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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);
829usually 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>,
830as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 898as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
831you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 899you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
832parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 900parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
833need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 901need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
834then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 902then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
835 903
836Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 904Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
837saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 905saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
838are "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
839times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 907times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
844more often than 100 times per second: 912more often than 100 times per second:
845 913
846 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1); 914 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
847 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 915 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
848 916
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
849=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 986=item ev_verify (loop)
850 987
851This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 988This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
852compiled 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
853through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 990through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
854is 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
865 1002
866In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1003In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
867watcher 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
868watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1005watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
869 1006
870A 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
871interest 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
872become 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:
873 1011
874 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)
875 { 1013 {
876 ev_io_stop (w); 1014 ev_io_stop (w);
877 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1015 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
878 } 1016 }
879 1017
880 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1018 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
881 1019
882 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1020 ev_io stdin_watcher;
883 1021
884 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1022 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
885 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1023 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
886 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1024 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
887 1025
888 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1026 ev_run (loop, 0);
889 1027
890As 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
891watcher 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
892stack). 1030stack).
893 1031
894Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1032Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
895or 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).
896 1034
897Each 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
898(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1036*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
899callback 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
900watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1038time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
901is readable and/or writable). 1039and/or writable).
902 1040
903Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1041Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
904macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1042macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
905is 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<<
906ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1044ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
929=item C<EV_WRITE> 1067=item C<EV_WRITE>
930 1068
931The 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
932writable. 1070writable.
933 1071
934=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1072=item C<EV_TIMER>
935 1073
936The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1074The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
937 1075
938=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1076=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
939 1077
957 1095
958=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1096=item C<EV_PREPARE>
959 1097
960=item C<EV_CHECK> 1098=item C<EV_CHECK>
961 1099
962All 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
963to 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
964C<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
965received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1103received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
966many 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
967(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
968C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1106C<ev_run> from blocking).
969 1107
970=item C<EV_EMBED> 1108=item C<EV_EMBED>
971 1109
972The 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.
973 1111
974=item C<EV_FORK> 1112=item C<EV_FORK>
975 1113
976The 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
977C<ev_fork>). 1115C<ev_fork>).
1116
1117=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1118
1119The event loop is abotu to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
978 1120
979=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1121=item C<EV_ASYNC>
980 1122
981The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1123The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
982 1124
1004programs, 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
1005thing, so beware. 1147thing, so beware.
1006 1148
1007=back 1149=back
1008 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
1009=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1210=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1010 1211
1011=over 4 1212=over 4
1012 1213
1013=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1214=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1029 1230
1030 ev_io w; 1231 ev_io w;
1031 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1232 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1032 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1233 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1033 1234
1034=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1235=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1035 1236
1036This 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
1037call 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
1038call 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
1039macro 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
1052 1253
1053Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1254Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1054 1255
1055 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1256 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1056 1257
1057=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1258=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1058 1259
1059Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1260Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1060events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1261events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1061 1262
1062Example: 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
1063whole section. 1264whole section.
1064 1265
1065 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1266 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1066 1267
1067=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1268=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1068 1269
1069Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1270Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1070the watcher was active or not). 1271the watcher was active or not).
1071 1272
1072It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1273It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1097=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1298=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1098 1299
1099Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1300Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1100(modulo threads). 1301(modulo threads).
1101 1302
1102=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1303=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1103 1304
1104=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1305=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1105 1306
1106Set 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
1107integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1308integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1138returns 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
1139watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1340watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1140 1341
1141Sometimes 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
1142callback 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.
1143 1358
1144=back 1359=back
1145 1360
1146 1361
1147=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1258 1473
1259For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1474For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1260you 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
1261the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1476the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1262processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1477processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1263continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1478continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1264the 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
1265workable. 1480workable.
1266 1481
1267Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1482Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1268miserably 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,
1282 { 1497 {
1283 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1498 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1284 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1499 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1285 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1500 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1286 1501
1287 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1502 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1288 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1503 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1289 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1504 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1290 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1505 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1291 } 1506 }
1292 1507
1346 1561
1347If 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
1348known-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
1349C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1564C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1350descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1565descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1351files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1566files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1352 1567
1353Another 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
1354receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1569receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1355be 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
1356because 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
1421 1636
1422So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1637So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1423ignore 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
1424somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1639somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1425 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.
