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Revision 1.321 by sf-exg, Fri Oct 22 10:50:24 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.336 by root, Mon Oct 25 11:10:10 2010 UTC

43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
293 ... 301 ...
294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
295 303
296=back 304=back
297 305
298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
299 307
300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 308An 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 309I<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). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
303 311
304The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
306which do not. 314do not.
307 315
308=over 4 316=over 4
309 317
310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
311 319
312This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
313yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally 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 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
315flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
316 330
317If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
318function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
319 333
320Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note 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, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
322as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
323 338
324The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The 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 340and 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 341a 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 342C<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 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
329C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
330 363
331The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The 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>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
333 366
334The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
552If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 585If 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 586then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
554here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 587here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
555()> will be tried. 588()> will be tried.
556 589
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. 590Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
584 591
585 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 592 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
586 if (!epoller) 593 if (!epoller)
587 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 594 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
588 595
596Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
597used if available.
598
599 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
600
589=item ev_default_destroy () 601=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
590 602
591Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 603Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
592of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 604etc.). 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 605sense, 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, 606responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
595or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 607calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
596can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 608the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
609for example).
597 610
598Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 611Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
599handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 612handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
600as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 613as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
601 614
602In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 615This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
603rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 616C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
617C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
618
619Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
620except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
604pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 621If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
605C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 622and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
606 623
607=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 624=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
608 625
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 626This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
615to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 627reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
616name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 628name, 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 629the 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 630child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
619functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
620 631
621Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 632Again, 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 633a 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 634because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
624during fork. 635during fork.
629call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 640call 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 641difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
631costly reset of the backend). 642costly reset of the backend).
632 643
633The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 644The 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 645it just in case after a fork.
635quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
636 646
647Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
648using pthreads.
649
650 static void
651 post_fork_child (void)
652 {
653 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
654 }
655
656 ...
637 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 657 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.
645 658
646=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 659=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
647 660
648Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 661Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
649otherwise. 662otherwise.
810Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 823Can 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 824has 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 825C<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. 826C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
814 827
815This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 828This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
816 829
817It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 830It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
818 831
819=item ev_ref (loop) 832=item ev_ref (loop)
820 833
821=item ev_unref (loop) 834=item ev_unref (loop)
822 835
1107=item C<EV_FORK> 1120=item C<EV_FORK>
1108 1121
1109The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1122The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1110C<ev_fork>). 1123C<ev_fork>).
1111 1124
1125=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1126
1127The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1128
1112=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1129=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1113 1130
1114The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1131The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1115 1132
1116=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1133=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1137programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1154programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1138thing, so beware. 1155thing, so beware.
1139 1156
1140=back 1157=back
1141 1158
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 1159=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1202 1160
1203=over 4 1161=over 4
1204 1162
1205=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1163=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1346 1304
1347See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1305See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1348functions that do not need a watcher. 1306functions that do not need a watcher.
1349 1307
1350=back 1308=back
1351
1352 1309
1353=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1310=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1354 1311
1355Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1312Each 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 1313and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1412 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1369 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1413 { 1370 {
1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1371 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1372 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1416 } 1373 }
1374
1375=head2 WATCHER STATES
1376
1377There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1378active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1379transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1380rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1381
1382=over 4
1383
1384=item initialiased
1385
1386Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1387initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1388C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1389
1390In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1391in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1392
1393=item started/running/active
1394
1395Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1396property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1397this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1398freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1399and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1400
1401=item pending
1402
1403If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1404in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1405stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1406about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1407callback.
1408
1409The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1410an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1411is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1412but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1413moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1414previous item still apply.
1415
1416It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1417via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1418active.
1419
1420=item stopped
1421
1422A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1423be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1424latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1425of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1426freeing it is often a good idea.
1427
1428While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1429initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1430you wish.
1431
1432=back
1417 1433
1418=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1434=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1419 1435
1420Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1436Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1421integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1437integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
3075disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3091disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3076signal watchers). 3092signal watchers).
3077 3093
3078When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3094When 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 3095other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3080C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3096C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3081the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3097Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3082have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3098watchers, 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. 3099those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3100signal watchers.
3084 3101
3085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3102=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3086 3103
3087=over 4 3104=over 4
3088 3105
3089=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3106=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3090 3107
3091Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3108Initialises 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, 3109kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3093believe me. 3110really.
3094 3111
3095=back 3112=back
3113
3114
3115=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3116
3117Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3118by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3119
3120While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3121watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3122program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3123loop when you want them to be invoked.
3124
3125Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3126all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3127makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3128can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3129
3130=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3131
3132=over 4
3133
3134=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3135
3136Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3137any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3138pointless, I assure you.
3139
3140=back
3141
3142Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3143cleanup functions are called.
3144
3145 static void
3146 program_exits (void)
3147 {
3148 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3149 }
3150
3151 ...
3152 atexit (program_exits);
3096 3153
3097 3154
3098=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3155=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3099 3156
3100In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3157In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
4707structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4764structure (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 4765assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4709callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4766callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4710calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4767calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4711 4768
4769=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4770
4771Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4772writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4773
4712=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4774=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4713 4775
4714The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4776The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4715C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4777C<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 4778threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4822=back 4884=back
4823 4885
4824 4886
4825=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 4887=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4826 4888
4827The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 4889The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4828 4890
4829At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 4891At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4830compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4892for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4831removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4893layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4894new API early than late.
4832 4895
4833=over 4 4896=over 4
4897
4898=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4899
4900The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4901C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4902section.
4903
4904=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4905
4906These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4907
4908 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4909 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4834 4910
4835=item function/symbol renames 4911=item function/symbol renames
4836 4912
4837A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 4913A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4838 4914
4857ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 4933ev_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 4934as 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> 4935C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4860typedef. 4936typedef.
4861 4937
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> 4938=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4869 4939
4870The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 4940The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4871mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 4941mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4872and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 4942and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4946 5016
4947=back 5017=back
4948 5018
4949=head1 AUTHOR 5019=head1 AUTHOR
4950 5020
4951Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5021Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5022Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4952 5023

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