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Revision 1.33 by root, Fri Nov 23 15:26:08 2007 UTC

26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite
31fast (see a L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it 31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing
32to libevent). 32it to libevent for example).
33 33
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 34=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 35
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info
38about various configuraiton options please have a look at the file 38about various configuration options please have a look at the file
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>)
42will not have this argument. 42will not have this argument.
43 43
44=head1 TIME AND OTHER GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 45
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the double type in C. 50to the double type in C.
51 51
52=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
53
54These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
55library in any way.
56
52=over 4 57=over 4
53 58
54=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 59=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
55 60
56Returns the current time as libev would use it. 61Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
62C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
63you actually want to know.
57 64
58=item int ev_version_major () 65=item int ev_version_major ()
59 66
60=item int ev_version_minor () 67=item int ev_version_minor ()
61 68
63you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 70you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
64C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 71C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
65symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 72symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
66version of the library your program was compiled against. 73version of the library your program was compiled against.
67 74
68Usually, its a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 75Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
69as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 76as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
70compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 77compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
71not a problem. 78not a problem.
72 79
80=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
81
82Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
83value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
84availability on the system you are running on). See C<ev_default_loop> for
85a description of the set values.
86
87=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
88
89Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
90recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
91returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
92most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it
93(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
94libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
95
73=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 96=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
74 97
75Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 98Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the
76realloc function). It is used to allocate and free memory (no surprises 99realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate
77here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be allocated, the library 100and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory
78might abort or take some potentially destructive action. The default is 101needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially
79your system realloc function. 102destructive action. The default is your system realloc function.
80 103
81You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 104You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
82free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 105free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
83or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 106or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
84 107
86 109
87Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 110Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such
88as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 111as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
89indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 112indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
90callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 113callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
91matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will geenrally retry the 114matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
92requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 115requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
93(such as abort). 116(such as abort).
94 117
95=back 118=back
96 119
99An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 122An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
100types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 123types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
101events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 124events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
102 125
103If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 126If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
104in your main thread (or in a separate thrad) and for each thread you 127in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
105create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no lockign 128create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
106whatsoever, so if you mix calls to different event loops, make sure you 129whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
107lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if done right). 130threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
131done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
108 132
109=over 4 133=over 4
110 134
111=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 135=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
112 136
113This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 137This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
114yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 138yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns
115false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 139false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
116flags). 140flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
117 141
118If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 142If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
119function. 143function.
120 144
121The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 145The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
122backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO) 146backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
123 147
124It supports the following flags: 148The following flags are supported:
125 149
126=over 4 150=over 4
127 151
128=item EVFLAG_AUTO 152=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
129 153
130The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (its the right 154The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
131thing, believe me). 155thing, believe me).
132 156
133=item EVFLAG_NOENV 157=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
134 158
135If this flag bit is ored into the flag value then libev will I<not> look 159If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
136at the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this 160or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
137environment variable will override the flags completely. This is useful 161C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
162override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
138to try out specific backends to tets their performance, or to work around 163useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
139bugs. 164around bugs.
140 165
141=item EVMETHOD_SELECT portable select backend 166=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
142 167
143=item EVMETHOD_POLL poll backend (everywhere except windows) 168This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
169libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
170but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
171using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually
172the fastest backend for a low number of fds.
144 173
145=item EVMETHOD_EPOLL linux only 174=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
146 175
147=item EVMETHOD_KQUEUE some bsds only 176And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than
177select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the
178number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a
179lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
148 180
149=item EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL solaris 8 only 181=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
150 182
151=item EVMETHOD_PORT solaris 10 only 183For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
184but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
185O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales
186either O(1) or O(active_fds).
187
188While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will
189result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
190(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
191best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very
192well if you register events for both fds.
193
194Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
195need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
196(or space) is available.
197
198=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
199
200Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
201was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with
202anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its
203completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected"
204unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
205C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>).
206
207It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
208kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
209course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an
210extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per
211incident, so its best to avoid that.
212
213=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
214
215This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
216
217=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
218
219This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
220it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
221
222Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious
223notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
224blocking when no data (or space) is available.
225
226=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
227
228Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
229with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
230C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
231
232=back
152 233
153If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 234If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
154backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If one are 235backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
155specified, any backend will do. 236specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse
237order of their flag values :)
156 238
157=back 239The most typical usage is like this:
240
241 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
242 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
243
244Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
245environment settings to be taken into account:
246
247 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
248
249Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
250available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
251event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
252
253 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
158 254
159=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 255=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
160 256
161Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 257Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
162always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 258always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
165 261
166=item ev_default_destroy () 262=item ev_default_destroy ()
167 263
168Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 264Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
169etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 265etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in
170any way whatsoever, although you cnanot rely on this :). 266any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :).