1426 1679
1427=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1680=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1428 1681
1429=over 4 1682=over 4
1430 1683
1462 ... 1715 ...
1463 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1716 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1464 ev_io stdin_readable; 1717 ev_io stdin_readable;
1465 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);
1466 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1719 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1467 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1720 ev_run (loop, 0);
1468 1721
1469 1722
1470=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1723=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1471 1724
1472Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1725Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1480 1733
1481The 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
1482passed (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
1483might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1736might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1484same 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
1485before 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
1486callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1739no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1487 1740
1488=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1741=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1489 1742
1490Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1743Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1491recovery. 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,
1577 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1830 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1578 1831
1579 // 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
1580 if (timeout < now) 1833 if (timeout < now)
1581 { 1834 {
1582 // timeout occured, take action 1835 // timeout occurred, take action
1583 } 1836 }
1584 else 1837 else
1585 { 1838 {
1586 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1839 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1587 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1840 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1609to 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
1610callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1863callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1611 1864
1612 ev_init (timer, callback); 1865 ev_init (timer, callback);
1613 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1866 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1614 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1867 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1615 1868
1616And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1869And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1617C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1870C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1618 1871
1619 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1872 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1620 1873
1621This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1874This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1622time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1875time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1623 1876
1624Changing 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
1662 1915
1663=head3 The special problem of time updates 1916=head3 The special problem of time updates
1664 1917
1665Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1918Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1666least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1919least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1667time 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
1668growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1921growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1669lots of events in one iteration. 1922lots of events in one iteration.
1670 1923
1671The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1924The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1672time. 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
1678 1931
1679If 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
1680update 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
1681()>. 1934()>.
1682 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
1683=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1966=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1684 1967
1685=over 4 1968=over 4
1686 1969
1687=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)
1713C<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.
1714 1997
1715This 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
1716usage example. 1999usage example.
1717 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
1718=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2013=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1719 2014
1720The 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
1721or 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),
1722which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 2017which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1747 } 2042 }
1748 2043
1749 ev_timer mytimer; 2044 ev_timer mytimer;
1750 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 */
1751 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2046 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1752 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2047 ev_run (loop, 0);
1753 2048
1754 // 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":
1755 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2050 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1756 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2051 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1757 2052
1783 2078
1784As 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
1785point 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
1786timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2081timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1787earlier 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
1788(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).
1789 2084
1790=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1791 2086
1792=over 4 2087=over 4
1793 2088
1921Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2216Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1922system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2217system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1923potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2218potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1924 2219
1925 static void 2220 static void
1926 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2221 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1927 { 2222 {
1928 ... 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)
1929 } 2224 }
1930 2225
1931 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2226 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1957Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2252Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1958signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2253signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1959will 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
1960normal event processing, like any other event. 2255normal event processing, like any other event.
1961 2256
1962If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2257If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1963do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2258C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1964C<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.
1965 2261
1966You 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
1967first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2268When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1968with 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
1969you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2270you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1970the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1971signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1972 2271
1973If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2272If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1974C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2273C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1975interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2274not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1976signals 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
1977them 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.
1978 2306
1979=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2307=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1980 2308
1981=over 4 2309=over 4
1982 2310
1998Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2326Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1999 2327
2000 static void 2328 static void
2001 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2329 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2002 { 2330 {
2003 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2331 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2004 } 2332 }
2005 2333
2006 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2334 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2007 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2335 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2008 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2336 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2020in the next callback invocation is not. 2348in the next callback invocation is not.
2021 2349
2022Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2350Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2023you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2351you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2024 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
2025=head3 Process Interaction 2357=head3 Process Interaction
2026 2358
2027Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2359Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2028initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2360initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2029the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2361first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2030of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2362of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2031synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2363synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2032children, even ones not watched. 2364children, even ones not watched.
2033 2365
2034=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2366=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2044=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2376=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2045 2377
2046Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2378Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2047child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2379child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2048callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2380callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2049when a child exit is detected. 2381when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2382problem).
2050 2383
2051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2052 2385
2053=over 4 2386=over 4
2054 2387
2389 2722
2390Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2723Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2391prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2724prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2392afterwards. 2725afterwards.
