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Revision 1.369 by root, Mon May 30 18:34:28 2011 UTC

43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 68
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
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
447It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
448C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
449
450This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
390 451
391=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
392 453
393This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 454This 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, 455libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
422=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 483=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
423 484
424Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 485Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
425kernels). 486kernels).
426 487
427For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 488For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
428but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 489it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
429like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 490O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
430epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 491fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
431 492
432The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 493The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
433of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 494of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
434dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 495dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
435descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 496descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
497returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
498(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 4990.1ms) 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 500forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
438take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 501set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
439hard to detect. 502and is of course hard to detect.
440 503
441Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 504Epoll 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 505of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
443I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 506I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
444even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 507even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
446employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 509employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
447events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 510events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
448not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 511not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
449perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 512perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
450 513
514Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms,
515a frankenpoll, cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or
516interaction with others.
517
451While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 518While 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 519will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
453incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 520incident (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 521I<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 522file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
520=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 587=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
521 588
522This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 589This 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)). 590it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
524 591
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 592While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
530file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 593file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
531descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 594descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
532might perform better. 595might perform better.
533 596
534On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 597On 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 598specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
537OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 599among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
600hacks).
601
602On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
603even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
604function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
605occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
606even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where
607you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you
608have to re-arm the watcher.
609
610Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
538 611
539This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 612This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
540C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 613C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
541 614
542=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 615=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
543 616
544Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 617Try 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 618with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
546C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 619C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
547 620
548It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 621It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
622C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
623at all.
624
625=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
626
627Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
628C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
629value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
549 630
550=back 631=back
551 632
552If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 633If 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 634then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
554here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 635here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
555()> will be tried. 636()> will be tried.
556 637
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. 638Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
584 639
585 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 640 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
586 if (!epoller) 641 if (!epoller)
587 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 642 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
588 643
644Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
645used if available.
646
647 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
648
589=item ev_default_destroy () 649=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
590 650
591Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 651Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
592of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 652etc.). 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 653sense, 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, 654responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
595or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 655calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
596can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 656the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
657for example).
597 658
598Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 659Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
599handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 660handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
600as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 661as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
601 662
602In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 663This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
603rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 664C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
665C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
666
667Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
668except 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 669If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
605C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 670and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
606 671
607=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 672=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
608 673
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 674This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
615to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 675reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
616name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 676name, 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 677the 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 678child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
619functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
620 679
621Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 680Again, 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 681a 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 682because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
624during fork. 683during fork.
629call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 688call 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 689difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
631costly reset of the backend). 690costly reset of the backend).
632 691
633The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 692The 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 693it just in case after a fork.
635quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
636 694
695Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
696using pthreads.
697
698 static void
699 post_fork_child (void)
700 {
701 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
702 }
703
704 ...
637 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 705 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.
645 706
646=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 707=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
647 708
648Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 709Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
649otherwise. 710otherwise.
660prepare and check phases. 721prepare and check phases.
661 722
662=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 723=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
663 724
664Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 725Returns 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. 726times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
666 727
667Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 728Outside 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), 729C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
669in which case it is higher. 730in which case it is higher.
670 731
671Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 732Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
672etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 733throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
673ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 734as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
735convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
674 736
675=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 737=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
676 738
677Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 739Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
678use. 740use.
740finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 802finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
741that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 803that 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 804of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
743beauty. 805beauty.
744 806
807This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
808a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
809exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
810will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
811
745A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 812A 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 813those 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 814block 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 815iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
749events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive. 816events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
758This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 825This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
759with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 826with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
760own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 827own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
761usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 828usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
762 829
763Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 830Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
831understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
832future versions):
764 833
765 - Increment loop depth. 834 - Increment loop depth.
766 - Reset the ev_break status. 835 - Reset the ev_break status.
767 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 836 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
768 LOOP: 837 LOOP:
801anymore. 870anymore.
