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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
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);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
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_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial 76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
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
80Familarity 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 82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 84
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
98=head2 FEATURES 98=head2 FEATURES
99 99
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
103(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 103(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 104inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 105timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 106(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 107change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 108loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
109(C<ev_fork>). 109C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
110limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
110 111
111It also is quite fast (see this 112It also is quite fast (see this
112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 113L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
113for example). 114for example).
114 115
117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 118Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 119configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
119more info about various configuration options please have a look at 120more info about various configuration options please have a look at
120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 121B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 122for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 123name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument. 124this argument.
124 125
125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
126 127
127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually 131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations 132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134
133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 135Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
134throughout libev. 136time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
135 137
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING 138=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137 139
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 140Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs). 141and internal errors (bugs).
163 165
164=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 166=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
165 167
166Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
167C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
168you actually want to know. 170you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
169 172
170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
171 174
172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
190as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
191compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
192not a problem. 195not a problem.
193 196
194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
195version. 198version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
199such as LFS or reentrancy).
196 200
197 assert (("libev version mismatch", 201 assert (("libev version mismatch",
198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 202 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 203 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
200 204
211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 215 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 216 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
213 217
214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 218=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
215 219
216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 220Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 221also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
222descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 223C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 224and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 225you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 226probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
222 227
223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 228=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
224 229
225Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 230Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
226is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 231value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
227might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 232current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 233the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
229recommended ones. 234& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
230 235
231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 236See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
232 237
233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 238=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
234 239
288 ... 293 ...
289 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
290 295
291=back 296=back
292 297
293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
294 299
295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
297I<function>). 302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
298 303
299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 304The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops
301not. 306which do not.
302 307
303=over 4 308=over 4
304 309
305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
306 311
307This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 312This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
308yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 313normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
309false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 314the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 315C<ev_loop_new>.
316
317If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
318returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
319C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
320flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
321one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
311 322
312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 323If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
313function. 324function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
314 325
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 326Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 327from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 328that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
329threads anyway).
318 330
319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 331The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 332and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 333a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 334C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 335C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
324C<ev_default_init>. 336
337Example: This is the most typical usage.
338
339 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
340 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
341
342Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
343environment settings to be taken into account:
344
345 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
346
347=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
348
349This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
350could not be initialised, returns false.
351
352Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
353libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
354default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
325 355
326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 356The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
327backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 357backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
328 358
329The following flags are supported: 359The following flags are supported:
344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 374useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
345around bugs. 375around bugs.
346 376
347=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 377=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
348 378
349Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 379Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
350a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 380make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
351enabling this flag.
352 381
353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 382This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 383and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 384iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 385GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
362flag. 391flag.
363 392
364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 393This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365environment variable. 394environment variable.
366 395
396=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
397
398When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
399I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
400testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
401otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
402
403=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
404
405When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
406I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
407delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
408it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
409handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
410threads that are not interested in handling them.
411
412Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
413there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
414example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
415
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 416=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 417
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 418This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 419libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 420but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
394 443
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 444This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 445C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397 446
398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 447=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
448
449Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
450kernels).
399 451
400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 452For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 453but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 454like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 455epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
415of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 467of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 468I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 469even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 470on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 471employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 472events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
473not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
474perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
421 475
422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 476While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 477will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 478incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 479I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
518 572
519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 573It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520 574
521=back 575=back
522 576
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 577If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 578then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 579here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
526 580()> will be tried.
527Example: This is the most typical usage.
528
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
531
532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
533environment settings to be taken into account:
534
535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
536
537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
541
542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
543
544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
545
546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554 581
555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 582Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
556 583
557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 584 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
558 if (!epoller) 585 if (!epoller)
559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 586 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
560 587
588Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
589used if available.
590
591 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
592
561=item ev_default_destroy () 593=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
562 594
563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 595Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 596etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 597sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 598responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 599calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 600the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
570 602
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 603Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 604handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 605as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574 606
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 607This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 608C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
609C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
610
611Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
612except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 613If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 614and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579 615
580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 616=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
581 617
582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
584
585=item ev_default_fork ()
586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 618This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 619reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 620name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 621the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 622child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 623
624Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
625a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
626because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
627during fork.
593 628
594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 629On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 630process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 631you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
632call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
633difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
634costly reset of the backend).
597 635
598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 636The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 637it just in case after a fork.
600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
601 638
639Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
640using pthreads.
641
642 static void
643 post_fork_child (void)
644 {
645 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
646 }
647
648 ...
602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 649 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
603
604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605
606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610 650
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 651=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612 652
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 653Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise. 654otherwise.
615 655
616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 656=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
617 657
618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 658Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 659to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
620happily wraps around with enough iterations. 660and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621 661
622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 662This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 663"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 664C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
665prepare and check phases.
666
667=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
668
669Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
670times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
671
672Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
673C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
674in which case it is higher.
675
676Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
677etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
678ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
625 679
626=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 680=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
627 681
628Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 682Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
629use. 683use.