2393 2726
2394You 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
2395the 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>
2396watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2729watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2397rationale 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
2398those 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,
2399C<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
2567 2900
2568 if (timeout >= 0) 2901 if (timeout >= 0)
2569 // create/start timer 2902 // create/start timer
2570 2903
2571 // poll 2904 // poll
2572 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2905 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2573 2906
2574 // stop timer again 2907 // stop timer again
2575 if (timeout >= 0) 2908 if (timeout >= 0)
2576 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2909 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2577 2910
2655if 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).
2656 2989
2657=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2990=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2658 2991
2659Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2992Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2660similarly 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
2661appropriate way for embedded loops. 2994appropriate way for embedded loops.
2662 2995
2663=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2996=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2664 2997
2665The embedded event loop. 2998The embedded event loop.
2725C<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
2726handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3059handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2727 3060
2728=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?
2729 3062
2730Most 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
2731up/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
2732sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3065sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2733 3066
2734This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3067This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2735in 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
2751disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3084disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2752signal watchers). 3085signal watchers).
2753 3086
2754When 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
2755other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3088other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2756C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3089C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2757the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3090Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2758have 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
2759also 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.
2760 3094
2761=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3095=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2762 3096
2763=over 4 3097=over 4
2764 3098
2765=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3099=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2766 3100
2767Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3101Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2768kind. 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,
2769believe me. 3103believe me.
2770 3104
2771=back 3105=back
2772 3106
2773 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
2774=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3148=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2775 3149
2776In 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
2777asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3151asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2778loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3152loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2779 3153
2780Sometimes, 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,
2781control, 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>
2782C<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
2783can 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.
2784safe.
2785 3158
2786This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3159This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2787too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3160too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2788(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
2789C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3162C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2794=head3 Queueing 3167=head3 Queueing
2795 3168
2796C<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
2797is 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
2798multiple-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
2799need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3172need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3173semantics.
2800 3174
2801That 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
2802queue. 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
2803queue: 3177queue:
2804 3178
2943 3317
2944If 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
2945started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3319started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2946repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3320repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2947 3321
2948The 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
2949passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3323passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2950C<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>
2951value 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>
2952a 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
2953events precedence. 3327events precedence.
2954 3328
2955Example: 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.
2956 3330
2957 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3331 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2958 { 3332 {
2959 if (revents & EV_READ) 3333 if (revents & EV_READ)
2960 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3334 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2961 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3335 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2962 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3336 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2963 } 3337 }
2964 3338
2965 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3339 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2966 3340
2967=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2968
2969Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2970had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2971initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2972
2973=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3341=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2974 3342
2975Feed 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
2976the given events it. 3344the given events it.
2977 3345
2978=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3346=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2979 3347
2980Feed 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
2981loop!). 3349loop!).
2982 3350
2983=back 3351=back
3063 3431
3064=over 4 3432=over 4
3065 3433
3066=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3434=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3067 3435
3068=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3436=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3069 3437
3070=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3438=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3071 3439
3072The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3440The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3073with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3441with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3106 myclass obj; 3474 myclass obj;
3107 ev::io iow; 3475 ev::io iow;
3108 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3476 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3109 3477
3110=item w->set (object *) 3478=item w->set (object *)
3111
3112This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3113 3479
3114This 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
3115will 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
3116functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3482functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3117the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3483the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3150Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3516Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3151 3517
3152 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3518 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3153 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3519 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3154 3520
3155=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3521=item w->set (loop)
3156 3522
3157Associates 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
3158do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3524do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3159 3525
3160=item w->set ([arguments]) 3526=item w->set ([arguments])
3161 3527
3162Basically 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
3163called 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
3164automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3530C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3165method. 3531when reconfiguring it with this method.
3166 3532
3167=item w->start () 3533=item w->start ()
3168 3534
3169Starts 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
3170constructor already stores the event loop. 3536constructor already stores the event loop.
3171 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
3172=item w->stop () 3544=item w->stop ()
3173 3545
3174Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3546Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3175 3547
3176=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3548=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3188 3560
3189=back 3561=back
3190 3562
3191=back 3563=back
3192 3564
3193Example: 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
3194the constructor. 3566watchers in the constructor.