802 871
803 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 872 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
804 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 873 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
805 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 874 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
806 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 875 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
807 876
808=item ev_break (loop, how) 877=item ev_break (loop, how)
809 878
810Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 879Can 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 880has 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 881C<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. 882C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
814 883
815This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 884This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
816 885
817It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 886It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
887which case it will have no effect.
818 888
819=item ev_ref (loop) 889=item ev_ref (loop)
820 890
821=item ev_unref (loop) 891=item ev_unref (loop)
822 892
843running when nothing else is active. 913running when nothing else is active.
844 914
845 ev_signal exitsig; 915 ev_signal exitsig;
846 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 916 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
847 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 917 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
848 evf_unref (loop); 918 ev_unref (loop);
849 919
850Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 920Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
851 921
852 ev_ref (loop); 922 ev_ref (loop);
853 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 923 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
965See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1035See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
966document. 1036document.
967 1037
968=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1038=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
969 1039
970=item ev_userdata (loop) 1040=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
971 1041
972Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1042Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
973C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1043C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
974C<0.> 1044C<0>.
975 1045
976These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1046These 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 1047and 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 1048C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
979any other purpose as well. 1049any other purpose as well.
1107=item C<EV_FORK> 1177=item C<EV_FORK>
1108 1178
1109The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1179The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1110C<ev_fork>). 1180C<ev_fork>).
1111 1181
1182=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1183
1184The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1185
1112=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1186=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1113 1187
1114The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1188The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1115 1189
1116=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1190=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1137programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1211programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1138thing, so beware. 1212thing, so beware.
1139 1213
1140=back 1214=back
1141 1215
1216=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1217
1218=over 4
1219
1220=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1221
1222This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1223of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1224the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1225the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1226type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1227which rolls both calls into one.
1228
1229You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1230(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1231
1232The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1233int revents)>.
1234
1235Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1236
1237 ev_io w;
1238 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1239 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1240
1241=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1242
1243This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1244call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1245call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1246macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1247difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1248
1249Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1250(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1251
1252See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1253
1254=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1255
1256This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1257calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1258a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1259
1260Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1261
1262 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1263
1264=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1265
1266Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1267events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1268
1269Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1270whole section.
1271
1272 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1273
1274=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1275
1276Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1277the watcher was active or not).
1278
1279It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1280non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1281calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1282pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1283therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1284
1285=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1286
1287Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1288and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1289it.
1290
1291=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1292
1293Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1294events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1295is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1296C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1297make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1298it).
1299
1300=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1301
1302Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1303
1304=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1305
1306Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1307(modulo threads).
1308
1309=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1310
1311=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1312
1313Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1314integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1315(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1316before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1317from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1318
1319If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1320you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1321
1322You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1323pending.
1324
1325Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1326fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1327or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1328
1329The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1330always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1331
1332See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1333priorities.
1334
1335=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1336
1337Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1338C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1339can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1340callback.
1341
1342=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1343
1344If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1345returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1346watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1347
1348Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1349callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1350
1351=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1352
1353Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1354had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1355initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1356not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1357
1358Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1359C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1360not started in the first place.
1361
1362See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1363functions that do not need a watcher.
1364
1365=back
1366
1367See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR
1368OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1369
1142=head2 WATCHER STATES 1370=head2 WATCHER STATES
1143 1371
1144There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1372There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1145active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1373active, 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 1374transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1152 1380
1153Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1381Before 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 1382initialised. 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. 1383C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1156 1384
1157In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1385In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1158in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1386use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1387will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1388C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1159 1389
1160=item started/running/active 1390=item started/running/active
1161 1391
1162Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1392Once 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 1393property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1191latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1421latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1192of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1422of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1193freeing it is often a good idea. 1423freeing it is often a good idea.
1194 1424
1195While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1425While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1196initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1426initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1197you wish. 1427you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1428it again).
1198 1429
1199=back 1430=back
1200
1201=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1202
1203=over 4
1204
1205=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1206
1207This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1208of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1209the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1210the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1211type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1212which rolls both calls into one.
1213
1214You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1215(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1216
1217The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1218int revents)>.