638 692
639=item ev_now_update (loop) 693=item ev_now_update (loop)
640 694
641Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 695Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
642returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 696returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
643is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 697is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
644 698
645This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 699This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
646very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 700very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
647the current time is a good idea. 701the current time is a good idea.
648 702
650 704
651=item ev_suspend (loop) 705=item ev_suspend (loop)
652 706
653=item ev_resume (loop) 707=item ev_resume (loop)
654 708
655These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 709These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
656not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 710loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
657 711
658A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 712A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
659the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 713the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
660would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 714would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
661the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 715the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
663C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 717C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
664 718
665Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 719Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
666between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 720between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
667will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 721will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
668occured while suspended). 722occurred while suspended).
669 723
670After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 724After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
671given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 725given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
672without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 726without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
673 727
674Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 728Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
675event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 729event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
676 730
677=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 731=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
678 732
679Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 733Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
680after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 734after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
681events. 735handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
736the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
737is why event loops are called I<loops>.
682 738
683If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 739If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
684either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 740until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
741called.
685 742
686Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 743Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
687relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 744relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
688finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 745finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
689that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 746that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
690of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 747of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
691beauty. 748beauty.
692 749
693A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 750A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
694those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 751those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
695process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 752block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
696the loop. 753iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
754events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
697 755
698A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 756A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
699necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 757necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
700will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 758will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
701be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 759be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
702user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 760user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
703iteration of the loop. 761iteration of the loop.
704 762
705This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 763This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
706with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 764with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
707own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 765own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
708usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 766usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
709 767
710Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 768Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
711 769
770 - Increment loop depth.
771 - Reset the ev_break status.
712 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 772 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
773 LOOP:
713 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 774 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
714 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 775 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
715 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 776 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
777 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
716 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 778 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
717 as to not disturb the other process. 779 as to not disturb the other process.
718 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 780 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
719 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 781 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
720 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 782 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
721 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 783 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
722 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 784 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
723 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 785 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
786 - Increment loop iteration counter.
724 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 787 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
725 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 788 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
726 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 789 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
727 - Queue all expired timers. 790 - Queue all expired timers.
728 - Queue all expired periodics. 791 - Queue all expired periodics.
729 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 792 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
730 - Queue all check watchers. 793 - Queue all check watchers.
731 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 794 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
732 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 795 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
733 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 796 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
734 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 797 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
735 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 798 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
736 continue with step *. 799 continue with step LOOP.
800 FINISH:
801 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
802 - Decrement the loop depth.
803 - Return.
737 804
738Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 805Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
739anymore. 806anymore.
740 807
741 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 808 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
742 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 809 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
743 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 810 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
744 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 811 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
745 812
746=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 813=item ev_break (loop, how)
747 814
748Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 815Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
749has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 816has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
750C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 817C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
751C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 818C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
752 819
753This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 820This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
754 821
755It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 822It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO##
756 823
757=item ev_ref (loop) 824=item ev_ref (loop)
758 825
759=item ev_unref (loop) 826=item ev_unref (loop)
760 827
761Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 828Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
762loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 829loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
763count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 830count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
764 831
765If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 832This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
766from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 833unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
834returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
767stopping it. 835before stopping it.
768 836
769As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 837As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
770is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 838is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
771exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 839exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
772excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 840excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
773third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 841third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
774before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 842before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
775before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 843before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
776(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 844(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
777in the callback). 845in the callback).
778 846
779Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 847Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
780running when nothing else is active. 848running when nothing else is active.
781 849
782 ev_signal exitsig; 850 ev_signal exitsig;
783 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 851 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
784 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 852 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
811 879
812By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 880By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
813time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 881time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
814at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 882at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
815C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 883C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
816introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 884introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
885sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
886once per this interval, on average.
817 887
818Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 888Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
819to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 889to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
820latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 890latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
821later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 891later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
823 893
824Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 894Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
825interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 895interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
826interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 896interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
827usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 897usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
828as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 898as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
899you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
900parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
901need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
902then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
829 903
830Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 904Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
831saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 905saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
832are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 906are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
833times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 907times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
834reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 908reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
835they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 909they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
836 910
911Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
912more often than 100 times per second:
913
914 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
915 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
916
917=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
918
919This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
920pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
921but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
922function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
923when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
924event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
925thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
926
927=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
928
929Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
930are pending.
931
932=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
933
934This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
935invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
936this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
937invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
938
939If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
940callback.
941
942=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
943
944Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
945can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
946each call to a libev function.
947
948However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
949to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
950loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
951I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
952
953When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
954suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
955afterwards.
956
957Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
958C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
959
960While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
961C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
962modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
963have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
964waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
965to take note of any changes you made.
966
967In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
968invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
969
970See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
971document.
972
973=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
974
975=item ev_userdata (loop)
976
977Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
978C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
979C<0.>
980
981These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
982and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
983C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
984any other purpose as well.