171 267
172=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 268=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
173 269
174Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 270Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
175earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 271earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
179This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 275This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have
180one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 276one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense
181after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 277after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that
182again makes little sense). 278again makes little sense).
183 279
184You I<must> call this function after forking if and only if you want to 280You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and
185use the event library in both processes. If you just fork+exec, you don't 281only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just
186have to call it. 282fork+exec, you don't have to call it.
187 283
188The function itself is quite fast and its usually not a problem to call 284The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
189it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 285it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
190quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 286quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
191 287
192 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 288 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
289
290At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
291without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
292do not need to care.
193 293
194=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 294=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
195 295
196Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 296Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
197C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 297C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
198after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 298after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
199 299
200=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 300=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
201 301
202Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 302Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
203use. 303use.
204 304
205=item ev_tstamp = ev_now (loop) 305=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
206 306
207Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 307Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
208got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 308got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change
209as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time 309as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time
210used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event 310used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event
214 314
215Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 315Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
216after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 316after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
217events. 317events.
218 318
219If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either 319If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
220no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 320either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
221 321
222A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 322A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
223those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 323those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
224case there are no events. 324case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
225 325
226A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 326A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
227neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 327neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
228your process until at least one new event arrives. 328your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
329one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
330external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
331libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
332usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
229 333
230This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping 334Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
231constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and 335
232more generic mechanism. 336 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
337 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
338 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
339 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
340 - Update the "event loop time".
341 - Calculate for how long to block.
342 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
343 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
344 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
345 - Queue all outstanding timers.
346 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
347 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
348 - Queue all check watchers.
349 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
350 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
351 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
352 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
353 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
233 354
234=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 355=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
235 356
236Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early. The C<how> argument 357Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
358has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
237must be either C<EVUNLOOP_ONCE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> 359C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
238call return, or C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> 360C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
239calls return.
240 361
241=item ev_ref (loop) 362=item ev_ref (loop)
242 363
243=item ev_unref (loop) 364=item ev_unref (loop)
244 365
245Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a refcount on the event loop: Every 366Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
246watcher keeps one reference. If you have a long-runing watcher you never 367loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
247unregister that should not keep ev_loop from running, ev_unref() after 368count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have
248starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. Libev itself uses this for 369a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from
249example for its internal signal pipe: It is not visible to you as a user 370returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
250and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if the work is done. It is 371example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
251also an excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from 372visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
252within third-party libraries. Just remember to unref after start and ref 373no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
253before stop. 374way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
375libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
254 376
255=back 377=back
256 378
257=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 379=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
258 380
259A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 381A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
260interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 382interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
261become readable, you would create an ev_io watcher for that: 383become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
262 384
263 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 385 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
264 { 386 {
265 ev_io_stop (w); 387 ev_io_stop (w);
266 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 388 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
293*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 415*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
294corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 416corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
295 417
296As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 418As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
297must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 419must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
298reinitialise it or call its set method. 420reinitialise it or call its set macro.
299 421
300You cna check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active 422You can check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
301(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the 423(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the
302callback for it has not been called yet) you cna use the C<ev_is_pending 424callback for it has not been called yet) you can use the C<ev_is_pending
303(watcher *)> macro. 425(watcher *)> macro.
304 426
305Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 427Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
306registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 428registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
307third argument. 429third argument.
308 430
309The rceeived events usually include a single bit per event type received 431The received events usually include a single bit per event type received
310(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks 432(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks
311are: 433are:
312 434
313=over 4 435=over 4
314 436
315=item EV_READ 437=item C<EV_READ>
316 438
317=item EV_WRITE 439=item C<EV_WRITE>
318 440
319The file descriptor in the ev_io watcher has become readable and/or 441The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
320writable. 442writable.
321 443
322=item EV_TIMEOUT 444=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>
323 445
324The ev_timer watcher has timed out. 446The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
325 447
326=item EV_PERIODIC 448=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
327 449
328The ev_periodic watcher has timed out. 450The C<ev_periodic> watcher has timed out.
329 451
330=item EV_SIGNAL 452=item C<EV_SIGNAL>
331 453
332The signal specified in the ev_signal watcher has been received by a thread. 454The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
333 455
334=item EV_CHILD 456=item C<EV_CHILD>
335 457
336The pid specified in the ev_child watcher has received a status change. 458The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
337 459
338=item EV_IDLE 460=item C<EV_IDLE>
339 461
340The ev_idle watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 462The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
341 463
342=item EV_PREPARE 464=item C<EV_PREPARE>
343 465
344=item EV_CHECK 466=item C<EV_CHECK>
345 467
346All ev_prepare watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 468All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts
347to gather new events, and all ev_check watchers are invoked just after 469to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
348C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 470C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
349received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 471received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
350many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 472many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
351(for example, a ev_prepare watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 473(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
352C<ev_loop> from blocking). 474C<ev_loop> from blocking).