1219
1220Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1221
1222 ev_io w;
1223 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1224 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1225
1226=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1227
1228This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1229call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1230call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1231macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1232difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1233
1234Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1235(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1236
1237See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1238
1239=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1240
1241This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1242calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1243a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1244
1245Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1246
1247 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1248
1249=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1250
1251Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1252events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1253
1254Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1255whole section.
1256
1257 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1258
1259=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1260
1261Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1262the watcher was active or not).
1263
1264It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1265non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1266calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1267pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1268therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1269
1270=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1271
1272Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1273and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1274it.
1275
1276=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1277
1278Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1279events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1280is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1281C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1282make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1283it).
1284
1285=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1286
1287Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1288
1289=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1290
1291Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1292(modulo threads).
1293
1294=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1295
1296=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1297
1298Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1299integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1300(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1301before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1302from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1303
1304If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1305you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1306
1307You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1308pending.
1309
1310Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1311fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1312or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1313
1314The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1315always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1316
1317See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1318priorities.
1319
1320=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1321
1322Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1323C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1324can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1325callback.
1326
1327=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1328
1329If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1330returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1331watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1332
1333Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1334callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1335
1336=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1337
1338Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1339had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1340initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1341not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1342
1343Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1344C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1345not started in the first place.
1346
1347See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1348functions that do not need a watcher.
1349
1350=back
1351
1352
1353=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1354
1355Each 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
1357to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1358don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1359member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1360data:
1361
1362 struct my_io
1363 {
1364 ev_io io;
1365 int otherfd;
1366 void *somedata;
1367 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1368 };
1369
1370 ...
1371 struct my_io w;
1372 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1373
1374And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1375can cast it back to your own type:
1376
1377 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1378 {
1379 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1380 ...
1381 }
1382
1383More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1384instead have been omitted.
1385
1386Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1387embedded watchers:
1388
1389 struct my_biggy
1390 {
1391 int some_data;
1392 ev_timer t1;
1393 ev_timer t2;
1394 }
1395
1396In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1397complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1398in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1399some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1400programmers):
1401
1402 #include <stddef.h>
1403
1404 static void
1405 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1406 {
1407 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1408 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1409 }
1410
1411 static void
1412 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1413 {
1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1416 }
1417 1431
1418=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1432=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1419 1433
1420Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1434Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1421integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1435integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1548In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1562In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1549fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1563fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1550descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1564descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1551required if you know what you are doing). 1565required if you know what you are doing).
1552 1566
1553If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1554known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1555C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1556descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1557files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1558
1559Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1567Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1560receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1568receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1561be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1569be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1562because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1570because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1563lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1571with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1564this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1572use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1565it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1566C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1573preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1567 1574
1568If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1575If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1569not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1576not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1570re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1577re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1571interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1578interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1572does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1579this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1573use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1580use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1574indefinitely. 1581indefinitely.
1575 1582
1576But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1583But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1577 1584
1605 1612
1606There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1613There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1607for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1614for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1608C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1615C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1609 1616
1617=head3 The special problem of files
1618
1619Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1620representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1621doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1622
1623However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1624notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1625there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1626always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1627write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1628
1629Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1630devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1631on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1632will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1633wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1634
1635Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1636mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1637to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1638convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1639usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1640(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1641F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1642asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1643it "just works" instead of freezing.
1644
1645So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1646libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1647when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1648reuse the same code path.
1649
1610=head3 The special problem of fork 1650=head3 The special problem of fork
1611 1651
1612Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1652Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1613useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1653useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1614it in the child. 1654it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1615 1655
1616To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1656To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1617C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1657()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1618enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1658C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1619C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1620 1659
1621=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1660=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1622 1661
1623While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1662While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1624when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1663when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
2114 2153
2115Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2154Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2116C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2155C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2117time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2156time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2118 2157
2119For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2158The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2120C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2159interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2121this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2160microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2161at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2162ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2163C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2122 2164
2123Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2165Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2124speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2166speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2125will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2167will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2126millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2168millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2240 2282
2241=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2283=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2242 2284
2243Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2285Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2244signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2286signal 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 2287will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2246normal event processing, like any other event. 2288normal event processing, like any other event.