985
837=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 986=item ev_verify (loop)
838 987
839This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 988This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
840compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 989compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
841through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 990through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
842is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 991is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
853 1002
854In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1003In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
855watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1004watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
856watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1005watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
857 1006
858A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1007A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
859interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1008your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
860become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1009to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1010for that:
861 1011
862 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1012 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
863 { 1013 {
864 ev_io_stop (w); 1014 ev_io_stop (w);
865 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1015 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
866 } 1016 }
867 1017
868 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1018 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
869 1019
870 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1020 ev_io stdin_watcher;
871 1021
872 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1022 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
873 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1023 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
874 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1024 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
875 1025
876 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1026 ev_run (loop, 0);
877 1027
878As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1028As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
879watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1029watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
880stack). 1030stack).
881 1031
882Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1032Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
883or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1033or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
884 1034
885Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1035Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
886(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1036*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
887callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1037invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
888watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1038time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
889is readable and/or writable). 1039and/or writable).
890 1040
891Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1041Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
892macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1042macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
893is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1043is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
894ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1044ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
917=item C<EV_WRITE> 1067=item C<EV_WRITE>
918 1068
919The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1069The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
920writable. 1070writable.
921 1071
922=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1072=item C<EV_TIMER>
923 1073
924The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1074The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
925 1075
926=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1076=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
927 1077
945 1095
946=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1096=item C<EV_PREPARE>
947 1097
948=item C<EV_CHECK> 1098=item C<EV_CHECK>
949 1099
950All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1100All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
951to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1101to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
952C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1102C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
953received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1103received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
954many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1104many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
955(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1105(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
956C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1106C<ev_run> from blocking).
957 1107
958=item C<EV_EMBED> 1108=item C<EV_EMBED>
959 1109
960The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1110The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
961 1111
962=item C<EV_FORK> 1112=item C<EV_FORK>
963 1113
964The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1114The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
965C<ev_fork>). 1115C<ev_fork>).
1116
1117=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1118
1119The event loop is abotu to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
966 1120
967=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1121=item C<EV_ASYNC>
968 1122
969The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1123The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
970 1124
992programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1146programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
993thing, so beware. 1147thing, so beware.
994 1148
995=back 1149=back
996 1150
1151=head2 WATCHER STATES
1152
1153There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1154active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1155transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1156rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1157
1158=over 4
1159
1160=item initialiased
1161
1162Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1163initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1164C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1165
1166In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1167in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1168
1169=item started/running/active
1170
1171Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1172property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1173this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1174freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1175and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1176
1177=item pending
1178
1179If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1180in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1181stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1182about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1183callback.
1184
1185The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1186an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1187is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1188but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1189moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1190previous item still apply.
1191
1192It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1193via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1194active.
1195
1196=item stopped
1197
1198A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1199be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1200latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1201of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1202freeing it is often a good idea.
1203
1204While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1205initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1206you wish.
1207
1208=back
1209
997=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1210=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
998 1211
999=over 4 1212=over 4
1000 1213
1001=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1214=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1017 1230
1018 ev_io w; 1231 ev_io w;
1019 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1232 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1020 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1233 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1021 1234
1022=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1235=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1023 1236
1024This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1237This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1025call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1238call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1026call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1239call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1027macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1240macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1040 1253
1041Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1254Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1042 1255
1043 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1256 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1044 1257
1045=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1258=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1046 1259
1047Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1260Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1048events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1261events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1049 1262
1050Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1263Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1051whole section. 1264whole section.
1052 1265
1053 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1266 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1054 1267
1055=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1268=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1056 1269
1057Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1270Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1058the watcher was active or not). 1271the watcher was active or not).
1059 1272
1060It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1273It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1085=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1298=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1086 1299
1087Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1300Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1088(modulo threads). 1301(modulo threads).
1089 1302
1090=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1303=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1091 1304
1092=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1305=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1093 1306
1094Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1307Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1095integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1308integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1126returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1339returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1127watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1340watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1128 1341
1129Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1342Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1130callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1343callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1344
1345=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1346
1347Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1348had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1349initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1350not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1351
1352Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1353C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1354not started in the first place.
1355
1356See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1357functions that do not need a watcher.
1131 1358
1132=back 1359=back
1133 1360
1134 1361
1135=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1246 1473
1247For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1474For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1248you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1475you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1249the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1476the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1250processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1477processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1251continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1478continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1252the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1479the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1253workable. 1480workable.
1254 1481
1255Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1482Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1256miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1483miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1270 { 1497 {
1271 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1498 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1272 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1499 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1273 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1500 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1274 1501
1275 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1502 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1276 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1503 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1277 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1504 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1278 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1505 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1279 } 1506 }
1280 1507
1334 1561
1335If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1562If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1336known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1563known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1337C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1564C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1338descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1565descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1339files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1566files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1340 1567
1341Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1568Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1342receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1569receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1343be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1570be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1344because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1571because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1409 1636
1410So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1637So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1411ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1638ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1412somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1639somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1413 1640
1641=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1642
1643Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1644found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1645connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1646
1647For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1648of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1649rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1650the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1651typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1652
1653Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1654operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1655situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1656cope with overload is known (to me).