353 475
354=item EV_ERROR 476=item C<EV_ERROR>
355 477
356An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 478An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
357happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 479happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
358ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 480ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
359problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 481problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
368=back 490=back
369 491
370=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 492=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
371 493
372Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 494Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
373and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This cna be used 495and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
374to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 496to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
375don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 497don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
376member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 498member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
377data: 499data:
378 500
400=head1 WATCHER TYPES 522=head1 WATCHER TYPES
401 523
402This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 524This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
403information given in the last section. 525information given in the last section.
404 526
405=head2 struct ev_io - is my file descriptor readable or writable 527=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable
406 528
407I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 529I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
408in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 530in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called
409level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 531level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the
410condition persists. Remember you cna stop the watcher if you don't want to 532condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to
411act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 533act on the event and neither want to receive future events).
412 534
535In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
536fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
537descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
538required if you know what you are doing).
539
540You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
541(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
542descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
543to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share
544the same underlying "file open").
545
546If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
547(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
548C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
549
413=over 4 550=over 4
414 551
415=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 552=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
416 553
417=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 554=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
418 555
419Configures an ev_io watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 556Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive
420events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 557events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ |
421EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 558EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
422 559
423=back 560Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example
561epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications
562for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and
563treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe
564interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either
565C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this
566problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked
567when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing
568typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
569I/O unconditionally.
424 570
571=back
572
425=head2 struct ev_timer - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 573=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts
426 574
427Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 575Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
428given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 576given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
429 577
430The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 578The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
431times out after an hour and youreset your system clock to last years 579times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years
432time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 580time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
433detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 581detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
434monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 582monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
583
584The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
585time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
586of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
587you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
588on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
589
590 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
591
592The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
593but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
594order of execution is undefined.
435 595
436=over 4 596=over 4
437 597
438=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 598=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
439 599
445later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 605later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
446 606
447The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 607The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you
448configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 608configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
449exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 609exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
450the timer (ecause it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 610the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
451timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 611timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
452 612
453=item ev_timer_again (loop) 613=item ev_timer_again (loop)
454 614
455This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 615This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
462 622
463This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 623This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
464example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 624example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
465timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 625timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
466seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 626seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
467configure an ev_timer with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 627configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each
468time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 628time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle
469state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 629state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop
470the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 630the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be.
471 631
472=back 632=back
473 633
474=head2 ev_periodic - to cron or not to cron it 634=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron
475 635
476Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 636Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
477(and unfortunately a bit complex). 637(and unfortunately a bit complex).
478 638
479Unlike ev_timer's, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 639Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
480but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 640but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
481to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 641to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
482periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 642periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now ()
483+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 643+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
484take a year to trigger the event (unlike an ev_timer, which would trigger 644take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
485roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 645roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time
486again). 646again).
487 647
488They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 648They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
489triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 649triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time.
490 650
651As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
652time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
653during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
654
491=over 4 655=over 4
492 656
493=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 657=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
494 658
495=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 659=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
496 660
497Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 661Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
498operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 662operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
499
500 663
501=over 4 664=over 4
502 665
503=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 666=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
504 667
518 681
519 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 682 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
520 683
521This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 684This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
522but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 685but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a
523full hour (UTC), or more correct, when the system time is evenly divisible 686full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
524by 3600. 687by 3600.
525 688
526Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 689Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
527ev_periodic will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 690C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
528time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 691time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
529 692
530=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 693=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback)
531 694
532In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 695In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
533ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 696ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
534reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 697reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
535current time as second argument. 698current time as second argument.
536 699
537NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy the periodic or any other 700NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
538periodic watcher, ever, or make any event loop modificstions>. If you need 701ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
539to stop it, return 1e30 (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards. 702return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
703starting a prepare watcher).
540 704
541Its prototype is c<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 705Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
542ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 706ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
543 707
544 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 708 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
545 { 709 {
546 return now + 60.; 710 return now + 60.;
549It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 713It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
550(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 714(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
551will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 715will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
552might be called at other times, too. 716might be called at other times, too.
553 717
718NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the
719passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.
720
554This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 721This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
555triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 722triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the
556next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How you do this 723next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
557is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial). 724you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
725reason I omitted it as an example).
558 726
559=back 727=back
560 728
561=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 729=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
562 730
565a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 733a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
566program when the crontabs have changed). 734program when the crontabs have changed).