2247 2289
2248If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2290If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2249C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2291C<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 2292the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2269=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2311=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2270 2312
2271Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2313Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2272(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2314(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2273stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2315stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2274and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2316and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2317see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2275 2318
2276While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2319While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2277sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2320sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2278C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2321C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2279certain signals to be blocked. 2322certain signals to be blocked.
2292I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2335I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2293 2336
2294So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2337So 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 2338you 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. 2339is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2340
2341=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2342
2343POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2344a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2345threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2346
2347When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2348for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2349all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2350sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2351loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2352these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2353in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2297 2354
2298=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2355=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2299 2356
2300=over 4 2357=over 4
2301 2358
3075disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3132disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3076signal watchers). 3133signal watchers).
3077 3134
3078When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3135When 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 3136other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3080C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3137C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3081the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3138Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3082have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3139watchers, 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. 3140those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3141signal watchers.
3084 3142
3085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3143=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3086 3144
3087=over 4 3145=over 4
3088 3146
3089=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3147=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3090 3148
3091Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3149Initialises 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, 3150kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3093believe me. 3151really.
3094 3152
3095=back 3153=back
3096 3154
3097 3155
3156=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3157
3158Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3159by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3160
3161While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3162watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3163program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3164loop when you want them to be invoked.
3165
3166Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3167all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3168makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3169can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3170
3171=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3172
3173=over 4
3174
3175=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3176
3177Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3178any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3179pointless, I assure you.
3180
3181=back
3182
3183Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3184cleanup functions are called.
3185
3186 static void
3187 program_exits (void)
3188 {
3189 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3190 }
3191
3192 ...
3193 atexit (program_exits);
3194
3195
3098=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3196=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3099 3197
3100In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3198In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3101asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3199asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3102loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3200loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3103 3201
3104Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3202Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3105for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3203for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3107it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3205it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3108 3206
3109This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3207This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3110too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3208too, 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 3209(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3112C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3210C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3211of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3212signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3213even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3113 3214
3114Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3215Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3115just the default loop. 3216just the default loop.
3116 3217
3117=head3 Queueing 3218=head3 Queueing
3212trust me. 3313trust me.
3213 3314
3214=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3315=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3215 3316
3216Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3317Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3217an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3318an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3319returns.
3320
3218C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3321Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3219similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3322signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3220section below on what exactly this means). 3323embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3221 3324
3222Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3325Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3223compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3326compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3224is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3327is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3225reset when the event loop detects that). 3328reset when the event loop detects that).
3293Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3396Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3294the given events it. 3397the given events it.
3295 3398
3296=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3399=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3297 3400
3298Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3401Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3299loop!). 3402which is async-safe.
3300 3403
3301=back 3404=back
3405
3406
3407=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3408
3409This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3410obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3411section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3412
3413=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3414
3415Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3416or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3417to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3418don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3419data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3420data:
3421
3422 struct my_io
3423 {
3424 ev_io io;
3425 int otherfd;
3426 void *somedata;
3427 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3428 };
3429
3430 ...
3431 struct my_io w;
3432 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3433
3434And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3435can cast it back to your own type:
3436
3437 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3438 {
3439 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3440 ...
3441 }
3442
3443More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3444function type instead have been omitted.
3445
3446=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3447
3448Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3449embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3450multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3451
3452 struct my_biggy
3453 {
3454 int some_data;
3455 ev_timer t1;
3456 ev_timer t2;
3457 }
3458
3459In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3460complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3461the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3462to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3463real programmers):
3464
3465 #include <stddef.h>
3466
3467 static void
3468 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3469 {
3470 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3471 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3472 }
3473
3474 static void
3475 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3476 {
3477 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3478 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3479 }
3480
3481=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3482
3483Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3484I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3485invoking C<ev_run>.
