()> will be tried.
556 628
557Example: This is the most typical usage.
558
559 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
560 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
561
562Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
563environment settings to be taken into account:
564
565 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
566
567Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
568used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
569private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
570fds):
571
572 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
573
574=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
575
576Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
577always distinct from the default loop.
578
579Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
580libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
581default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
582
583Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 629Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
584 630
585 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 631 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
586 if (!epoller) 632 if (!epoller)
587 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 633 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
588 634
635Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
636used if available.
637
638 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
639
589=item ev_default_destroy () 640=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
590 641
591Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 642Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
592of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 643etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
593e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 644sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
594either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 645responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
595or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 646calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
596can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 647the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
648for example).
597 649
598Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 650Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
599handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 651handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
600as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 652as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
601 653
602In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 654This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
603rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 655C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
656C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
657
658Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
659except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
604pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 660If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
605C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 661and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
606 662
607=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 663=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
608 664
609Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
610earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
611
612=item ev_default_fork ()
613
614This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 665This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
615to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 666reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
616name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 667name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
617the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 668the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
618sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 669child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
619functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
620 670
621Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 671Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
622a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 672a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
623because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 673because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
624during fork. 674during fork.
629call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 679call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
630difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 680difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
631costly reset of the backend). 681costly reset of the backend).
632 682
633The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 683The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
634it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 684it just in case after a fork.
635quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
636 685
686Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
687using pthreads.
688
689 static void
690 post_fork_child (void)
691 {
692 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
693 }
694
695 ...
637 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 696 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
638
639=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
640
641Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
642C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
643after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
644them is entirely your own problem.
645 697
646=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 698=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
647 699
648Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 700Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
649otherwise. 701otherwise.
660prepare and check phases. 712prepare and check phases.
661 713
662=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 714=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
663 715
664Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 716Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
665times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 717times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
666 718
667Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 719Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
668C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 720C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
669in which case it is higher. 721in which case it is higher.
670 722
671Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 723Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
672etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 724throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
673ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 725as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
726convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
674 727
675=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 728=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
676 729
677Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 730Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
678use. 731use.
739relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 792relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
740finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 793finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
741that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 794that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
742of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 795of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
743beauty. 796beauty.
797
798This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
799a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
800exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
801will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
744 802
745A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 803A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
746those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 804those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
747block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 805block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
748iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 806iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
810Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 868Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
811has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 869has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
812C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 870C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
813C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 871C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
814 872
815This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 873This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
816 874
817It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 875It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
876which case it will have no effect.
818 877
819=item ev_ref (loop) 878=item ev_ref (loop)
820 879
821=item ev_unref (loop) 880=item ev_unref (loop)
822 881
843running when nothing else is active. 902running when nothing else is active.
844 903
845 ev_signal exitsig; 904 ev_signal exitsig;
846 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 905 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
847 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 906 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
848 evf_unref (loop); 907 ev_unref (loop);
849 908
850Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 909Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
851 910
852 ev_ref (loop); 911 ev_ref (loop);
853 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 912 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
965See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1024See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
966document. 1025document.
967 1026
968=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1027=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
969 1028
970=item ev_userdata (loop) 1029=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
971 1030
972Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1031Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
973C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1032C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
974C<0.> 1033C<0>.
975 1034
976These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1035These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
977and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1036and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
978C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1037C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
979any other purpose as well. 1038any other purpose as well.
1107=item C<EV_FORK> 1166=item C<EV_FORK>
1108 1167
1109The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1168The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1110C<ev_fork>). 1169C<ev_fork>).
1111 1170
1171=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1172
1173The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1174
1112=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1175=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1113 1176
1114The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1177The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1115 1178
1116=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1179=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1137programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1200programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1138thing, so beware. 1201thing, so beware.
1139 1202
1140=back 1203=back
1141 1204
1142=head2 WATCHER STATES
1143
1144There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1145active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1146transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1147rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1148
1149=over 4
1150
1151=item initialiased
1152
1153Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1154initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1155C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1156
1157In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1158in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1159
1160=item started/running/active
1161
1162Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1163property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1164this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1165freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1166and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1167
1168=item pending
1169
1170If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1171in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1172stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1173about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1174callback.
1175
1176The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1177an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1178is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1179but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1180moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1181previous item still apply.
1182
1183It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1184via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1185active.
1186
1187=item stopped
1188
1189A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1190be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1191latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1192of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1193freeing it is often a good idea.
1194
1195While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1196initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1197you wish.
1198
1199=back
1200
1201=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1205=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1202 1206
1203=over 4 1207=over 4
1204 1208
1205=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1209=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1346 1350
1347See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1351See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1348functions that do not need a watcher. 1352functions that do not need a watcher.
1349 1353
1350=back 1354=back
1351
1352 1355
1353=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1356=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1354 1357
1355Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1358Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1356and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1359and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1412 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1415 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1413 { 1416 {
1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1417 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1418 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1416 } 1419 }
1420
1421=head2 WATCHER STATES
1422
1423There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1424active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1425transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1426rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1427
1428=over 4
1429
1430=item initialiased
1431
1432Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1433initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1434C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1435
1436In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1437in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1438
1439=item started/running/active
1440
1441Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1442property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1443this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1444freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1445and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1446
1447=item pending
1448
1449If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1450in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1451stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1452about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1453callback.