3195 3567
3196 class myclass 3568 class myclass
3197 { 3569 {
3198 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);
3199 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3572 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3200 3573
3201 myclass (int fd) 3574 myclass (int fd)
3202 { 3575 {
3203 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3576 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3577 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3204 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3578 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3205 3579
3206 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
3207 } 3584 }
3208 }; 3585 };
3209 3586
3210 3587
3211=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3588=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3257=item Ocaml 3634=item Ocaml
3258 3635
3259Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3636Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3260L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3637L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3261 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
3262=back 3645=back
3263 3646
3264 3647
3265=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3648=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3266 3649
3279loop 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,
3280C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3663C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3281 3664
3282 ev_unref (EV_A); 3665 ev_unref (EV_A);
3283 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3666 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3284 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3667 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3285 3668
3286It 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,
3287which is often provided by the following macro. 3670which is often provided by the following macro.
3288 3671
3289=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3672=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3329 } 3712 }
3330 3713
3331 ev_check check; 3714 ev_check check;
3332 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3715 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3333 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3716 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3334 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3717 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3335 3718
3336=head1 EMBEDDING 3719=head1 EMBEDDING
3337 3720
3338Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3721Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3339applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3722applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3419 libev.m4 3802 libev.m4
3420 3803
3421=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3804=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3422 3805
3423Libev 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
3424define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3807define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3425autoconf 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.
3426 3816
3427=over 4 3817=over 4
3428 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
3429=item EV_STANDALONE 3835=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3430 3836
3431Must 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
3432keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3838keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3433implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3839implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3434supported). 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
3435F<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.
3436 3842
3437In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3843In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3438configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3844configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3439 3845
3440=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3846=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3441 3847
3442If 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
3507be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3913be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3508C<_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,
3509it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3915it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3510on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3916on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3511 3917
3512=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3918=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3513 3919
3514If 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
3515file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3921file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3516default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3922default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3517correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3923correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3518in 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.
3519 3939
3520=item EV_USE_POLL 3940=item EV_USE_POLL
3521 3941
3522If 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)
3523backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3943backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3570as 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.
3571 3991
3572In 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>
3573(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.
3574 3994
3575=item EV_H 3995=item EV_H (h)
3576 3996
3577The 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
3578undefined 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
3579used 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.
3580 4000
3581=item EV_CONFIG_H 4001=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3582 4002
3583If 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
3584F<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
3585C<EV_H>, above. 4005C<EV_H>, above.
3586 4006
3587=item EV_EVENT_H 4007=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3588 4008
3589Similarly 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
3590of 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">.
3591 4011
3592=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4012=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3593 4013
3594If 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
3595prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4015prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3596occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4016occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3597around libev functions. 4017around libev functions.
3619fine. 4039fine.
3620 4040
3621If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4041If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3622both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4042both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3623 4043
3624=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.
3625 4047
3626If 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
3627defined 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
3628code. 4050is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3629 4051
3630=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4052=item EV_FEATURES
3631
3632If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3633defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3634code.
3635
3636=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3637
3638If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3639defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3640watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3641
3642=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3643
3644If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3645defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3646
3647=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3648
3649If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3650defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3651
3652=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3653
3654If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3655defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3656
3657=item EV_MINIMAL
3658 4053
3659If 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
3660speed, 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
3661inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4056certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3662much 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.
3663 4153
3664=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4154=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3665 4155
3666C<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
3667pid. 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),
3668than 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
3669increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4159might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3670 4160
3671=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4161=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3672 4162
3673C<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
3674inotify 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>
3675usually 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
3676watchers 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
3677two). 4167power of two).
3678 4168
3679=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4169=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3680 4170
3681Heaps 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
3682timer 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
3683to 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
3684faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4174faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3685 4175
3686The 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
3687(disabled). 4177will be C<0>.
3688 4178
3689=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4179=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3690 4180
3691Heaps 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
3692timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4182timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3693the 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>),
3694which 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,
3695but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4185but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3696noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4186noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3697 4187
3698The 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
3699(disabled). 4189will be C<0>.
3700 4190
3701=item EV_VERIFY 4191=item EV_VERIFY
3702 4192
3703Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4193Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3704be 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
3705in. 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
3706called. 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
3707called 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
3708verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4198verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3709libev considerably. 4199libev considerably.
3710 4200
3711The 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
3712C<0>. 4202will be C<0>.
3713 4203
3714=item EV_COMMON 4204=item EV_COMMON
3715 4205
3716By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4206By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3717this 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
3718members. 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,
3719though, and it must be identical each time. 4209though, and it must be identical each time.