1657
1658One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1659- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1660situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1661event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1662
1663A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1664C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1665messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1666what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1667the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1668usage.
1669
1670If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1671descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1672when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1673close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1674clients under typical overload conditions.
1675
1676The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1677is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1678opportunity for a DoS attack.
1414 1679
1415=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1680=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1416 1681
1417=over 4 1682=over 4
1418 1683
1450 ... 1715 ...
1451 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1716 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1452 ev_io stdin_readable; 1717 ev_io stdin_readable;
1453 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1718 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1454 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1719 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1455 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1720 ev_run (loop, 0);
1456 1721
1457 1722
1458=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1723=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1459 1724
1460Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1725Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1468 1733
1469The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1734The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1470passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1735passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1471might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1736might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1472same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1737same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1473before ones with later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a 1738before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1474callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1739no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1475 1740
1476=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1741=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1477 1742
1478Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1743Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1479recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1744recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1565 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1830 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1566 1831
1567 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1832 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1568 if (timeout < now) 1833 if (timeout < now)
1569 { 1834 {
1570 // timeout occured, take action 1835 // timeout occurred, take action
1571 } 1836 }
1572 else 1837 else
1573 { 1838 {
1574 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1839 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1575 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1840 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1597to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1862to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1598callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1863callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1599 1864
1600 ev_init (timer, callback); 1865 ev_init (timer, callback);
1601 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1866 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1602 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1867 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1603 1868
1604And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1869And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1605C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1870C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1606 1871
1607 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1872 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1608 1873
1609This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1874This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1610time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1875time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1611 1876
1612Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1877Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1650 1915
1651=head3 The special problem of time updates 1916=head3 The special problem of time updates
1652 1917
1653Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1918Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1654least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1919least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1655time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1920time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1656growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1921growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1657lots of events in one iteration. 1922lots of events in one iteration.
1658 1923
1659The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1924The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1660time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1925time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1666 1931
1667If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1932If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1668update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1933update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1669()>. 1934()>.
1670 1935
1936=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1937
1938When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1939can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1940
1941Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1942all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1943to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1944system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1945was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1946towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1947clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1948long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1949be adjusted accordingly.
1950
1951I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1952operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1953
1954The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1955time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1956is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1957then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1958will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1959use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1960
1961It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1962and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1963deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1964C<SIGSTOP>).
1965
1671=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1966=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1672 1967
1673=over 4 1968=over 4
1674 1969
1675=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1970=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1701C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1996C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1702 1997
1703This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 1998This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1704usage example. 1999usage example.
1705 2000
2001=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2002
2003Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2004then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2005the timeout value currently configured.
2006
2007That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2008C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2009will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2010roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2011too), and so on.
2012
1706=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2013=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1707 2014
1708The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2015The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1709or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2016or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1710which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 2017which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1735 } 2042 }
1736 2043
1737 ev_timer mytimer; 2044 ev_timer mytimer;
1738 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2045 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1739 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2046 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1740 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2047 ev_run (loop, 0);
1741 2048
1742 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2049 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1743 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2050 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1744 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2051 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1745 2052
1771 2078
1772As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2079As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1773point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2080point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1774timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2081timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1775earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2082earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1776(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2083(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1777 2084
1778=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1779 2086
1780=over 4 2087=over 4
1781 2088
1909Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2216Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1910system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2217system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1911potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2218potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1912 2219
1913 static void 2220 static void
1914 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2221 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1915 { 2222 {
1916 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2223 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1917 } 2224 }
1918 2225
1919 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2226 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1945Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2252Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1946signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2253signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1947will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2254will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1948normal event processing, like any other event. 2255normal event processing, like any other event.
1949 2256
1950If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2257If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1951do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2258C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1952C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2259the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2260synchronously wake up an event loop.
1953 2261
1954You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2262You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2263only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2264default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2265C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2266the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2267
1955first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2268When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1956with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2269with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1957you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2270you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1958the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1959signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1960 2271
1961If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2272If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1962C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2273C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1963interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2274not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1964signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2275interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1965them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2276and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2277
2278=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2279
2280Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2281(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2282stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2283and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2284
2285While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2286sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2287C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2288certain signals to be blocked.
2289
2290This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2291the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2292choice usually).
2293
2294The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2295to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2296catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2297
2298In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2299unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2300the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2301I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2302
2303So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2304you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2305is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1966 2306
1967=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2307=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1968 2308
1969=over 4 2309=over 4
1970 2310
1986Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2326Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1987 2327
1988 static void 2328 static void
1989 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2329 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1990 { 2330 {
1991 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2331 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1992 } 2332 }
1993 2333
1994 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2334 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1995 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2335 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1996 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2336 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2008in the next callback invocation is not. 2348in the next callback invocation is not.