3486
3487This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3488main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3489a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3490and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3491other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3492
3493The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3494invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3495triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3496
3497 // main loop
3498 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3499
3500 while (!exit_main_loop)
3501 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3502
3503 // in a model watcher
3504 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3505
3506 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3507 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3508
3509To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3510
3511 // exit modal loop
3512 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3513
3514 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3515 exit_main_loop = 1;
3516
3517 // exit both
3518 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3519
3520=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3521
3522Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3523thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3524created/added/removed.
3525
3526For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3527which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3528languages).
3529
3530The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3531variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3532event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3533
3534First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3535
3536 typedef struct {
3537 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3538 ev_async async_w;
3539 thread_t tid;
3540 cond_t invoke_cv;
3541 } userdata;
3542
3543 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3544 {
3545 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3546 static userdata u;
3547
3548 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3549 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3550
3551 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3552 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3553
3554 // now associate this with the loop
3555 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3556 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3557 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3558
3559 // then create the thread running ev_run
3560 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3561 }
3562
3563The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3564solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3565that might have been added:
3566
3567 static void
3568 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3569 {
3570 // just used for the side effects
3571 }
3572
3573The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3574protecting the loop data, respectively.
3575
3576 static void
3577 l_release (EV_P)
3578 {
3579 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3580 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3581 }
3582
3583 static void
3584 l_acquire (EV_P)
3585 {
3586 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3587 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3588 }
3589
3590The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3591into C<ev_run>:
3592
3593 void *
3594 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3595 {
3596 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3597
3598 l_acquire (EV_A);
3599 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3600 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3601 l_release (EV_A);
3602
3603 return 0;
3604 }
3605
3606Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3607signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3608writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3609have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3610and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3611watchers is very beneficial):
3612
3613 static void
3614 l_invoke (EV_P)
3615 {
3616 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3617
3618 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3619 {
3620 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3621 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3622 }
3623 }
3624
3625Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3626will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3627thread to continue:
3628
3629 static void
3630 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3631 {
3632 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3633
3634 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3635 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3636 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3637 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3638 }
3639
3640Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3641event loop, you will now have to lock:
3642
3643 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3644 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3645
3646 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3647
3648 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3649 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3650 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3651 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3652
3653Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3654an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3655about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3656watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3657
3658=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3659
3660While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3661is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3662kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3663doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3664
3665Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3666C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3667and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3668global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3669event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3670the differing C<;> conventions):
3671
3672 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3673 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3674
3675That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3676coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3677your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3678
3679A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3680C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3681matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3682called):
3683
3684 void
3685 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3686 {
3687 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro;
3688 switch_to (libev_coro);
3689 }
3690
3691That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3692continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3693this or any other coroutine. I am sure if you sue this your own :)
3694
3695You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3696instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3697switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3698any waiters.
3699
3700To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3701files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3702
3703 // my_ev.h
3704 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3705 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3706 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3707
3708 // my_ev.c
3709 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3710 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3711
3712And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3713F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3714can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3302 3715
3303 3716
3304=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3717=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3305 3718
3306Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3719Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3307emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3720emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3308 3721
3309=over 4 3722=over 4
3723
3724=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3725
3726This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3727and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3310 3728
3311=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3729=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3312 3730
3313=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3731=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3314ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3732ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3320=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3738=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3321will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3739will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3322is an ev_pri field. 3740is an ev_pri field.
3323 3741
3324=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3742=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3325first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3743base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3326 3744
3327=item * Other members are not supported. 3745=item * Other members are not supported.
3328 3746
3329=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3747=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3330to use the libev header file and library. 3748to use the libev header file and library.
3349Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3767Care 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 3768classes 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 3769that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3352you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3770you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3353 3771
3354Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3772Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3355used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3773with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3356need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3774to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3357types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3775you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3358it). 3776(preferably after implementing it).
3359 3777
3360Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3778Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3361 3779
3362=over 4 3780=over 4
3363 3781
3791F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4209F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3792 4210
3793In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4211In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3794configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4212configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3795 4213
4214=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4215
4216If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4217periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4218portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4219link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4220function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4221this.
