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Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.321 by sf-exg, Fri Oct 22 10:50:24 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.327 by root, Sun Oct 24 20:05:43 2010 UTC

43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
293 ... 293 ...
294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
295 295
296=back 296=back
297 297
298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
299 299
300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
303 303
307 307
308=over 4 308=over 4
309 309
310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
311 311
312This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 312This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
313yet 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
314false. 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
315flags. 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".
316 322
317If 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
318function. 324function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
319 325
320Note 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
321from 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
322as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 328that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
329threads anyway).
323 330
324The 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,
325C<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
326for 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
327create 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
328can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 335C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
329C<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.
330 355
331The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 356The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
332backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 357backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
333 358
334The following flags are supported: 359The following flags are supported:
552If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 577If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
553then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 578then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
554here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 579here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
555()> will be tried. 580()> will be tried.
556 581
557Example: This is the most typical usage.
558
559 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
560 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
561
562Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
563environment settings to be taken into account:
564
565 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
566
567Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
568used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
569private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
570fds):
571
572 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
573
574=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
575
576Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
577always distinct from the default loop.
578
579Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
580libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
581default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
582
583Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 582Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
584 583
585 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 584 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
586 if (!epoller) 585 if (!epoller)
587 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 586 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
588 587
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
589=item ev_default_destroy () 593=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
590 594
591Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 595Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
592of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 596etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
593e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 597sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
594either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 598responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
595or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 599calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
596can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 600the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
601for example).
597 602
598Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 603Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
599handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 604handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
600as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 605as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
601 606
602In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 607This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
603rare 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.
604pipe 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>
605C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 614and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
606 615
607=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 616=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
608 617
609Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
610earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
611
612=item ev_default_fork ()
613
614This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 618This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
615to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 619reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
616name, 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
617the 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
618sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 622child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
619functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
620 623
621Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 624Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
622a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 625a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
623because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 626because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
624during fork. 627during fork.
629call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 632call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
630difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 633difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
631costly reset of the backend). 634costly reset of the backend).
632 635
633The 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
634it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 637it just in case after a fork.
635quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
636 638
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 ...
637 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 649 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
638
639=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
640
641Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
642C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
643after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
644them is entirely your own problem.
645 650
646=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 651=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
647 652
648Returns 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
649otherwise. 654otherwise.
1107=item C<EV_FORK> 1112=item C<EV_FORK>
1108 1113
1109The 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
1110C<ev_fork>). 1115C<ev_fork>).
1111 1116
1117=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1118
1119The event loop is abotu to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1120
1112=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1121=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1113 1122
1114The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1123The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1115 1124
1116=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1125=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
3075disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3084disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3076signal watchers). 3085signal watchers).
3077 3086
3078When 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
3079other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3088other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3080C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3089C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3081the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3090Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3082have 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
3083also 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.
3084 3094
3085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3095=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3086 3096
3087=over 4 3097=over 4
3088 3098
3089=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3099=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3090 3100
3091Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3101Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3092kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3102kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3093believe me. 3103believe me.
3094 3104
3095=back 3105=back
3106
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);
3096 3146
3097 3147
3098=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3148=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3099 3149
3100In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3150In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
4830compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4880compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4831removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4881removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4832 4882
4833=over 4 4883=over 4
4834 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
4835=item function/symbol renames 4892=item function/symbol renames
4836 4893
4837A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 4894A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4838 4895
4839 ev_loop => ev_run 4896 ev_loop => ev_run

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