2009 2349
2010Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2350Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2011you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2351you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2012 2352
2353Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2354handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2355libev)
2356
2013=head3 Process Interaction 2357=head3 Process Interaction
2014 2358
2015Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2359Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2016initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2360initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2017the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2361first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2018of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2362of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2019synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2363synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2020children, even ones not watched. 2364children, even ones not watched.
2021 2365
2022=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2366=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2032=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2376=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2033 2377
2034Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2378Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2035child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2379child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2036callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2380callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2037when a child exit is detected. 2381when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2382problem).
2038 2383
2039=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2040 2385
2041=over 4 2386=over 4
2042 2387
2377 2722
2378Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2723Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2379prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2724prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2380afterwards. 2725afterwards.
2381 2726
2382You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2727You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2383the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2728the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2384watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2729watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2385rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2730rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2386those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2731those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2387C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2732C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2555 2900
2556 if (timeout >= 0) 2901 if (timeout >= 0)
2557 // create/start timer 2902 // create/start timer
2558 2903
2559 // poll 2904 // poll
2560 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2905 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2561 2906
2562 // stop timer again 2907 // stop timer again
2563 if (timeout >= 0) 2908 if (timeout >= 0)
2564 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2909 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2565 2910
2643if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2988if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2644 2989
2645=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2990=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2646 2991
2647Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2992Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2648similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2993similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2649appropriate way for embedded loops. 2994appropriate way for embedded loops.
2650 2995
2651=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2996=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2652 2997
2653The embedded event loop. 2998The embedded event loop.
2713C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3058C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2714handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3059handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2715 3060
2716=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3061=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2717 3062
2718Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3063Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2719up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3064up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2720sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3065sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2721 3066
2722This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3067This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2723in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3068in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2739disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3084disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2740signal watchers). 3085signal watchers).
2741 3086
2742When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3087When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2743other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3088other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2744C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3089C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2745the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3090Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2746have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3091watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2747also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3092those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3093signal watchers.
2748 3094
2749=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3095=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2750 3096
2751=over 4 3097=over 4
2752 3098
2753=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3099=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2754 3100
2755Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3101Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2756kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3102kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2757believe me. 3103believe me.
2758 3104
2759=back 3105=back
2760 3106
2761 3107
3108=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3109
3110Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop they are registered
3111with is being destroyed.
3112
3113While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3114watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3115program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3116loop when you want them to be invoked.
3117
3118Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3119all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3120makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3121can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3122
3123=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3124
3125=over 4
3126
3127=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3128
3129Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3130any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3131pointless, believe me.
3132
3133=back
3134
3135Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3136cleanup functions are called.
3137
3138 static void
3139 program_exits (void)
3140 {
3141 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3142 }
3143
3144 ...
3145 atexit (program_exits);
3146
3147
2762=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3148=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2763 3149
2764In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3150In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2765asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3151asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2766loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3152loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2767 3153
2768Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3154Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2769control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3155for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2770C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3156watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2771can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3157it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2772safe.
2773 3158
2774This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3159This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2775too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3160too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2776(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3161(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2777C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3162C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2782=head3 Queueing 3167=head3 Queueing
2783 3168
2784C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3169C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2785is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3170is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2786multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3171multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2787need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3172need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3173semantics.
2788 3174
2789That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3175That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2790queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3176queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2791queue: 3177queue:
2792 3178
2931 3317
2932If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3318If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2933started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3319started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2934repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3320repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2935 3321
2936The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3322The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2937passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3323passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2938C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3324C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2939value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3325value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2940a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3326a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2941events precedence. 3327events precedence.
2942 3328
2943Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3329Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2944 3330
2945 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3331 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2946 { 3332 {
2947 if (revents & EV_READ) 3333 if (revents & EV_READ)
2948 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3334 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2949 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3335 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2950 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3336 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2951 } 3337 }
2952 3338
2953 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3339 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2954 3340
2955=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2956
2957Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2958had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2959initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2960
2961=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3341=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2962 3342
2963Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3343Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2964the given events it. 3344the given events it.
2965 3345
2966=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3346=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2967 3347
2968Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3348Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2969loop!). 3349loop!).
2970 3350
2971=back 3351=back
3051 3431
3052=over 4 3432=over 4
3053 3433
3054=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3434=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3055 3435
3056=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3436=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3057 3437
3058=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3438=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3059 3439
3060The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3440The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3061with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3441with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3094 myclass obj; 3474 myclass obj;
3095 ev::io iow; 3475 ev::io iow;
3096 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3476 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3097 3477
3098=item w->set (object *) 3478=item w->set (object *)
3099
3100This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3101 3479
3102This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3480This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3103will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3481will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3104functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3482functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3105the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3483the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3138Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3516Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3139 3517
3140 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3518 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3141 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3519 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3142 3520
3143=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3521=item w->set (loop)
3144 3522
3145Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3523Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3146do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3524do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3147 3525
3148=item w->set ([arguments]) 3526=item w->set ([arguments])
3149 3527
3150Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3528Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3151called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3529method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3152automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3530C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3153method. 3531when reconfiguring it with this method.