4222
3796=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4223=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3797 4224
3798If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4225If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3799monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4226monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3800use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, 4227use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
4231And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4658And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4232 4659
4233 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4660 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4234 #include "ev.c" 4661 #include "ev.c"
4235 4662
4236=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4663=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4237 4664
4238=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4665=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4239 4666
4240=head3 THREADS 4667=head3 THREADS
4241 4668
4292default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4719default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4293watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4720watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4294 4721
4295=back 4722=back
4296 4723
4297=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 4724See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4298
4299Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4300thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4301created/added/removed.
4302
4303For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4304which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4305languages).
4306
4307The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4308variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4309event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4310
4311First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4312
4313 typedef struct {
4314 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4315 ev_async async_w;
4316 thread_t tid;
4317 cond_t invoke_cv;
4318 } userdata;
4319
4320 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4321 {
4322 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4323 static userdata u;
4324
4325 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4326 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4327
4328 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4329 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4330
4331 // now associate this with the loop
4332 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4333 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4334 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4335
4336 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4337 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4338 }
4339
4340The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4341solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4342that might have been added:
4343
4344 static void
4345 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4346 {
4347 // just used for the side effects
4348 }
4349
4350The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4351protecting the loop data, respectively.
4352
4353 static void
4354 l_release (EV_P)
4355 {
4356 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4357 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4358 }
4359
4360 static void
4361 l_acquire (EV_P)
4362 {
4363 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4364 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4365 }
4366
4367The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4368into C<ev_run>:
4369
4370 void *
4371 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4372 {
4373 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4374
4375 l_acquire (EV_A);
4376 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4377 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4378 l_release (EV_A);
4379
4380 return 0;
4381 }
4382
4383Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4384signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4385writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4386have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4387and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4388watchers is very beneficial):
4389
4390 static void
4391 l_invoke (EV_P)
4392 {
4393 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4394
4395 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4396 {
4397 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4398 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4399 }
4400 }
4401
4402Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4403will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4404thread to continue:
4405
4406 static void
4407 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4408 {
4409 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4410
4411 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4412 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4413 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4414 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4415 }
4416
4417Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4418event loop, you will now have to lock:
4419
4420 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4421 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4422
4423 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4424
4425 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4426 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4427 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4428 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4429
4430Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4431an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4432about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4433watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4434 4725
4435=head3 COROUTINES 4726=head3 COROUTINES
4436 4727
4437Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4728Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4438libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4729libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4707structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4998structure (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 4999assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4709callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5000callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4710calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5001calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4711 5002
5003=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5004
5005Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5006writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5007
4712=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5008=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4713 5009
4714The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5010The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4715C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5011C<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 5012threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4822=back 5118=back
4823 5119
4824 5120
4825=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5121=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4826 5122
4827The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5123The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4828 5124
4829At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5125At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4830compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5126for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4831removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5127layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5128new API early than late.
4832 5129
4833=over 4 5130=over 4
5131
5132=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5133
5134The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5135C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5136section.
5137
5138=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5139
5140These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5141
5142 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5143 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4834 5144
4835=item function/symbol renames 5145=item function/symbol renames
4836 5146
4837A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5147A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4838 5148
4857ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5167ev_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 5168as 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> 5169C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4860typedef. 5170typedef.
4861 5171
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> 5172=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4869 5173
4870The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5174The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4871mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5175mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4872and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5176and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4934The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5238The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4935 5239
4936=item wall-clock time 5240=item wall-clock time
4937 5241
4938The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5242The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4939be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5243be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4940clock. 5244clock.
4941 5245
4942=item watcher 5246=item watcher
4943 5247
4944A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5248A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4946 5250
4947=back 5251=back
4948 5252
4949=head1 AUTHOR 5253=head1 AUTHOR
4950 5254
4951Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5255Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5256Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4952 5257

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