1454
1455The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1456an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1457is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1458but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1459moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1460previous item still apply.
1461
1462It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1463via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1464active.
1465
1466=item stopped
1467
1468A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1469be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1470latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1471of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1472freeing it is often a good idea.
1473
1474While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1475initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1476you wish.
1477
1478=back
1417 1479
1418=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1480=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1419 1481
1420Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1482Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1421integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1483integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
2240 2302
2241=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2303=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2242 2304
2243Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2305Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2244signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2306signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2245will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2307will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2246normal event processing, like any other event. 2308normal event processing, like any other event.
2247 2309
2248If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2310If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2249C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2311C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2250the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2312the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2292I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2354I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2293 2355
2294So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2356So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2295you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2357you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2296is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2358is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2359
2360=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2361
2362POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2363a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2364threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2365
2366When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2367for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2368all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2369sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2370loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2371these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2372in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2297 2373
2298=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2374=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2299 2375
2300=over 4 2376=over 4
2301 2377
3075disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3151disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3076signal watchers). 3152signal watchers).
3077 3153
3078When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3154When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3079other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3155other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3080C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3156C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3081the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3157Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3082have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3158watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3083also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3159those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3160signal watchers.
3084 3161
3085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3162=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3086 3163
3087=over 4 3164=over 4
3088 3165
3089=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3166=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3090 3167
3091Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3168Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3092kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3169kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3093believe me. 3170really.
3094 3171
3095=back 3172=back
3173
3174
3175=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3176
3177Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3178by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3179
3180While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3181watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3182program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3183loop when you want them to be invoked.
3184
3185Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3186all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3187makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3188can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3189
3190=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3191
3192=over 4
3193
3194=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3195
3196Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3197any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3198pointless, I assure you.
3199
3200=back
3201
3202Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3203cleanup functions are called.
3204
3205 static void
3206 program_exits (void)
3207 {
3208 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3209 }
3210
3211 ...
3212 atexit (program_exits);
3096 3213
3097 3214
3098=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3215=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3099 3216
3100In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3217In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3107it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3224it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3108 3225
3109This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3226This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3110too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3227too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3111(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3228(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3112C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3229C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3230of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3231signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3232even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3113 3233
3114Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3234Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3115just the default loop. 3235just the default loop.
3116 3236
3117=head3 Queueing 3237=head3 Queueing
3293Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3413Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3294the given events it. 3414the given events it.
3295 3415
3296=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3416=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3297 3417
3298Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3418Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3299loop!). 3419which is async-safe.
3420
3421=back
3422
3423
3424=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3425
3426This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3427obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3428section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3429
3430=over 4
3431
3432=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3433
3434Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3435I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3436invoking C<ev_run>.
3437
3438This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3439main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3440a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3441and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3442other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3443
3444The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3445invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3446triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3447
3448 // main loop
3449 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3450
3451 while (!exit_main_loop)
3452 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3453
3454 // in a model watcher
3455 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3456
3457 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3458 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3459
3460To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3461
3462 // exit modal loop
3463 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3464
3465 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3466 exit_main_loop = 1;
3467
3468 // exit both
3469 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3300 3470
3301=back 3471=back
3302 3472
3303 3473
3304=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3474=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3305 3475
3306Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3476Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3307emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3477emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3308 3478
3309=over 4 3479=over 4
3480
3481=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3482
3483This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3484and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3310 3485
3311=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3486=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3312 3487
3313=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3488=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3314ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3489ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3320=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3495=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3321will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3496will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3322is an ev_pri field. 3497is an ev_pri field.
3323 3498
3324=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3499=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3325first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3500base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3326 3501
3327=item * Other members are not supported. 3502=item * Other members are not supported.
3328 3503
3329=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3504=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3330to use the libev header file and library. 3505to use the libev header file and library.
3349Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3524Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3350classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3525classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3351that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3526that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3352you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3527you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3353 3528
3354Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3529Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3355used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3530with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3356need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3531to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3357types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3532you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3358it). 3533(preferably after implementing it).
3359 3534
3360Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3535Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3361 3536
3362=over 4 3537=over 4
3363 3538
4707structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4882structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4708assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4883assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4709callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4884callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4710calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4885calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4711 4886
4887=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4888
4889Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4890writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4891
4712=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4892=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4713 4893
4714The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4894The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4715C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4895C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4716threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4896threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4822=back 5002=back
4823 5003
4824 5004
4825=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5005=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4826 5006
4827The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5007The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4828 5008
4829At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5009At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4830compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5010for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4831removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5011layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5012new API early than late.
4832 5013
4833=over 4 5014=over 4
5015
5016=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5017
5018The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5019C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5020section.
5021
5022=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5023
5024These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5025
5026 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5027 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4834 5028
4835=item function/symbol renames 5029=item function/symbol renames
4836 5030
4837A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5031A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4838 5032
4857ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5051ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4858as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 5052as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4859C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 5053C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4860typedef. 5054typedef.
4861 5055
4862=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4863
4864The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4865C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4866section.
4867
4868=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5056=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4869 5057
4870The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5058The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4871mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5059mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4872and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5060and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4946 5134
4947=back 5135=back
4948 5136
4949=head1 AUTHOR 5137=head1 AUTHOR
4950 5138
4951Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5139Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5140Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4952 5141

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