3154 3532
3155=item w->start () 3533=item w->start ()
3156 3534
3157Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3535Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3158constructor already stores the event loop. 3536constructor already stores the event loop.
3159 3537
3538=item w->start ([arguments])
3539
3540Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3541convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3542the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3543
3160=item w->stop () 3544=item w->stop ()
3161 3545
3162Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3546Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3163 3547
3164=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3548=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3176 3560
3177=back 3561=back
3178 3562
3179=back 3563=back
3180 3564
3181Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3565Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3182the constructor. 3566watchers in the constructor.
3183 3567
3184 class myclass 3568 class myclass
3185 { 3569 {
3186 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3570 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3571 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3187 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3572 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3188 3573
3189 myclass (int fd) 3574 myclass (int fd)
3190 { 3575 {
3191 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3576 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3577 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3192 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3578 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3193 3579
3194 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3580 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3581 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3582
3583 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3195 } 3584 }
3196 }; 3585 };
3197 3586
3198 3587
3199=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3588=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3245=item Ocaml 3634=item Ocaml
3246 3635
3247Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3636Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3248L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3637L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3249 3638
3639=item Lua
3640
3641Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3642time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3643L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3644
3250=back 3645=back
3251 3646
3252 3647
3253=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3648=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3254 3649
3267loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3662loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3268C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3663C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3269 3664
3270 ev_unref (EV_A); 3665 ev_unref (EV_A);
3271 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3666 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3272 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3667 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3273 3668
3274It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3669It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3275which is often provided by the following macro. 3670which is often provided by the following macro.
3276 3671
3277=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3672=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3317 } 3712 }
3318 3713
3319 ev_check check; 3714 ev_check check;
3320 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3715 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3321 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3716 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3322 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3717 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3323 3718
3324=head1 EMBEDDING 3719=head1 EMBEDDING
3325 3720
3326Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3721Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3327applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3722applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3407 libev.m4 3802 libev.m4
3408 3803
3409=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3804=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3410 3805
3411Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3806Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3412define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3807define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3413autoconf is documented for every option. 3808the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3809
3810Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3811values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3812to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3813to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3814users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3815settings.
3414 3816
3415=over 4 3817=over 4
3416 3818
3819=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3820
3821Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3822release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3823have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3824
3825You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3826versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3827sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3828from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3829typedef in that case.
3830
3831In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3832and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3833removed completely.
3834
3417=item EV_STANDALONE 3835=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3418 3836
3419Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3837Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3420keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3838keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3421implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3839implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3422supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3840supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3423F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3841F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3424 3842
3425In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3843In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3426configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3844configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3427 3845
3428=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3846=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3429 3847
3430If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3848If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3495be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3913be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3496C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3914C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3497it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3915it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3498on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3916on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3499 3917
3500=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3918=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3501 3919
3502If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3920If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3503file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3921file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3504default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3922default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3505correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3923correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3506in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3924in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3925
3926=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3927
3928If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3929using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3930their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3931to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3932
3933=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3934
3935If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3936macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3937file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3938the underlying OS handle.
3507 3939
3508=item EV_USE_POLL 3940=item EV_USE_POLL
3509 3941
3510If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3942If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3511backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3943backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3558as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3990as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3559 3991
3560In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3992In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3561(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3993(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3562 3994
3563=item EV_H 3995=item EV_H (h)
3564 3996
3565The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3997The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3566undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3998undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3567used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3999used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3568 4000
3569=item EV_CONFIG_H 4001=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3570 4002
3571If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4003If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3572F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4004F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3573C<EV_H>, above. 4005C<EV_H>, above.
3574 4006
3575=item EV_EVENT_H 4007=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3576 4008
3577Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4009Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3578of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4010of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3579 4011
3580=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4012=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3581 4013
3582If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4014If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3583prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4015prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3584occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4016occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3585around libev functions. 4017around libev functions.
3607fine. 4039fine.
3608 4040
3609If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4041If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3610both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4042both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3611 4043
3612=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4044=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4045EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4046EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3613 4047
3614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4048If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3615defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4049the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3616code. 4050is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3617 4051
3618=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4052=item EV_FEATURES
3619
3620If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3621defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3622code.
3623
3624=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3625
3626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3627defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3628watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3629
3630=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3631
3632If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3633defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3634
3635=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3636
3637If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3638defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3639
3640=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3641
3642If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3643defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3644
3645=item EV_MINIMAL
3646 4053
3647If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4054If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3648speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4055speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3649inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4056certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3650much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4057that can be enabled on the platform.
4058
4059A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4060with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4061additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4062but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4063backend, use this:
4064
4065 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4066 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4067 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4068 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4069 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4070
4071The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4072values:
4073
4074=over 4
4075
4076=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4077
4078Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4079
4080Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4081code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4082
4083When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4084gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4085assertions.
4086
4087=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4088
4089Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4090hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4091and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4092runtime.