3720 4210
3721For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4211For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3722 4212
3775file. 4265file.
3776 4266
3777The 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
3778that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4268that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3779 4269
3780 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4270 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3781 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4271 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3782 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3783 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4272 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4273 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3784 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4274 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3785 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4275 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4276 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3786 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4277 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3787 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3788 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3789 4278
3790 #include "ev++.h" 4279 #include "ev++.h"
3791 4280
3792And 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:
3793 4282
3853default 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
3854watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4343watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3855 4344
3856=back 4345=back
3857 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
3858=head3 COROUTINES 4485=head3 COROUTINES
3859 4486
3860Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4487Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3861libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4488libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3862coroutines (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
3863different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4490different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3864loop, 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
3865you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4492that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3866 4493
3867Care 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
3868C<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
3869they do not call any callbacks. 4496they do not call any callbacks.
3870 4497
3871=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4498=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3872 4499
3873Depending 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
3884maintainable. 4511maintainable.
3885 4512
3886And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4513And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3887wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4514wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3888seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4515seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3889warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4516warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3890been 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
3891such buggy versions. 4518such buggy versions.
3892 4519
3893While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4520While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3894"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
3930I suggest using suppression lists. 4557I suggest using suppression lists.
3931 4558
3932 4559
3933=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4560=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3934 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
3935=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4648=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4649
4650=head3 General issues
3936 4651
3937Win32 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
3938requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4653requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3939model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4654model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3940the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4655the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3941descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4656descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3942e.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.
3943 4660
3944Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4661Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3945re-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,
3946things, 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
3947way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4664also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3948 4665
3949There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4666There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3950embedding it into other applications. 4667embedding it into other applications.
3951 4668
3952Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4669Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
3980you 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!):
3981 4698
3982 #include "evwrap.h" 4699 #include "evwrap.h"
3983 #include "ev.c" 4700 #include "ev.c"
3984 4701
3985=over 4
3986
3987=item The winsocket select function 4702=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3988 4703
3989The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4704The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3990requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4705requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3991also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4706also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3992requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4707requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4001 #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 */
4002 4717
4003Note 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
4004complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4719complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4005 4720
4006=item Limited number of file descriptors 4721=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4007 4722
4008Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4723Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4009 4724
4010Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4725Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4011of 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
4026runtime 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
4027(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,
4028you 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
4029the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4744the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4030 4745
4031=back
4032
4033=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4746=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4034 4747
4035In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4748In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4036backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4749backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4037 4750
4075watchers. 4788watchers.
4076 4789
4077=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
4078 4791
4079The 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
4080have 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
4081enough 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
4082implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4796implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4083ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4797IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
40842200.
4085 4798
4086=back 4799=back
4087 4800
4088If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4801If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4089 4802
4157involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4870involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4158 4871
4159=back 4872=back
4160 4873
4161 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
4162=head1 GLOSSARY 4934=head1 GLOSSARY
4163 4935
4164=over 4 4936=over 4
4165 4937
4166=item active 4938=item active
4167 4939
4168A 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.
4169an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4941See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4170 4942
4171=item application 4943=item application
4172 4944
4173In 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.
4174 4950
4175=item callback 4951=item callback
4176 4952
4177The 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
4178detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4954detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4179received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4955received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4180 4956
4181=item callback invocation 4957=item callback/watcher invocation
4182 4958
4183The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4959The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4184 4960
4185=item event 4961=item event
4186 4962
4187A 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
4188for 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
4189any other events happening anymore. 4965any other events happening anymore.
4190 4966
4191In 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
4192C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4968C<EV_TIMER>).
4193 4969
4194=item event library 4970=item event library
4195 4971
4196A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4972A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4197 4973
4205The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4981The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4206watchers and events. 4982watchers and events.
4207 4983
4208=item pending 4984=item pending
4209 4985
4210A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4986A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4211and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 4987detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4212pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4213
4214A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4215its pending status.
4216 4988
4217=item real time 4989=item real time
4218 4990
4219The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 4991The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4220 4992
4227=item watcher 4999=item watcher
4228 5000
4229A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5001A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4230to 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.
4231 5003
4232=item watcher invocation
4233
4234The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4235
4236=back 5004=back
4237 5005
4238=head1 AUTHOR 5006=head1 AUTHOR
4239 5007
4240Marc 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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