567 735
568=back 736=back
569 737
570=head2 ev_signal - signal me when a signal gets signalled 738=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled
571 739
572Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 740Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
573signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 741signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
574will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 742will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
575normal event processing, like any other event. 743normal event processing, like any other event.
576 744
577You cna configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 745You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
578first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 746first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
579with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 747with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
580as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 748as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
581watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 749watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
582SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 750SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
590Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 758Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
591of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 759of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
592 760
593=back 761=back
594 762
595=head2 ev_child - wait for pid status changes 763=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes
596 764
597Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 765Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
598some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 766some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
599 767
600=over 4 768=over 4
604=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 772=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)
605 773
606Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 774Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
607I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 775I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
608at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 776at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
609the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h>). The C<rpid> member 777the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
610contains the pid of the process causing the status change. 778C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
779process causing the status change.
611 780
612=back 781=back
613 782
614=head2 ev_idle - when you've got nothing better to do 783=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do
615 784
616Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other I/O or timer (or 785Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
617periodic) events pending. That is, as long as your process is busy 786(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
618handling sockets or timeouts it will not be called. But when your process 787as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
619is idle all idle watchers are being called again and again - until 788imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
789watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration -
620stopped, that is, or your process receives more events. 790until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes
791busy.
621 792
622The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 793The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
623active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 794active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
624 795
625Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 796Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
635kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 806kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
636believe me. 807believe me.
637 808
638=back 809=back
639 810
640=head2 prepare and check - your hooks into the event loop 811=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop
641 812
642Prepare and check watchers usually (but not always) are used in 813Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
643tandom. Prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check 814prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
644watchers afterwards. 815afterwards.
645 816
646Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 817Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This
647could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 818could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own
648watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 819watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more.
649 820
650This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 821This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
651to be watched by the other library, registering ev_io watchers for them 822to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
652and starting an ev_timer watcher for any timeouts (many libraries provide 823them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
653just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for any 824provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
654events that occured (by making your callbacks set soem flags for example) 825any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
655and call back into the library. 826and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
827callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
828because you never know, you know?).
656 829
657As another example, the perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 830As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
658coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 831coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
659during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 832during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
660are ready to run. 833are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
834with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
835of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
836loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
837low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
661 838
662=over 4 839=over 4
663 840
664=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 841=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
665 842
666=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 843=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
667 844
668Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 845Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
669parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 846parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
670macros, but using them is utterly, utterly pointless. 847macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
671 848
672=back 849=back
673 850
674=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 851=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
675 852
676There are some other fucntions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 853There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
677 854
678=over 4 855=over 4
679 856
680=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 857=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
681 858
682This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 859This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
683callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 860callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both
684watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 861watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
685or timeout without havign to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 862or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
686more watchers yourself. 863more watchers yourself.
687 864
688If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events is 865If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
689ignored. Otherwise, an ev_io watcher for the given C<fd> and C<events> set 866is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
690will be craeted and started. 867C<events> set will be craeted and started.
691 868
692If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 869If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
693started. Otherwise an ev_timer watcher with after = C<timeout> (and repeat 870started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
694= 0) will be started. 871repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
872dubious value.
695 873
696The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and 874The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
697gets passed an events set (normally a combination of EV_ERROR, EV_READ, 875passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
698EV_WRITE or EV_TIMEOUT) and the C<arg> value passed to C<ev_once>: 876C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
877value passed to C<ev_once>:
699 878
700 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 879 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
701 { 880 {
702 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 881 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
703 /* doh, nothing entered */ 882 /* doh, nothing entered */;
704 else if (revents & EV_READ) 883 else if (revents & EV_READ)
705 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */ 884 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
706 } 885 }
707 886
708 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READm 10., stdin_ready, 0); 887 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
709 888
710=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 889=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events)
711 890
712Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 891Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
713has happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 892had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
714initialised but not necessarily active event watcher). 893initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
715 894
716=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 895=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
717 896
718Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected it. 897Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
898the given events it.
719 899
720=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 900=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
721 901
722Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 902Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!).
723 903
724=back 904=back
725 905
906=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
907
908Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
909emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
910
911=over 4
912
913=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
914
915=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
916ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
917
918=item * Avoid using ev_flags and the EVLIST_*-macros, while it is
919maintained by libev, it does not work exactly the same way as in libevent (consider
920it a private API).
921
922=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
923will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
924is an ev_pri field.
925
926=item * Other members are not supported.
927
928=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
929to use the libev header file and library.
930
931=back
932
933=head1 C++ SUPPORT
934
935TBD.
936
726=head1 AUTHOR 937=head1 AUTHOR
727 938
728Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 939Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
729 940

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