4093
4094=item C<4> - full API configuration
4095
4096This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4097enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4098
4099=item C<8> - full API
4100
4101This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4102details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4103feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4104
4105=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4106
4107Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4108only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4109embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4110C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4111
4112=item C<32> - enable all backends
4113
4114This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4115least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4116
4117=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4118
4119Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4120default.
4121
4122=back
4123
4124Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4125reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4126code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4127watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4128
4129With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4130when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4131your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4132I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4133
4134=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4135
4136If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4137functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4138somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4139libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4140big.
4141
4142Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4143enabled.
4144
4145=item EV_NSIG
4146
4147The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4148signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4149automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4150specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4151good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4152statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3651 4153
3652=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4154=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3653 4155
3654C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4156C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3655pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4157pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3656than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4158usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3657increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4159might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3658 4160
3659=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4161=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3660 4162
3661C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4163C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3662inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4164inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3663usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4165disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3664watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4166C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3665two). 4167power of two).
3666 4168
3667=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4169=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3668 4170
3669Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4171Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3670timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4172timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3671to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4173to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3672faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4174faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3673 4175
3674The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4176The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3675(disabled). 4177will be C<0>.
3676 4178
3677=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4179=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3678 4180
3679Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4181Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3680timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4182timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3681the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4183the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3682which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4184which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3683but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4185but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3684noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4186noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3685 4187
3686The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4188The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3687(disabled). 4189will be C<0>.
3688 4190
3689=item EV_VERIFY 4191=item EV_VERIFY
3690 4192
3691Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4193Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3692be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4194be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3693in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4195in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3694called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4196called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3695called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4197called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3696verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4198verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3697libev considerably. 4199libev considerably.
3698 4200
3699The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4201The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3700C<0>. 4202will be C<0>.
3701 4203
3702=item EV_COMMON 4204=item EV_COMMON
3703 4205
3704By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4206By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3705this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4207this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3706members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4208members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3707though, and it must be identical each time. 4209though, and it must be identical each time.
3708 4210
3709For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4211For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3710 4212
3763file. 4265file.
3764 4266
3765The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4267The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3766that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4268that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3767 4269
3768 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4270 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3769 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4271 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3770 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3771 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4272 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4273 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3772 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4274 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3773 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4275 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4276 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3774 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4277 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3775 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3776 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3777 4278
3778 #include "ev++.h" 4279 #include "ev++.h"
3779 4280
3780And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4281And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3781 4282
3841default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4342default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3842watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4343watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3843 4344
3844=back 4345=back
3845 4346
4347=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4348
4349Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4350thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4351created/added/removed.
4352
4353For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4354which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4355languages).
4356
4357The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4358variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4359event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4360
4361First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4362
4363 typedef struct {
4364 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4365 ev_async async_w;
4366 thread_t tid;
4367 cond_t invoke_cv;
4368 } userdata;
4369
4370 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4371 {
4372 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4373 static userdata u;
4374
4375 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4376 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4377
4378 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4379 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4380
4381 // now associate this with the loop
4382 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4383 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4384 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4385
4386 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4387 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4388 }
4389
4390The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4391solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4392that might have been added:
4393
4394 static void
4395 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4396 {
4397 // just used for the side effects
4398 }
4399
4400The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4401protecting the loop data, respectively.
4402
4403 static void
4404 l_release (EV_P)
4405 {
4406 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4407 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4408 }
4409
4410 static void
4411 l_acquire (EV_P)
4412 {
4413 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4414 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4415 }
4416
4417The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4418into C<ev_run>:
4419
4420 void *
4421 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4422 {
4423 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4424
4425 l_acquire (EV_A);
4426 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4427 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4428 l_release (EV_A);
4429
4430 return 0;
4431 }
4432
4433Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4434signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4435writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4436have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4437and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4438watchers is very beneficial):
4439
4440 static void
4441 l_invoke (EV_P)
4442 {
4443 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4444
4445 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4446 {
4447 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4448 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4449 }
4450 }
4451
4452Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4453will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4454thread to continue:
4455
4456 static void
4457 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4458 {
4459 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4460
4461 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4462 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4463 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4464 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4465 }
4466
4467Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4468event loop, you will now have to lock:
4469
4470 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4471 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4472
4473 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4474
4475 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4476 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4477 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4478 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4479
4480Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4481an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4482about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4483watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4484
3846=head3 COROUTINES 4485=head3 COROUTINES
3847 4486
3848Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4487Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3849libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4488libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3850coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4489coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3851different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4490different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3852loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4491the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3853you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4492that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3854 4493
3855Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4494Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3856C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4495C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3857they do not call any callbacks. 4496they do not call any callbacks.
3858 4497
3859=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4498=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3860 4499
3861Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4500Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3872maintainable. 4511maintainable.
3873 4512
3874And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4513And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3875wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4514wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3876seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4515seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3877warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4516warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3878been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4517been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3879such buggy versions. 4518such buggy versions.
3880 4519
3881While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4520While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3882"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4521"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3918I suggest using suppression lists. 4557I suggest using suppression lists.
3919 4558
3920 4559
3921=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4560=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3922 4561
4562=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4563
4564GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4565interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4566
4567That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4568files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4569
4570Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4571by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4572standard libev compiled for their system.
4573
4574Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4575suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4576i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4577
4578=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4579
4580The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4581you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4582OpenGL drivers.
4583
4584=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4585
4586The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4587only sockets, many support pipes.
4588
4589Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4590rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4591loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4592probably going to work well.
4593
4594=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4595
4596Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4597implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4598release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4599
4600Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4601this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4602a loop.
4603
4604=head3 C<select> is buggy
4605
4606All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4607one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4608descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4609you use more.
4610
4611There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4612C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4613work on OS/X.
4614
4615=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4616
4617=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4618
4619The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4620thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4621without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4622defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4623
4624If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4625it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4626
4627=head3 Event port backend
4628
4629The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4630ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4631releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4632a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4633and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4634are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4635great.
4636
4637If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4638the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4639C<select> backends.
4640
4641=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4642
4643AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4644this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4645compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4646with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4647
3923=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4648=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4649
4650=head3 General issues
3924 4651
3925Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4652Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3926requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4653requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3927model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4654model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3928the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4655the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3929descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4656descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3930e.g. cygwin. 4657e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4658as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4659environment.
3931 4660
3932Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4661Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3933re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4662re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3934things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4663then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3935way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4664also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3936 4665
3937There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4666There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3938embedding it into other applications. 4667embedding it into other applications.
3939 4668
3940Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4669Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
3968you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4697you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3969 4698
3970 #include "evwrap.h" 4699 #include "evwrap.h"
3971 #include "ev.c" 4700 #include "ev.c"
3972 4701
3973=over 4
3974
3975=item The winsocket select function 4702=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3976 4703
3977The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4704The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3978requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4705requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3979also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4706also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3980requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4707requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3989 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4716 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3990 4717
3991Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4718Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3992complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4719complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3993 4720
3994=item Limited number of file descriptors 4721=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3995 4722
3996Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4723Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3997 4724
3998Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4725Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3999of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4726of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4014runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4741runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4015(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4742(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4016you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4743you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4017the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4744the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4018 4745
4019=back
4020
4021=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4746=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4022 4747
4023In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4748In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4024backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4749backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4025 4750
4063watchers. 4788watchers.
4064 4789
4065=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4790=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4066 4791
4067The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4792The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4068have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4793have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4069enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4794good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4795(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4070implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4796implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4797IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
4071 4798
4072=back 4799=back
4073 4800
4074If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4801If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4075 4802
4143involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4870involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4144 4871
4145=back 4872=back
4146 4873
4147 4874
4875=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4876
4877The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API.
4878
4879At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial
4880compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4881removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4882
4883=over 4
4884
4885=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4886
4887These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4888
4889 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4890 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4891
4892=item function/symbol renames
4893
4894A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4895
4896 ev_loop => ev_run
4897 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4898 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4899
4900 ev_unloop => ev_break
4901 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4902 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4903 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4904
4905 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4906
4907 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4908 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4909 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4910
4911Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4912C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4913associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4914ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4915as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4916C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4917typedef.
4918
4919=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4920
4921The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4922C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4923section.
4924
4925=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4926
4927The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4928mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4929and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4930
4931=back
4932
4933
4148=head1 GLOSSARY 4934=head1 GLOSSARY
4149 4935
4150=over 4 4936=over 4
4151 4937
4152=item active 4938=item active
4153 4939
4154A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4940A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4155an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4941See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4156 4942
4157=item application 4943=item application
4158 4944
4159In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4945In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4946
4947=item backend
4948
4949The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4160 4950
4161=item callback 4951=item callback
4162 4952
4163The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4953The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4164detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4954detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4165received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4955received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4166 4956
4167=item callback invocation 4957=item callback/watcher invocation
4168 4958
4169The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4959The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4170 4960
4171=item event 4961=item event
4172 4962
4173A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4963A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4174for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 4964for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4175any other events happening anymore. 4965any other events happening anymore.
4176 4966
4177In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4967In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4178C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4968C<EV_TIMER>).
4179 4969
4180=item event library 4970=item event library
4181 4971
4182A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4972A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4183 4973
4191The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4981The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4192watchers and events. 4982watchers and events.
4193 4983
4194=item pending 4984=item pending
4195 4985
4196A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4986A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4197and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 4987detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4198pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4199
4200A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4201its pending status.
4202 4988
4203=item real time 4989=item real time
4204 4990
4205The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 4991The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4206 4992
4213=item watcher 4999=item watcher
4214 5000
4215A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5001A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4216to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5002to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4217 5003
4218=item watcher invocation
4219
4220The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4221
4222=back 5004=back
4223 5005
4224=head1 AUTHOR 5006=head1 AUTHOR
4225 5007
4226Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5008Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.

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